What the heck happened to Milton Bradley?

by Dex on Sep 23, 2007 5:04 PM PDT in News Comment 118 comments

I'll tell you. That was weird. If there was any way we could lose that last game in the worst way possible, I want to say... That was pretty much it. I'm waiting on MLB.tv to put the archive up. So strange to watch Bradley get tossed by the ump and then tossed again by his manager. Bud Black needs to lay off the corporal punishment. All that said. I'll still root for Milton Bradley while he's a Padre. I mean... Who would I rather have... Milton Bradley or Barry Bonds? Who would I rather have... Milton Bradley or Jayson Werth?

Personally, I think Bud Black should've just let Milton bump the ump. What's the worst that could happen? Suspension? Pshaw. What's the best that could've happened? A really memorable act of violence against an umpire. And as we all know, umpires are hellspawn and deserve to die.

"Oh look at me. I'm an ump. I'm allowed to act like a prick and nobody's allowed to touch me because I'm an ump. Nobody can touch the Queen of England or umps."

I mean, really.

And for those of you who want to bag on Bradley, then that's fine too, I suppose. Just realize that you're siding with umpires. And once you start siding with umpires, the terrorists have won.

Update [2007-9-23 21:18:58 by Dex]: OK. So now the question is, what exactly was Mike Winters and/or Bobby Meacham doing to upset Bradley so much? And did you know that Mike Winters is an Aztec? And furthermore, is umpiring the most stressful job in the universe? Because he's the oldest 33 year old I've ever seen. Maybe I actually look like that and nobody's ever told me. le sigh.

Update [2007-9-23 21:41:29 by Dex]: OK I just watched it again. I'll say this. Umpires should not be called on for their opinions. As far as I'm concerned, they should be like the grass or the infield dirt. In other words, they are only there to call balls and strikes and decide if somebody's safe or not. There's no reason for Winters to respond to anything Bradley says. I don't care what any player says to an umpire. It's absolutely ridiculous for umpires to ever let their own personal biases interfere with the potential outcome of the game (and disliking somebody because they're jawing is a bias).

In a perfect world, there would not be umpires and Bradley would be whining, like the rest of us, at bad fortune to nobody in particular. Umpires should be banned from baseball.

Update [2007-9-23 23:7:10 by jbox]:

Padres.com: Bradley injured after getting tossed

Apparently Winters told the plate umpire Runge that Bradley had flipped his bat at him in the 5th inning after being called out on strikes.

"I get a hit and I go to first base, and I asked him [Winters] 'Did you tell him I threw my bat at him?'," Bradley said. "He said, 'Yeah, you did.' I said, 'Are you kidding me? That's completely ridiculous. Why would you do that? Why were you even watching me? If I strike out, the inning's over, why are you even looking at me.'"

They argued. Then according to Meachem, Winters called Bradley a name:

Then the umpire went off on Milton and called him a name," Meacham said. "If he had said that to me, I would have charged him."

Then Winters denied what had happened:

"When he explained it to the other umpires when Buddy came out [it was a] straight lie," Meacham said. "I heard what he said and asked him why he was lying. He explained it to me again what he said and I said, 'That's a lie. You're wrong. You made a mistake. You lied.'"

Update [2007-9-24 12:57:55 by jbox]:

Sign on San Diego:

Bradley said Winters called him "a (expletive) piece of (expletive)."

Said Meacham: "In my 26 years of baseball, that was the most disconcerting conversation I have heard from an umpire to a player. The way Winters responded was bizarre. It was almost like he wanted to agitate the situation.

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Comments

Umpires are bastards.

I Liked the one at my game today even though he stopped me from going 4-4 by calling me out on a low pitch. Thats ok, we were up by 6 in the ninth and he wanted to get out of there.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 23, 2007 5:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm absolutely

not jumping to any conclusions until I know what was said. Winters and Bradley were both running their mouths, and whatever was said had Bradley pissed. And that wasn't showboating pissed, that was a whole 'nother level. And if Meacham was pissed, then this wasn't just Bradley.

by Demoira on Sep 23, 2007 6:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Just re-watched it

and it's really obvious that Winters was riding Bradley. He would creep up a couple steps while Milton was on the bag and say stuff. When Milton would lead off, you can read his lips to say, "Leave me the f@#& alone." Meacham was doing what he could to step between them, but Winters said something else and Milton called time. He walked up to Winters, probably to ask him what his deal was, and got tossed.

I really hope there's some disciplinary action against Winters b/c after reviewing the tape it's really clear he instigated it.

by matto619 on Sep 23, 2007 6:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

33 is his umpire number

Not his age. He was born in 58.

by matto619 on Sep 23, 2007 6:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

beat me

by CurbEnthusiasm on Sep 23, 2007 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

by 13 seconds

not bad

by matto619 on Sep 23, 2007 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OH Thank goodness

I kept thinking, in two years... it all goes to hell.

by Dex on Sep 23, 2007 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

but you're not an umpire

you have a soul

by matto619 on Sep 23, 2007 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think 33 is his number

born on November 19, 1958 in Oceanside, CA.

by CurbEnthusiasm on Sep 23, 2007 6:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Meacham

Also an Aztec. But I think you already knew that. Just making sure. Bud Black. Also an Aztec. Now you HAD to know that one.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 23, 2007 6:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

it was goin down before he reached first

Winters had Milton going before he reached first. Milton was complaining and pointing to Winters before the at bat even started.

by Matty on Sep 23, 2007 6:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My theory on that

Bradley struck out looking in his previous AB in the 5th and stayed at the plate for a long time. I'm guessing (emphasis on guess) that Winters might have had some words for Milton to get moving now that the inning was over. That could be why he was steamed before he got to the plate the next time. He could have been saying to Runge, "Get Winters off my ass," or something like that.

by matto619 on Sep 23, 2007 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bradley reminds me of another athlete...

...who frequently gets in fights and always blames the other guy for instigating it. Ron Artest and MB even look alike. They're both worthless individuals who make stupid decisions at crunch time and are poison for their teams.

The ump wasn't picking on him; that is absurd. MB was running his mouth and went off on one of his classic eruptions. I've seen it a dozen times. He's a jerk. He's Phil Nevin on a bad day.

by Spec20 on Sep 23, 2007 6:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Strike 3?

by CurbEnthusiasm on Sep 23, 2007 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Terrel Owens

Blame goes all around of course, but Bradley puts a bulls-eye on his own back by his behavior. It is a never-ending cycle and I just don't understand the constant excuses and defending his actions. 99% of the rest of the MLB does NOT have this happen to them and they deal with the same umpires.

Whatever. As I said, I will root for him as long as he wears our uniform, but I will not blindly find a way to excuse his poor behavior.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 23, 2007 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How come you're always rippin' T.O.?

by Drama on Sep 23, 2007 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Err

could someone edit that down for me since we can't edit our own posts? More got printed than I wanted.

by Phantom on Sep 23, 2007 7:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Phantom

You can edit your own diary. Click on your diary....right under your user name it says "Edit Diary"...click on that and change what you need to.

by Drama on Sep 23, 2007 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He meant comment

I linked to the article that he was trying to quote. He originally posted the whole article by accident.

by jbox on Sep 23, 2007 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Jbox

for helping out with the cleanup. I edited the diary.

by Phantom on Sep 23, 2007 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

I thought maybe he wasn't aware he could edit his diary.

by Drama on Sep 23, 2007 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

<non-baseball talk> This is neither here nor there, but the home crowd at Soldier Field is chanting for Greise after another Grossman pick. ahahahahahahaha!
</non-baseball talk>

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 23, 2007 8:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I gotta say

from the comments of Meacham, Black, Alderson, et al., it clearly appears the the team believed Milton was wronged. The notion the Bradley flipped the bat at the home plate umpire is completely asinine.

I don't think this is just the organization putting its best foot forward and solidarity. I think Meachem convinced the rest of the club that Bradley was legitimately wronged. I'd love to know what the "name" was.

by Phantom on Sep 23, 2007 8:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Meacham's reaction clinches it for me

I mean, have we heard Bobby say anything bad about anyone all year? He's just such a low key guy. Like you say, it's normal for people in the organization to mouth platitudes in support of a player who gets in trouble, but those are just soundbites we've all heard dozens of times. Meacham is genuinely indignant and outraged here.

Do we all wish Milton had handled it better? Of course, but why shoud he? If this ump is abusing his position, then I don't care who he dated, he's an asswipe. He talked trash to a player, apparently called him a name that set off not only the always-volatile Milton, but the always chill Meacham as well, and then lied about it. Of course, none of us really knows what was said out there, but I'll take Bobby's word over this dickhead any day of the week.

Would it have been nice if Milton had just turned the other cheek? If he's really hurt, then yes, it would have been. But that's just not the kind of man he is. You attack him, he WILL respond. I will not fault the man for sticking up for himself, and I will not bury him. What I want to know why an umpire is attacking a player in the first place. Reading Bobby's comments makes ME want to tear a piece out of someone. I can only imagine how Milton felt.

Padres for life

by sdgaucho on Sep 23, 2007 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If this had been

anybody but Milton Bradley, no way does anyone ever accuse him of throwing the bat at anybody. It's the job of the umpires to maintain the peace and to be neutral. Situations like this one, and the one that occurred in AZ, clearly demonstrate that umpries CANNOT be neutral towards Milton. Sure, he has a rocky past. But is that how he'll always be treated? It's like the recidivism rate with criminals. Once they've commmitted a criminal act, even if they've tried to rehabilitate, they're never treated the same. The stigma remains, and as such, they're more likely to fail again.

I wish that Bradley hadn't gotten hurt. I wish that the umpires were mic'ed, so we could know for sure what happened. This whole situation is so unfortunate, because it made the team look bad and it injured one of our key starters. Milton could have handled the situation differently, but there is absolutely no excuse for the actions of Winters and Runge. They should be fined and punished.

by Phantom on Sep 23, 2007 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some good news...

Rotoworld is reporting that "Mike Cameron hopes to play Monday after leaving Sunday's game with a bruised right thumb and index finger."

by Drama on Sep 23, 2007 8:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sweet!

We get 4 more Ks!!!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 23, 2007 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think I like your attitude, young man.

Look, it's better than the alternative. Obviously Milton is out for tomorrow night (at least)...so that means Hairy will be in LF. If Cam were out as well, who would be the starting OF? You want Sledge out there?

by Drama on Sep 23, 2007 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm speechless at this Rockies sweep

Were the Padres somehow lulled to sleep by playing the Giants and Pirates?

by goose1 on Sep 23, 2007 9:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It makes me effin' sick

that umpires (and refs in other sports [which I don't really care about]) have a free pass to say and/ or do whatthefugever they please. Sure, our pal Militant Bradley might be a time bomb but everyone knows a bomb doesn't set itsself off- I was watching and I clearly saw Winters clip the wrong wire.

"You get nervous when you see those guys come into the shower... you definitely don't close your eyes in there, even when you're shampooing." ~CY

by TheThirdGonzalez on Sep 23, 2007 10:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Same Old Milton

To be honest, I stopped reading this post once I read "Personally, I think Bud Black should've just let Milton bump the ump." I believe that might qualify as one of the dumbest things I have ever read on the Internet.

I am sure this is just all a big misunderstanding. Like the time he was suspended as Dodgers for throwing bottles at fans or like the time his wife called the police for domestic violence.

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/1705006.html

Poor Milton. He sure does seem to find himself in unfortunate situations.

by Timpky on Sep 23, 2007 10:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice article.

I especially liked this part: "No charges were filed."

"You get nervous when you see those guys come into the shower... you definitely don't close your eyes in there, even when you're shampooing." ~CY

by TheThirdGonzalez on Sep 23, 2007 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Timpky

I guess you don't believe in the statement, "innocent until proven guilty". You too are judging him based on reputation and on past incidents. I guess the terrorists really have won.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 23, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

I don't appreciate your sarcasm. In Fact, I think your post is one of the stupidiest things I've ever read on the Internet. Congrats,you paid mild attention to baseball over the last few season. Milton Bradley has had some controversy? Noooo! It couldn't be. Way to tell us something everyone in the world who has ever seen a baseball game already knows. Next time why don't you put some thought before you make an ass out of yourself.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 23, 2007 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I concur

-as far as the stupidity of the post. I always appreciate good sarcasm but that crap missed the mark. I love how his one example of what a horrible human Milt is was solely unfollowed-up allegations. Try harder next time, j/o.

"You get nervous when you see those guys come into the shower... you definitely don't close your eyes in there, even when you're shampooing." ~CY

by TheThirdGonzalez on Sep 23, 2007 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

If you think that's the dumbest thing you've ever read on the Internet, I'd encourage you to look around this site a little more.

The bar is set unbelievably low.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 6:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey!

by Dex on Sep 24, 2007 6:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

I meant only the stuff that jbox posts. Everyone knows you're the brains, he's the clown.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 7:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hahahahahaha!!

So true. :->

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that's where you stopped reading...

Then you missed the best jokes.

by Dex on Sep 24, 2007 6:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wanna get worked up over this

but I just don't have it in me for three reasons:

I'm not at all surprised that an umpire might act like a jackass and antagonize a player.
I'm not at all surprised that Bradley flew off the handle over something that started out as relatively minor.
We failed to take advantage of losses by both PHI and AZ yesterday. That blows.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 6:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm only (kinda) mad about this

because:

Bobby's mad about it, and I think he's a fair barometer of what is right and what is wrong.
Milton got injured by Black, and I'm generally pissed about that, regardless of the circumstances.
We failed to capitalize on AZ and Phil losing, so this is a good distraction until the game tonight.

Sigh. I really don't want baseball to end.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 6:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meacham's doing a great job

defending his guy. I applaud that. It's his job.

But all Bradley had to do was shrug when Runge asked him about the bat and blow it off. He didn't need to carry the whole argument down the line to first base.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 6:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But

Milton did try to end it. He was out there leading off 1st base, and I could see that he said "leave me the eff alone." Winters isn't the show. Winters should have shut the eff up. I'm not saying that MB should get physical 'cause someone talks crap - but an ump shouldn't be talking at all. Especially after Bradley disengaged, tried to play the game, and told Winters to leave him alone.

While I'm not holding Milton blameless (everyone is personally responsible for their own actions) I sure as hell want to see some action taken against Winters. Umps are there to make a call and nothing else. Winters became the show when he started heckling a player.

If Winters had behaved that way toward any other player - say a "hothead" like Jake Peavy or Chris Young - all of MLB would be furious and there would be no question that Winters was in the wrong. Winters doesn't get a free pass 'cause he picked Uncle Milty to be an unprofessional jackass to. It's just not right.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 6:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so

Bradley's no so out of it that he doesn't realize his own reputation. Having the first base umpire say that to the home plate umpire tells me that the first base umpire is looking for trouble. Seriously, "He threw the bat at me"? What?

by Dex on Sep 24, 2007 6:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, this goes beyond that

Meacham isn't just singing the company line here, he is obviously really outraged by the umpire. I can't shrug off Bobby's reaction to just sticking up for his guy. Something went down out there.

Padres for life

by sdgaucho on Sep 24, 2007 7:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I completely agree

with all of you that Winters was looking for something.

But if Bradley goes to first and doesn't say a word to him, none of it happens - at least not the way it happened. What's the point of asking the guy? You think he's gonna say "No, Milton, I didn't say that. Runge's a liar. Sorry about all the confusion."?

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aren't we a week or so from the playoffs!?!

Aren't we a few games behind Arizona in the division and only a game or so ahead in the Wild Card? What the fuck did everybody have in their breakfast yesterday?

There have been lots of good things said here about the ump saying inappropriate things to Bradley. I too am swayed by Bobby Meacham's account of what happened - that goes a long way with me. This year, more than any year I can remember, I recall many instances where umpires have been acting out of line. This is probably another one of those instances - of all the people for a Blue to start negatively chattering with, why pick team-fireball-Bradley?

But lets have some fucking composure here, Milton. The team makes or misses the playoffs in the next few weeks - this is hardly a time to be all self-righteous and get in an umpires face over accusations and name calling. Did I mention we were losing the game, too? (maybe hoplessly, but thats not the point)

And what's with struggling/resisting Bud Black? I definitely feel like Milton got more aggressive once Black started to restrain him. Hey, look at the tough guy! Trying to flip and flop around Black, he managed to twist his knee - wow. What a way to go, Bradley. Black comes out to try to prevent him from getting suspended - during the most important stretch of the season - and he injures himself.

I'm not trying to get into the debate on who is more to blame - thats a black hole. I remember seeing Marcus yelling from the bench, it was obvious that Winters was out of line. But Jesus, what a colossally bad outcome. Way to totally not handle the situation at all.

by Brad on Sep 24, 2007 6:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

to everything you said. Made my point better than I did.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 7:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

TODD HELTON IS A DOUCHE

The ONE guy that could really shed some light on exactly what happened at first base yesterday is Todd Helton. Helton is the best witness that could give us all an unbiased account of how it all went down. Will he? Ummm, no.

From today's North County Times:

"I know I'm the impartial third party here, but I don't want to get in the middle of it," Helton said. "Let's just say, it was a very interesting situation."

"I don't want to get in the middle of it"? If the allegations are true, we have a major league umpire berating and baiting a player. Helton doesn't think this is worth bringing to the attention of the commissioner's office?

If Selig had any balls whatsoever (which he does NOT), he would be on a plane today to meet with ALL parties involved...that inlcudes Helton, Meacham, Bradley and Winters. Think Roger Goodell would allow something like this to happen on his watch?

As for Bradley, I don't care what Winters called him...there is NO excuse to have a shit-fit on an umpire in the last week of the season in the middle of a tight playoff race. You turn away and take it. Bring it to the attention of the media with Bobby Meacham after the game. File a complaint with the Commissioner's office. Bradley's actions were immature and selfish. Were we going to win that game yesterday? Most likely not. But if Buddy had let him go he would have bumped that umpire and been suspended for AT LEAST the remainder of the regular season. Buddy did EXACTLY what a manager is supposed to do in that situation...his first instinct is to do everything he can to keep his player from not only getting kicked out of the game, but from facing a possible suspension. Buddy was protecting his player and he did the best job he could. Milton is hurt because of MILTON. No one else is to blame for his injury. HE made the decision to go completely insane.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 7:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My guess

would be that if MLB asked Helton what happened, he would tell them. But he's not gonna air it out in the media.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 7:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

If MLB asks him, I'm sure he will be forthright. But why not answer the reporter's question? If what happened is as bad as what Bradley and Meacham would lead us to believe - having a player like Helton step up and validate their account of what went down would put even more pressure on the commissioner's office to investigate this.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not answer

A. If he comes down on Bradley's side, he is forever screwed with umps.

B. If he comes down on Winters' side, the players - not just the Padres - would kill him.

It's a no win to talk to the media.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point - unfortunately...

I agree that Helton should tell MLB if asked, the sad problem is that I don't have faith in MLB to do the right thing anymore. I feel like the media drives so much of MLB's decisions. For the game, I hope they take disciplinary action if it turns out that Winters said something (which certainly all signs are indicating to).

by Brad on Sep 24, 2007 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Answering

Before they can take any action on Bradley, MLB will HAVE to talk to Helton. Whatever Helton says to MLB WILL be made public in one form or another. So, really...he's screwed either way. I would just rather see him stand up for a fellow player (if it's warranted) when given the opportunity.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"If it's warranted"

Probably the key phrase in all of this, I guess.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right.

That's why hearing what Todd Helton has to say is so important. To be frank, I don't trust what Winters or Bradley has to say. I trust Meacham, but I also know he has to protect his guy. I really want to hear Helton's version. With that info I think we can make a pretty good determination as to what happened.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You won't get any argument from me

that Milty should have kept things in perspective. I don't deny he was in the wrong, too.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 7:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Think about this:

Remember back in May when Josh went bananas in Pittsburgh? He was initially suspended three games for "aggressive actions, including making contact with umpire Ed Rapuano."

Now if you remember, Josh barely touched Rapuano...if anything the contact made was incidental. Bard, before that, had a spotless record. He got three games. With Bradley's record, how many games do you think he would have been hit with if Buddy had just let him go?

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 7:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would've been done forever

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so...

...MLB is weak on punishments.

It obviously totally depends on what Bradley WOULD have done if Buddy had not been there to hold him back. Going on a hypothetical here, if he did exactly what Bard had done...and no more...I strongly doubt he would be done for good. However, I do think he would have been suspended for the rest of the regular season AND the playoffs.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you till the end

"Just leave me the f__k alone."
"Whatever you say, you c__ksucking f__got. You don't mind if I call your wife a b_tch though, right? Or how bout if I tell you your kids are worthless pieces of sh_t? How bout that?"

by Dex on Sep 24, 2007 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dex

I appreciate your effort at devil's advocate...however, IF Winters had made a comment about Milton's wife or children...don't you think Milton would have made that known when he addressed the media after the game? Wouldn't that had been one of the first things out of his mouth?

From the information that is public...it seems the worst thing he called was a "piece of sh*t". Is it okay he called him a piece of sh*t? Obviously not. It's totally uncalled for and unporfessional. Is it enough to completely lose your mind over? Is it enough to almost knock your manager to the ground? Is it enough to get ejected and suspended when your team needs you the most? Not in my opinion.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the thing

It doesn't matter what exactly the ump said. All that matters is that he said something that wasn't, "ball", "strike", "fair", "foul", "out" or safe.

If he said anything beyond those words and it wasn't during a timeout when somebody was asking for a clarification, then he said too much.

If he actually insulted Milton Bradley, then I think he would've deserved to get smacked upside the head.

by Dex on Sep 24, 2007 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not defending Winters.

And if he did do what is alleged...then he deserves a lot more than a smack on the head. But you play with the rules you're given...you don't go after an umpire. Simple as that. You do and you get suspended. Milton knows that better than anybody. The bottom line is that Milton put himself before his team yesterday...his actions HURT the San Diego Padres.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

SO confused!!

I was about to come in here all contrite and say in my best Roseann Roseanna Dana impersonation: "Nevermind"

Upon further review - meaning, listening to XX this morning and all the interviews they did, oh, this all so complex!! The Meacham reaction did start to temper my anger at Bradley. Everyone is right, Meacham is a great barometer for this and hearing his anger at the situation really moved me. Even through Bradley's petulant tone of voice, I got it that the umpires lost it yesterday. I got it that they singled him out for some sort of show down. That became clear. Yet, I was still frustrated at Milton for falling for it. Though from what Meacham report was said...maybe it was asking too much of ANYONE to handle that without reaction. I.Just.Don't.Know. And now Mike Cameron is on the radio saying he would have gone after the umpire in the same situation. Is he just defending his teammate (as he should) or would he really?

Helton does need to come when/if the MLB consults him - and they should. The umpires need to be punished. No doubt. That whole crew is an embarrassment at this point.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 8:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Helton needs to come clean.....

full sentence there would be nice!!

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have I mentioned

that I think you are a badass?

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh

Thanks - I think!!

Seriously - I was driving in this morning listening to all the details and thinking to myself "Ack, my words, they taste so.....venomous! I must go into GLB and pray forgiveness for my off the cuff rants against Uncle Milty!"

But then I think, Bradley is a target for stupid umpires because he is a hothead who has been inexcusably stupid. And he should know that and tune them out even more because of it. He should have let Meacham deal with it. Steal second and get away from the moron umpire and let your first base coach get tossed for defending you, but you need to shut the hell up. But, can you? Am I asking too much?

Mostly I am with you and WG and am highly pissed at being swept in our final regular season home stand and having it end with all this crap and two guys hurt. No, not just two, three because Maddux showed us he is not 100% and our starting rotation has me very very nervous.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think T.O. deserves an apology too. ;)

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

pffffffffffffft!!

Just because he got put on the horse trailer last night? Next to freaking Randy Moss???

Must you unleash ALL my sports anger this morning?

:->>

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hahahaha.....

Another reason to hate me...I'm a Cowboy fan. Sorry, Christina!

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No hate here

I am not a Cowboy hater. Heck, in my championship fantasy league days, it was Emmit who got me all those victories. I am not particularly a fan, but I am not a hater either. Owens though....man...I just hope that he continues to keep his mouth shut and score touchdowns, because he is very very fun to watch.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

PS -

what is the schedule for XX - as in, when would I want to listen on the internet to try to catch all the good stuff? Thanks.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would think that tapes would be up later today

I have been listening to Scott & BR and I missed the best interview at 8:00 so I will be haunting their part of the XX website waiting for the archive from today to be put up.

Live radio moves on to Jim Rome for the next 3 hours (9-12pst), but then it will switch back to local only and I am sure after a few more hours more details will be coming out. So check in maybe from noon onwards. Oooh, the BP show should be HOT today!! Nevin might have an opinion or twelve on this one.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he hadn't fallen for it...

...then none of this happens.

It still starts with Bradley for being stupid enough to go and question an umpire.

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree Milty is a dumbass.

But he's our dumbass.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure that's a good thing anymore

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Parenting parallel

Yes..BUT..

At the end of Alex's heart wrenching football loss on Saturday, there was a child from our team face down on the field literally having a tantrum. Pounding the grass with his fists and flailing his legs (he's 11). Now, I know why this kid took it so hard. I know this child is an intense competitor. I understand why his emotions ran so deep that game. But..it was too much.
Alex was sobbing, but he still got off the field and gathered his gear and got in line to shake hands with the other team. Another dad and I saw the tantrum, and at the same time said "if that were my kid, he would be one more tantrum away from being pulled from this team." And that is how I feel. Yes, be passionate and want to win in the worst way. Yes, throw your heart on that field. But do it with class and under control at all times. If my son had crossed that line I would have told him that was the last tantrum he would ever have in sports. Because one more and he would be done. For how long, I don't know, but I would not allow my child to behave that way no matter what the motivation.

Milton is our idiot yes, but he also needs to be controlled. He represents our team and our city and I am not 100% pleased with him at this point in that regard.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Closer parallel

I think a closer situation would be if an umpire were to treat Alex unfairly.

Imagine this situation: Alex is at first base with an eye towards taking second. As he's leading off, the first base umpire, for no apparent reason says, "You'll never make it, runt."

What then? The second that umpire does something outside of officiating the game, I argue that all bets are off. Buster Olney, in his blog suggests that all of this may still be repercussion from when Sandy Alderson worked for MLB and was in charge of overseeing the umps. Maybe Sandy's to blame?

by Dex on Sep 24, 2007 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hard ass Dex

This morning, the phone rang at 6:00am. It was Nick's (older son) work place. He had been scheduled to be there at 5:00am. He's worked there for 8 months and not missed ONE 5:00am shift. This morning though, he slept right through his alarm. I bring the phone down to him and he talks to the guy who is calling who says "Hey, it's 6:00am" Nick says sleepily "Yes, I just noticed that." and before he can say anything more the guy on the phone says "You are a failure." and then hangs up!! Of course Nick is pissed. He throws the phone down on his bed and says "F**k that! I'm not going in to work now!" Uh..no. I told him that you do not let one asshole screw up your entire job situation. Go in there, apologize to your manager and deal with the co-worker with the attitude in person and perhaps WITH your manager, but you do not just totally blow off your responsibility. So, he went in to to work.

You take comments like that and you use them to your benefit to motivate you and to quietly prove morons like that wrong.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough

I'm more of a "greater justice" kind of guy, but I get what you're saying too.

by Dex on Sep 24, 2007 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The positive in all of this

is that I think this really will galvanize the team. Everyone is furious with the way the situation went down, and I think that this will bring them closer together. This team is like a family, and hopefully this makes them want to fight even more and make it to the playoffs, in spite of everything else.

by Phantom on Sep 24, 2007 8:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I posted this in 'Smells like Padres' too....

but this seems to be where the discussion is.

My take is this: Enough with Milton Bradley.

I don't care what happened to him yesterday. I don't care if it was fair or not--or if the umpires hate him or if he gets suspended or if that umpiring crew never works again or if Milton Bradley gets executed by Bud Selig and buried in the Sonora desert. I. don't. care.

Here's what I care about: THERE ARE 7 GAMES LEFT IN THIS SEASON.

We blew it against the Rockies. Concentrating our anger on Bradley/Umps gets us nowhere.

Look at the breakdown of our schedule: Both of our competitors have tough series before season's end. The Phillies have been terrible against Atlanta this year. The Rockies are on fire and the D-backs have to play them.

Absolutely the only thing I care about is winning tonight's game in San Francisco. And then thinking about tomorrow's game. Done. That's it.

We've had too good a season to blow it now. And we still control our own destiny: Win games, playoffs. Lose games, and you're scoreboard watching.

Also: I'm taking this end of the season really too seriously and too personally. I've become really invested in this, to the tune of my entire emotional life riding on these millionaires and their wooden bats and leather gloves.

I'm glad this series is behind us. I'm not going to think about it anymore. Think positive, look forward--with the players we've got and the umps we've got, better or worse. That's the game. Who's with me?

by goose1 on Sep 24, 2007 8:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

slightly abashed

I'm with you.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really wish I could call team meetings

Although those guys are all a lot bigger in person than on TV. I probably can only sound tough on the interweb.

I'm sure someone--Peavy, Giles, Buddy--I'm sure SOMEONE is calling the team together and saying pretty much just that: if we want the playoffs, it's time to rip off the Giant's heads and s**t down their necks (I actually had a soccer coach say this once...it was rather effective)

by goose1 on Sep 24, 2007 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a quote from

Necessary Roughness. I've used it in team huddles before and it works flawlessly.

by matto619 on Sep 24, 2007 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear Coach WG uses it frequently.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing is more effective

with 5 year old girls.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say "Poop"

instead of "Sh*t."

by Winfield's Ghost on Sep 24, 2007 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Go number two..."

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those kids gotta grow up sometime

might as well be on the field, learning to show no mercy.

As Coach Gennaro also said: "Win. Or I'll die."

by goose1 on Sep 24, 2007 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still care about yesterday

But I'm absolutely with you. Thanks for putting things in perspective. CY has looked much better, with no wins to show for it. But I'm sure he'd agree that we'll take another solid outing regardless of which guy gets the W, as long as he's a Padre. If we are able to scratch a few runs against Zito, we SHOULD win the game, because these are, afterall, the Giants.

Great quote, btw. I plan to steal it at the first available appropriate moment, like our next staff meeting.

Padres for life

by sdgaucho on Sep 24, 2007 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK. Need a little pick-me-up this morning?

As rough as it's been for Padres fans over this past weekend...at least we're not Dodger fans. The Dodgers are not only a disaster on the field...but they all hate each other as well.

And this from Brad Penny on the NL wild-card race: "we're still in it". Cute.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 9:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks bad for them

when one of their leaders says this

"What about next season? I'm going to be 35 . . . that's a little unsettling for some guys who are under contract here. Do they already know the team they're going to field is not going to be competitive next year?"

At least they have 0-for-Juan for a few more years.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra

by Sammy G on Sep 24, 2007 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This one is even better:

Apparently their young up-and-coming stars are all spoiled jerks.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for that

I love the bit about Amelia Earhart in reference to Penny's comment. Funny.

Padres for life

by sdgaucho on Sep 24, 2007 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice!!

Always pleasing to see Dodgers hating on each other!!

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

FYI

The audio of the Bobby Meacham and Mike Cameron interviews are now available to listen to on XX Sports Radio.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 9:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Awesome!

Thanks for catching that :->

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

Just to clarify.

The Meacham audio is from the post game interviews. Cam is an interview from this morning.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jim Rome just said

the word is that Milty torn his right ACL. Dammit.

So much for moving on. Now I'm just pissed again.

by Demoira on Sep 24, 2007 10:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No sh*t

Listening to Meacham's comments again, I am ready to tear into someone. What the flying F is going on in major league baseball?? I am not buying the whole high horse perspective that it's his own fault, he has no one to blame but himself, yada yada yada. If I'm attacked like he was, I for damn sure am going to be all about fighting back for myself as a man. Maybe I'm just as immature as Milton. Seriously, for those that can sit back and say Milton should have done this, or should have done that, I admire your ability to be so detached. I aspire to that level of personal growth to where things can just slide right off me and "do the right thing", I really do. But I'm not there, so I'm not expecting Milton to be. This is a clear cut case of an umpire taking advantage of a player's reputation. GOD DAMMIT SOMEONE BETTER HOLD THAT ASSHOLE WINTERS ACCOUNTABLE. As far as Milton starting the conversation, that doesn't justify anything on the umpire's part. Milton asks a question = get's attacked, and that's Milton's fault. Sorry, not buying. I'm not throwing Milton under the bus for this. If you walk up to someone and ask a question and they respond with a racial attack, or any kind of attack, is it your fault for asking the question. BULLSHIT!!! GOD DAMMIT I AM SO PISSED RIGHT NOW I AM GOING TO EFFING EXPLODE. I wanted to move on from this, but I just can't do it. I need to sign off for the day. See everyone tomorrow.

Padres for life

by sdgaucho on Sep 24, 2007 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN confirms Bradley is out

torn ACL:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3033346.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra

by Sammy G on Sep 24, 2007 10:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I finally read through all of this

I agree with all of you, 100%. Except that Timpky poster.

While the umps have seemingly gotten out of control (like the one that called Boomer 'fat' -- granted, he is fat), Milton should have turned the other cheek. However, if Winter dropped some racially profane word, then it's hard for anyone to tell MB to simma down now. He hears it all the time from fans, the last place he should get it is from the umpires. It's also telling that Meach actually got to Winters first after Milton called time. That being said, I am still upset that Milton just didn't hold it in and file a formal complaint. Now, it just doesn't matter. He's out for a least a week with the knee and the suspension will come after that.

And speaking of Milton's bum knee, doesn't Buddy know that Milton is like Sam Jackson in the movie "Unbreakable"? As soon as he grabbed Milton, I was saying at loud, "Don't injure him, Buddy!"

by Pants on Sep 24, 2007 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not a week.

Torn ACL. Done for the season and part of next season as well.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, shoot

by Pants on Sep 24, 2007 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Umpires

r there to control the game, period. I umpired in college for HS and Legions game, and I never entered into a conversation with anybody. If a player was getting me too much lip, I would turn away. If they continue I called the coach over, or I ejected them. Never enter a converstion with them, ever.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra

by Sammy G on Sep 24, 2007 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You, Sammy G

are a good ump. I'm sure that 90% plus of the umpires out there are good and do their job the right way, but there are a few out there giving all umps a bad name. Selig needs to step up and weed out the few that think that they are above the game. And as pointed out on Scott and BR this morning, there are a few umpires out there whose fathers were umpires who get a free pass to the MLB. It doesn't surprise me that nepotism exists among the umpires, as far as hiring practices go.

by Pants on Sep 24, 2007 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

was a good ump

I did it for the money.....(in college $30 a game is so big). Now that I have a little guy, not sure if I am going to coach or be an umpire. The players didn't really bother me that much, every now and then some guy thought his poop didn't stink-but I was always surprise how quickly they self regulated themsleves. The group of people I couldn't stand the most was the parents. Also having it out for someone when calling balls and strikes, must be really hard to do. For me, it was a reaction, there was not time to think "that pitch was close, but since I don't like this guy I am going to call it a strike." Of course there were numerous times I called a strike- and the batter looked at me, and I looked at were I was position and thought 'oops!'.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra

by Sammy G on Sep 24, 2007 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Long time youth sports volunteer

Parents and other so-called "grown-ups" are the worst part of youth sports, fo'sho.

by teemcee on Sep 24, 2007 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scott Hairston. Start stretching.

It's all you from here on out. Make us proud.

by goose1 on Sep 24, 2007 10:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow torn ACL

OK, now I feel even worse since I was making fun of him grabbing his knee and acting like a downed soccer player.

OTOH - how the hell did THAT tear his ACL??? Fragile, thy name is Milton Bradley. Dang.

UGH UGH UGH.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 10:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Christina

If you saw the replay on ESPN...they had a good angle on it. It was a side angle and they stopped it and spot-shadowed it when it was really bending weird. From that angle it did look pretty bad.

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

I have not seen that yet. Crazy.

I am so frustrated listening to XX on the internet right now!! Part way through Jim Rome addressing the issue, it switched over to a freakin Corky's Pest Control commercial and THEN cut back into Rome! Now I remember why I stopped listening online. Gotta have a word with Wolfie when he gets back in town.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Video

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3033623&categoryId=2378529

by Drama on Sep 24, 2007 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Buster Onley's chat

Lindsay (Boulder): I gotta say, I was watching the Bradley thing live and was more than mildly amused that he blamed the umpires this morning for the injury to his knee. He acted like a jackass and he would have been done for the season either way, whether his manager made him look like Pedro-Zimmer Part Deux or not. How will this end for all parties in your opinion?

Buster Olney: (1:28 PM ET ) Lindsay: There's no doubt that Milton has a history of overreacting, and that should be considered. But the umpire also needs to be aware of all that, as well, and if Mike Winters actually called him a "piece of...", well, that means he has failed in his handling of the issue, at the very least, and at most, he has absolutely abused his position of authority. If Bradley's version is accurate, then Winters -- who I've always liked and respected -- should be suspended. And if it turns out that Winters filed a report that does not accurately account for what he said to Milton, well, he should be fired.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra

by Sammy G on Sep 24, 2007 11:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh yes

I forgot how mad I was when Meacham talked about Winters lying!! And this is where Helton comes in. MLB has GOT to ask him about it. Umpires lying on their reports to justify the end result is absolutely out of bounds and they need to be fired.

Christina

by Christina on Sep 24, 2007 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs