Bud Black puts Milton Bradley at Risk

The nice thing is, as a journalist, we get to call out bad behavior like that.

 

I'm starting to think Meacham was afraid Bradley would beat the shit out of him if he tried to intervene.

 

Winters has been suspended for the rest of the season.

 

I read that MLB did intend to talk to Helton, figuring he didn't have a vested interest on either side.

 

Link?

If it's true, good for MLB.

 

Helton has a huge vested interest on both sides. Negative talk about the umpire can have repercussions for the rest of his career.

And the team in question is the one he is currently fighting this week for a playoff berth.

 

By both sides, MLB meant the Padres and that specific umpire crew. Obviously, the Padres would have their version of the story and the umpires theirs. Helton is associated with neither group, though the postseason chase is noted.

And outofplace, I saw the news about Winters' suspension on ESPN News 15 minutes ago.

EDIT -- Found a link.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/09/26/winter.suspended.ap/index.html

 

I don't get this. Say that Helton takes the side of Bradley.

You don't think that the thought crosses his mind that the bitter, vindictive umpires might hold that against him?

 

6 games...whoopie.

 

Are you saying Helton should stop snitching?

 

Are you kidding?? This is a HUGE deal.

If the umps' union hadn't been totally emasculated, I would expect some sort of protest or job action.

If the umpires just take this lying down, it shows you how powerless they've become.

 

Which reminds me of Sandy Alderson's great quote when Richie Phillips first announced his brilliant mass resignation strategy.

"It's either an offer to be accepted or a threat to be ignored."