Increased aggressiveness is medically established as a side effect of steroid use
Utley will never have another at bat in Queens. Now, after the Mets win in game 3, the Dodgers are behind the 8 ball. Doubtful the Dodgers will win the series and doubtful Don Mattingly who had to find a way to support Utley will be managing next year.
Perhaps a simple something ... that has the same six month rehab.
Amazing how people from other cities think they can judge the Mets' fans. Hey, were you there in the cold nights at the beginning of the season? Have you ever been tied up in traffic in Queens for hours after a game? Do you even know the pitching drama we've been through this year? Nope. Ain't no crying in Queens right now, just quiet, steely calculation. Now that we know the Dodgers cheat and cheat big because they ain't got it in them to win fair, we know all that we need to know.
The good news:
The team didn't take the neanderthal advice of the NY Daily News and others who apparently wouldn't mind losing a pitcher to suspension if they could see some revenge exacted. Not worth it right now - no way.
The bad news:
Even a 9 run lead wasn't enough to keep Familia on the bench. This team has a serious issue getting from starter to closer.
The team didn't take the neanderthal advice of the NY Daily News and others who apparently wouldn't mind losing a pitcher to suspension if they could see some revenge exacted. Not worth it right now - no way.
The bad news:
Even a 9 run lead wasn't enough to keep Familia on the bench. This team has a serious issue getting from starter to closer.
1
For this former New Yorker and Mets fan now living in LA, the best revenge is the 13 to 4 score right now. Let's go Mets!
2
When one's team loses it's starting shortstop (yes, even the much maligned Ruben) a teams fans can be expected to be angry,especially if i's the playoffs. Imagine if Jeter 's leg was broken, and no, I don't want to hear about how Jeter wouldn't have been in that position. Broken legs from late slides are still broken legs. But also, no, MLB did not have a reason to suspend Utley, he didn't break a rule, or invent this exact manuever. and before you call the Mets crybabies (as some Met-haters have done in these comments) show me anyone on the Mets who has said anything angry about Utley. Of course, if Utley gets into the game playing second base, and not just pinch-hitting, he'll be a marked man. And that, to this date, is baseball. If MLB wants to change the rule they can do it, but they can't really punish Utley.
2
You can argue, as Hans has, that Tejada should have known he couldn't turn the DP. But did Tejada know that Kendrick was not going to stumble down the line, giving him time to throw him out? No, you can't. You make the play in front of you as best as you can. The bottom line, imo, is this; the rule states that when sliding into a base you have to be able to reach the bag AND be making an attempt to do so. In no way was Utley doing that. Proof? 1) He missed the bag entirely (because he was already passed it when his 'attempted' swipe (which looks more like the natural action of his arm breaking his fall and not a base tag) occurred), and 2) MLB suspended him for the infraction. The umps should have called him out and in turn called out Kendrick. Inning ending DP. Mets still ahead 2-1. This bad play and missed call by the umpires changed the entire series.
1
Even Joe Torre is using the word "slide". It was not a slide. Utley is still upright. I don't understand Torre saying he doesn't blame the umpires. What are they there for then? They cost the Mets the game.
My arrangement of one of the best baseball songs ever "Meet The Mets". Let's go Mets!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrrzSXZfzwo
My arrangement of one of the best baseball songs ever "Meet The Mets". Let's go Mets!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrrzSXZfzwo
1
Beat em two straight at Citi and revenge will be served.
On another occasion maybe another form of payback.
Just as Collins said.
BEAT LA!
On another occasion maybe another form of payback.
Just as Collins said.
BEAT LA!
The Detroit fans expressed their disfavor of the Cardinals' "hard playing" Ducky Medwick back in the 1934 World Series by lobbing tomatoes and sundry other garbage at him in Left Field. It got so bad the umps (by order of Commissioner Landis) threw Medwick out of the game.
Let's Go Mets!
Let's Go Mets!
Hey Mets fans, Chase is the active leader among batters in getting hit by pitches...when his hand was broken in 2007 by a pitch he had the class to defend the pitcher for just throwing him inside. He knows that is part of the game -- as well as learning when you make the pivot at 2nd, you better get out of the way. So go ahead, complain, make excuses, but remember what else happened in 2007 with the great Mets collapse.... we enoyed that in Philly.
If a Met had slid into a Dodger, you'd all be cheering. You're not being reasonable.
1
Not necessarily; I've lived in both LA and NY and like both teams. I currently live in Atlanta. Utley should have been called out and the DP for interference should have ended the inning.
Tejada was clipped from behind. Clipping in American Football is a 15 yard penalty and is frowned by the players who can very easily payback with a powerful hit to who ever did it. Baseball is a gentleman's game and should not be tolerated. Utley should have been suspended and fined.
1
It has been a pleasure to watch the maturation of this 2015 Mets club. I believe they will be highly focused on getting to (and winning) the World Series. Retaliation against Utley, while temporarily satisfying, would derail them from their end goal.
1
As a lifetime Dodgers fan and longtime NYTimes subscriber (Love You Paul Krugman!), I see what Don Mattingly means by the the NY Media (and it's fans) getting over-dramatic. Chase Utlley did his job and we love him for that here in LA. He is being made a scapegoat for a tough loss and crazy (umpiring) situation. Some convenient facts that NY fans and the East Coast sports media seem to be ignoring:
- Chase WAS in the basepath the whole time
- Murphy made a poor toss to Tejada who had to adjust
- Tejada DID still try to turn a double play, despite its improbability
- How was Chase Utley to know that Tejada did not have a chance? All he saw was a jump and spin - A clear sign that something was possible and Tejada was making an effort to convert it
- And all this is happening in split seconds
If there was no chance, then Tejada should have simply stepped on second and jumped out of the way, which he could have, had he not attempted to turn the double play with his back turned to Utley.
If the David Wright had done the same (and any ball player would have in the same situation), NYers would have already erected a statue in Times Square in his honor and written-off the Dodgers as the cry-babies.
I watched Reggie in '77 and '78 make some questionable moves sticking his hip into plays in base path and home plate and NY fans had no problem with those plays. I also remember Kirk Gibson stealing the NL championship from the Mets (and the WS against the A's) in 88. Still sore?
- Chase WAS in the basepath the whole time
- Murphy made a poor toss to Tejada who had to adjust
- Tejada DID still try to turn a double play, despite its improbability
- How was Chase Utley to know that Tejada did not have a chance? All he saw was a jump and spin - A clear sign that something was possible and Tejada was making an effort to convert it
- And all this is happening in split seconds
If there was no chance, then Tejada should have simply stepped on second and jumped out of the way, which he could have, had he not attempted to turn the double play with his back turned to Utley.
If the David Wright had done the same (and any ball player would have in the same situation), NYers would have already erected a statue in Times Square in his honor and written-off the Dodgers as the cry-babies.
I watched Reggie in '77 and '78 make some questionable moves sticking his hip into plays in base path and home plate and NY fans had no problem with those plays. I also remember Kirk Gibson stealing the NL championship from the Mets (and the WS against the A's) in 88. Still sore?
1
A few more facts, Kilgore.
- Utley made no effort to contact the bag. He began his body roll after he reached the second base bag, and never made an effort to touch it.
- Utley never made contact with the bag.
- Believing he was called out, Utley returned to the dugout, abandoning the base and leaving the playing field (per Rule 2.0, forfeiting the base), and should have been called out on that basis, if no other
- Per Rule 5.9, and runner attempting to interfere with a player fielding a throw is to be ruled out, and the runner closest to home plate will be ruled out as well. A double-play would have ended the inning, irrespective of Kendrick's progress down the first base line.
- The MLB Rulebook is available for inspection. Like the umpiring crew that reviewed the call, you should consult it before issuing a conclusion.
- No, there wouldn't have been a statue erected for David Wright if he took a similar cheap shot. Then again, he wouldn't.
- Any fans who arrive in the 3rd inning and leave by the 7th are too self-involved to be cry babies, so no, Dodger fans wouldn't be so labeled.
- Making the fundamental mistake of equating Mets and Yankee fans simply because both are New Yorkers demonstrates you need to read more of the NYT than Paul Krugman's columns.
- Utley made no effort to contact the bag. He began his body roll after he reached the second base bag, and never made an effort to touch it.
- Utley never made contact with the bag.
- Believing he was called out, Utley returned to the dugout, abandoning the base and leaving the playing field (per Rule 2.0, forfeiting the base), and should have been called out on that basis, if no other
- Per Rule 5.9, and runner attempting to interfere with a player fielding a throw is to be ruled out, and the runner closest to home plate will be ruled out as well. A double-play would have ended the inning, irrespective of Kendrick's progress down the first base line.
- The MLB Rulebook is available for inspection. Like the umpiring crew that reviewed the call, you should consult it before issuing a conclusion.
- No, there wouldn't have been a statue erected for David Wright if he took a similar cheap shot. Then again, he wouldn't.
- Any fans who arrive in the 3rd inning and leave by the 7th are too self-involved to be cry babies, so no, Dodger fans wouldn't be so labeled.
- Making the fundamental mistake of equating Mets and Yankee fans simply because both are New Yorkers demonstrates you need to read more of the NYT than Paul Krugman's columns.
Bean him? No. Brush him way back? You best believe it. And if Utley's playing second and anyone has a chance to break up a DP - don't slide as egregiously as he did...but bring a little mustard. On the bright side, the Matt Holliday-Marco Scutaro vibe is in full effect. The Baseball Gods are watching. And they didn't care for the Dodgers all that much to begin with.
I am of the opinion that retaliation is deserved
Let's face it. It was a cheap dirty play? why? because he made NO ATTEMPT to slide into the bag, only to undercut Tejada. That's now even illegal in Football! Called the chop block. I have an idea. Let's put some pads on Utley and give him a handoff. See how tough a punk he is when a 350 pound lineman or linebacker comes barreling into him.
I hope the Mets keep focused on winning, and as many have said, that will be the best revenge, to send Utley and the Dodgers crying back home. Go Mets!
I hope the Mets keep focused on winning, and as many have said, that will be the best revenge, to send Utley and the Dodgers crying back home. Go Mets!
1
Sadly, too many Mets fans have forgotten the rule that there is no crying in baseball.
9
That was a movie, an illegal play is an illegal play. We all love Tom Hanks, but he's not a baseball official.
5
Ever hear of Wilmer Flores? His crying on the field is what started the Mets' run to first place. I think his teammates were galvanized by the realization that, at least for some, it was really, really important to be a Met. All for one, and one for all -- or something like that.
But we do remember that aggravated assault is a felony...
4
This needs to be said: Tejada made a bad play. He should have known that turning a double play on that ball hit deep to second by the fast Kendricks would be impossible. The important thing to do is get the sure out at second. He failed to do that by missing the bag. In trying to make the improbable turn, he put himself in the position to get hit. Of course, he could not have expected the injury any more than Utley did. Had they gotten that out, the side would have been retired with a tie game after Seager's out. Ironically, had there been no delay for Tejada's injury, the Dodgers would probably not have challenged the out at second.
13
This is known as blaming the victim and as usual the logic is faulty. If Tejada knew that the double play was not possible then so did Utley, If Utley knew, then his only reason for going after Tejada was to injure him. While I think the slide was illegal and well beyond what could be considered a hard slide, I don't think Utley intended to hurt Tejada.
1
Utley deliberately aimed at the Mets' shortstop to break up the double play. Utley was so far from the bag, he was in outerspace - and he never tagged the bag, so he was out. The umps called it wrong. But karma is on the side of the Mets, so watch out LA, you are going DOWN!
2
Huh ? How is he supposed to know that all of a sudden, for the first and probably last time ever, the neighborhood play was going to be reviewed by the booth.
And judging from Utley's slide, Tejada was going to get hammered no matter what he did.
And judging from Utley's slide, Tejada was going to get hammered no matter what he did.
3
Although Torre would never admit to it, I think part of the reason that Utley was suspended was to prevent an atmosphere of retaliatory ball. Now that Utley has appealed and is likely to play, expect plenty of pitches on the inside of the plate.
12
The umps blew the call on Saturday night and it cost the Mets the game. To add injury to insult they lost a key player in the process. It is psychologically important for the Mets to send a message whether Utley plays tonight or not. There should be a lot of high hard ones right from the out set and if Utley does actually play he needs to be put on his butt. This event has become more than just winning a game, albeit an important one. It is about the heart and soul of a young Mets Team and they need to show themselves and their fans that they have the guts to fight and win.
5
"It is about the heart and soul of a young Mets Team"
LOL you sound like a Chevy commercial!
LOL you sound like a Chevy commercial!
I don't know when the right situation will arise, but when and if it does, I'll tell you where to hit him: in the hands! If he plays, it will take half an hour to clean up the garbage thrown at him.
2
Both teams are in New York, as are the offices of both MLB and the players union. If there were any good chance for an expedited appeal, this was it. What are they waiting for? More video? Drug test reports? Character witnesses? If anything bad happens between the players or the fans, then MLB bears the blame. Nothing good comes from inaction and this was the opportunity to act quickly and decisively. Shame on MLB and the union.
20
Good thing this is the National League, where pitchers hit. Because if Harvey goes after Utley, then Harvey comes up to bat... and he can get a fastball headed straight for him. Which I would love.
5
Now that's a real sportsman. Not enough violence in football and hockey? You would love to see another player hurt, possibly for good? We are supposed to be civilized no brutes or are we?
sad dejected Phillie fan.
aren't the flyers playing tonight?
aren't the flyers playing tonight?
Harvey is counting his pitches, he has a limit due to the Tommy John surgery. He is not going to try anything. Can't say that for any other Met playing tonight - or any fan at the game. Just saying.
Beaning a batter or taking out a fielder? The sweetest payback comes when the Mets win the series in the next two games and the Dodgers stew on the long flight home. Yes, there's a tradition of retribution and "taking-care-of-one's-own," but what fans remember with greater satisfaction is watching their team hoist the trophy. Come on, Mets. Play baseball. Win the game. Show you're better than the Dodgers and than Chase Utley. We'll cheer and we'll love you for it.
52
Yeah, like I said, but in only 7 words... :)
Pay them back by winning.
Nothing stupid, no retaliatory strike.
Just win, and qualify for the World Series. This is how you win against those who work to put you down.
Nothing stupid, no retaliatory strike.
Just win, and qualify for the World Series. This is how you win against those who work to put you down.
38
Beaning him is too easy, too predicatble. The Mets and thier fans should torment Utley in multiple ways and then someone should really deal with him on the basepaths.
9
Living well...i.e. winning...is the best revenge.
And remember, Utley is already fairly detested nationwide, so he has that going for him.
Let's just sit back, relax, enjoy the pitching artistry of Matt Harvey, and enjoy a cold one with Will From Queens and Mike Francesca in the front row for Met October baseball.
Let's go, Mets !
And remember, Utley is already fairly detested nationwide, so he has that going for him.
Let's just sit back, relax, enjoy the pitching artistry of Matt Harvey, and enjoy a cold one with Will From Queens and Mike Francesca in the front row for Met October baseball.
Let's go, Mets !
31
"... already fairly detested nationwide...". You have a vivid imagination, Soc...
Major League baseball has created this situation by allowing Utley to play. If the MLB won't take care of it, then the Mets must, but you don't have your ace do it. You bring in a one pitch guy and bean Utley. Two years ago the sanctimonious Mattingly and the Dodgers went bananas when Ian Kennedy just threw near Puig's head. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Utley never should have hit Tejada in the legs. The Mets need to take care of business. Frankly Utley needs to go down more than once.
9
Bring it. That would put Chase on first base, and he'd be so pleased, thank you very much. He will then come around to score and beat the crybaby's 1-0. It's the big leagues, not college ball-get over it.
11
No, you never ever go at someoneone's head. It happens by accident, sure. But bad as a broken leg is, it pales by comparison to traumatic brain injury, even death. This is a GAME, not an execution. Baseball fans may consider their sport superior to football's concussion industry. Let's not lower ourselves to the level of the NFL, please...
Said from the safety of your couch. Ever been hit by a fastball on the hands or knee? Not including video game HBP's.?
Hit him and hit him hard.
- Brooklyn Dodgers fan, until they dumped us for the west coast.
Lets go Mets!
- Brooklyn Dodgers fan, until they dumped us for the west coast.
Lets go Mets!
5
Win the next two, that's payback enough.
signed, a Mets fan since 1962
signed, a Mets fan since 1962
52
I'm a Yankee fan, but hated to see the Mets lose in that fashion. They out pitched the Dodgers aces and should have two wins coming home. Utley should be suspended. Win the next two - I'm with you. Play ball, don't get distracted.
44
Have the 25th guy on the roster do it when the time comes.
1
I agree with winning the next two games as the priority for this post-season series.
But no, that's not enough. First regular season game with the Dodgers in 2016 ....
But no, that's not enough. First regular season game with the Dodgers in 2016 ....