Auto-Suspension for hitting a guy in the head?

[calsnowskier]

So you propose a SP still just gets 1 game, but that the game is strategically selected by the league to fall on the day he pitches (thus forcing the team to account for the disruption in the rest of the rotation) and if the pitcher is a RP, the 1 game is selected whenever?

I am good with that.

 

[redseat]

I am not arguing, I am trying to clarify. I just want to understand what you are saying.

Fair enough... and that is what I was getting at... Why should a RP get punished more than a sp.. I mean look at Lets say Matt Barnes, he usually pitches every game... therefore he would miss one game but let's say Sale hits a guy in the head.... He gets suspended one game but makes his next start since it's 5 days from the actual suspension.

 

[redseat]

So you propose a SP still just gets 1 game, but that the game is strategically selected by the league to fall on the day he pitches (thus forcing the team to account for the disruption in the rest of the rotation) and if the pitcher is a RP, the 1 game is selected whenever?

I am good with that.

yes, this... But I highly doubt league would do that

 

[calsnowskier]

yes, this... But I highly doubt league would do that

Yea. It allows for the appearance of favoritism. A reliever could basically get off scott free because a team could coordinate that he just pitches the day before the suspension.

How about you add that the pitcher is automatically ejected from the game? This could become an issue in the playoffs. I could see a situation where a hitter could lean into a pitch early in the game against the starter in the World Series...

 

[redseat]

Yea. It allows for the appearance of favoritism. A reliever could basically get off scott free because a team could coordinate that he just pitches the day before the suspension.

How about you add that the pitcher is automatically ejected from the game? This could become an issue in the playoffs. I could see a situation where a hitter could lean into a pitch early in the game against the starter in the World Series...

I like that. However, sometimes it's really an accident (like a curve that gets away) so that's really harsh to suspend a guy and eject him. Then again intent can't be determined but in that case it really should be considered that it wasn't on purpose

 

[calsnowskier]

So...

Auto ejection AND auto suspension, but the League office has ability to rescind suspension based on situation (game, history). Maybe include some language for stepping up punishment for 2nd, 3rd, etc offences?

My end game here is to seriously curtail headshots. The Betances HBP the other day, while I fully believe was a mistake, simply cannot be allowed to happen. Hitting a guy in the dome with a 98 MPH FB is too dangerous to let slide.

 

[tducey]

Sounds like something that could be looked into. Might be done on a case by case basis.

 

[SlinkyRedfoot]

what do you guys think of this rule change? If a pitcher hits a batter in the head, regardless of situation, the pitcher is suspended a minimum of 1 game. The league has the discretion to increase the suspension, though.

No batter would intentionally get hit in the head, so there should not ever be that situation.

If it is intentional, the league can increase it, and the league SHOULD increase it.

If it is just a case of the pitcher being wild, well, he needs to tighten it up. A wild pitcher can be dangerous.

Are there any arguments against implementing this type of rule?

Suspending a pitcher for one game doesn't do shit. They don't pitch every day.

 

[SlinkyRedfoot]

now does that actually mean 1 game pitching or just 1 game in general.. If it's just one game whats the point? Pitchers wouldn't worry hitting batters since it wouldn't affect them

I been fuckin' ninjered!

 

[redseat]

I been fuckin' ninjered!

 

[The Oldtimer]

Over time this could really become an advantage to the hitter.

Good!!!

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

No


A pitch to the head could be as unintentional as a line drive hitting a pitcher in the head

 

[JohnU]

I think the suspension part is pretty tough to manage, especially for a relief pitcher.
What I would prefer is that after said beaning occurs, the league/players/umps evaluate it and determine if it was malicious or intentional. After that, determine a reasonable punishment. I'd say a pitcher who deliberately beans a guy should get at least a month off. How to determine intent: Umpires and players know what was going on. And I'd also consider suspending the manager and/or the catcher who called for it. But I think you have to establish intent. Most pitchers are pretty much disarmed when they bean somebody.

 

[Manster7588]

I'd say 9 games for a SP, 3 for RP.
5 games for a SP only pushes him back 1 day, he won't miss a start .

 

[calsnowskier]

I'd say 9 games for a SP, 3 for RP.
5 games for a SP only pushes him back 1 day, he won't miss a start .

I think that is a bit harsh $$ wise, but I like the thought process. May be a bit harsh for a first-time offender, though.

 

[Manster7588]

I think that is a bit harsh $$ wise, but I like the thought process. May be a bit harsh for a first-time offender, though.

Ok, how about 2 games for all pitchers, but include in the rule the team cannot circumvent what the SP next start would be.

 

[calsnowskier]

Ok, how about 2 games for all pitchers, but include in the rule the team cannot circumvent what the SP next start would be.

Maybe suspend a SP for 9 games, but only one of those games will be without pay?? And the team will be able to replace him on the roster for the duration of the suspension.

 

[broncosmitty]

MLB should avoid this type of thing.

 

[richig07]

what do you guys think of this rule change? If a pitcher hits a batter in the head, regardless of situation, the pitcher is suspended a minimum of 1 game. The league has the discretion to increase the suspension, though.

No batter would intentionally get hit in the head, so there should not ever be that situation.

If it is intentional, the league can increase it, and the league SHOULD increase it.

If it is just a case of the pitcher being wild, well, he needs to tighten it up. A wild pitcher can be dangerous.

Are there any arguments against implementing this type of rule?

This is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard.

I don't see how anyone who played the game past Little League could support it.

Some contenders ace pitcher is rolling along with a great start, and a breaking ball comes out of his hand funny. So, he has to have his next start pushed back when a team may be fighting for a division or WC spot? If it's a reliever/closer, they don't have him available to finish off a game? Go screw with that horse shit. Wow.

Most of the time, we know the situations when a guy is DEFINITELY not throwing at a batter. No need to turn those situations into suspensions. Jesus f'ing christ...

 

[Chewbaccer]

How so? Do you think hitters would actually lean into a pitch to get hit in the head?

Pitchers might not be so willing to brush a batter off the plate high and tight in fear that one might miss the mark a little bit.

I don't really like it.