Posted by Skagitflats at 5/9/08 8:45 p.m.

Suddenly I have a much higher regard for Big Richie. He reacted exactly as he should have, only thing he missed was that when he got to the mound he flung himself over the pitcher. He should have stopped short and just slapped the snot out of him. Most pitchers will have a lot more respect for Richie now.

It is my considered opinion, that the entire Mariner organization is out of control. From the top down. Much change is needed in the management team as well as the front office. Case in point, why do they retain people in the lineup who can not hit above their weight, or the Mendoza line. A sub .200 hitter belongs in the insurance business, not major league baseball.

It should be obvious that the team is losing it's appeal to the fans by the size of the crowds now. Yet, nothing can be done to improve the team. Nonsense. I see where Toronto signed Wilkerson. Perhaps they'd be interested in some of our other prized performers.

Posted by Dixon Gorged at 5/11/08 4:14 a.m.

Exactly! In fact, Richie should have pumped Gabbard with a few rounds from his shotgun. That would have shown them! ;-)

Posted by esaelp at 5/12/08 6:06 a.m.

Violence in sports is starting to take on the same premise as video games. Sexson deserves the suspension for just going out to the mound. Play ball! Not brawl!

Hollis the DJ
Tacoma WA

Posted by shaboo999 at 5/12/08 9:48 a.m.

"Sexy" deserves his suspension, simple as. The way this team is headed (South), it won't make any difference one way or the other if he plays or not. Can anyone say "sportmanship"? Or oooh, maturity? Professionalism???
I agree that the biggest problem with the Mariner's is with the front office and management (and PITCHING) Always has been, always will be, it seems. As much as I want to love our Mariner's (and I do), they SUCK. From the top on down...(with a couple of exceptions, Ichi, Rauooooool, etc. We all know who pulls their weight, and who doesn't....)
Also, I don't know who is pulling McLaren's strings, or if he just makes poor choices all on his own, I WANT LOU BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by sirvic42 at 5/12/08 12:15 p.m.

This brawl, the subsequent suspension and the unsurprising appeal reminded me of an idea I came up with some time ago...

The players always talk about "letting the players settle it among themselves" when brushbacks, beanballs, and brawls happen. Why not take them up on the offer? Instead of some lawyer dude like Bob DuPay handing out the suspensions, which are almost always appealed, why not have the Players Union handle the discipline? Here's one way how it might happen:

The Union, in coordination with the Commissioner's Office, creates a Player Discipline Board with, say, five members who are all former players. When brawls happen, this Board gathers information, has a hearing and issues a decision on suspension(s). In a high-tech, wired/wireless world, these members can meet via conference calls, and the videos of the brawls and other evidence can be presented to them rather quickly. (The Board would of course have a staff to put all this together.) There would be certain guidelines, like a mandatory suspension of some length for throwing a punch, etc. Also, the decision of the Board would be final, no appeals. (Possible exception for 10+ day suspensions, which might be reviewed by the Commish.)

It sounds like a wacky idea, and it's more of a sketch than a full plan, but other real Unions truly police themselves in such a manner. I've always thought the Players Union was a joke in that they didn't seem too upset about the lack of a true payscale or member misconduct: They only seemed interested in guaranteed contracts and max salaries for the elite players. Maybe it's time they step up and act more like a trade union should.

Posted by BrushMan at 5/12/08 4:15 p.m.

If Richie had tried to hit him, he would have hurt himself when he missed... Steeeerike.

Best play he has made recently, now he won't strike out with men in scoring position for at least 6 games this year.

Like the ideas about discipline. Should be able to hold a video conference (I'm sure nearly every stadium has a cacility or could for a few $$) within an hour after the game ends, no further appeals allowed. Make a decision & stick with it. Everybody gets to say their piece, the commish or some other board asks a few questions, deliberates for a few minutes & render their punishment. Over & done with, the quicker the better.