During last nights Detroit Tigers/Minnesota Twins game manager Jim Leyland was ejected for arguing with home plate umpire Paul Schrieber. The argument had to do with Schrieber putting his hand on the back of Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez to huury him along while he argued a called third strike.
First, hats off to Leyland for defending his player (he was on the field and in the face of Schrieber in seconds) and hats off to Ordonez for not returning the physical contact.
If a player or coach bumps or touches an umpire in any fashion they are suspended with the suspensions typically more than a game.
Now the situation has been reversed. An umpire makes contact with a player. This contact was not a defensive action but an arrogant action.
The answer is a simple one unless there is a double standard. Schrieber needs to be suspended for a series.
Ordonez, who admittedly has been struggling at the plate, only questioned a called third strike. He did not throw his helmet, get in the face of Schrieber, or even touch the man behind the plate. There was no reason for Schrieber to have placed his hand on the back of Ordonez to move him along.
Don't mess this up commissioner Bud Selig. The decision is right under your nose. Suspension is the answer!
It's time to check the ego of this umpire at the gate. A few games missed at home should hopefully do the trick.
Keywords: Detroit Tigers
