We understand it was a big moment for Hong-Chih Kuo last night when he drilled his first career home run deep into the rightfield bleachers -- and the third straight for the Dodgers on consecutive pitches. But flipping the bat like he was Barry Bonds hitting No. 756 was a little over the top as far as baseball etiquette is concerned.
Manager Willie Randolph had a sarcastic response for reporters afterward, snapping, "He looked good anyway. He must be used to it." And the Mets, including John Maine, didn't show much anger in the postgame clubhouse. At the very least, Maine has to send a message to Kuo that such theatrics are out of line. Not hit him necessarily, but at least brush him back, get him to move his feet a little. Plus, it doesn't take much to knock a pitcher down. A chest-high fastball a few extra inches inside and I'm sure Kuo would have grabbed some dirt.
I know with the way the Mets are going right now, it might have been an unwanted distraction. But losing is one thing. Getting embarrassed and shown up on the field is another. They shouldn't put up with that, too.
Comments (9)
where's Shawn Estes when we need him?
could there be some clubhouse issues with NYM???
Mets need to put a few in the ribs.
Plain and simple.
Example, Placido palanco goes 4 hits and nothing.
Next game Sheffield has his A game on, and nothing.
Well, I think that if you are Chase Utley, Palanco, Sheffield or anyone of significance it is AN INSULT to not be drilled or pitched inside. Honestly they expect it, it is part of the game. If I am a met pitcher someone pays.
Because the next time up, there is no way in hell they are taking me to the wall, I rather have them ground out to the second baseman.
Wake up now, be men.
SOMEONE NEEDS TO PAY.
TIME TO START DUSTING A FEW OF THESE CLOWNS.
FIRST PITCH...HIGH AND TIGHT
SECOND PITCH...HIGH AND TIGHT AGAIN.
IN FACT, DO THAT ALL GAME LONG.....IT WILL SINK IN THAT THE METS ARE NOT INTIMIDATED OR CONTROLLED.
This is a joke, time to push the panic button.
Enough!
And Alou, unless your leg is broken----TIME TO PLAY BALL YOU A**H*LE.
When I was in highschool, trying out for the Varsity team I made it to the final cuts. So my school mate was pitching during our drills. I new him well.
He was the best pitcher on the team.
I would even consider him a friend.
Great guy.
So I faced him and I fouled off like 15 pitches in a row. He threw hard but I convinced myself I would not strike out, period.
Well, he got sick of that quickly. He dusted me flat on my back!!!!!!
I wasn't offended.
I just jumped back up and got ready again.
He was telling me to stop reaching over and give him respect. It was perfectly fine.
I think that later on...he even felt a little guilty because my next time up....he threw me a cookie, and I GOT A HIT. (I was thankful later to him)
Pitching high and tight is totally part of the game.
Why is it that it doesn't make any sense to the Met staff?? Someone needs to look at some game film of Tom Seaver. He did that all the time, how else did he relentlessly drop that hook on the black?
I find the prospect of Adam Dunn very interesting.
Only because he walks over a hundred times a year, and can eventually take over for Delgado at first base.
If I am the Reds,
I ask for Heilman and Pelfry. And a center field prospect probably Gomez.
But I do not believe the Mets will part with Heiman, only because nobody else has even come close in the 8th inning role (maybe Joe Smith a couple times in the 8th and extra frames).
But the Reds will deal Dunn and are willing to make that happen soon.
Our society and sports stars are so quick to show off ... it is all a part of a greater problem. The antics only showed the overseas pitcher has no class, no roots, has abandoned his own culture of respect and embraced our filth. How many more homers to you think he will hit? Why does the follow the low life antics of U.S. society? I pity him. Good for the Mets and Maine not to hit him or brush him back. Two wrongs don't make a right.
EVERYONE WANTS AN ESPN MOMENT.
MY MOMENT WILL BE CHEERING THE METS IN THE WORLD SERIES.
I PLAN ON DOING THAT.
THERE ARE MANY PRETENDERS IN JUNE.
BUT OMAR AND THE BOYS WILL BE BORED BY LATE AUGUST.
REMEMBER THE BRAVES LAST YEAR? BY AUG. THEY WERE A SPECK IN THE REARVIEW.
DODGERS? THEY MAY NOT EVEN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, THERE ARE THREE TEAMS IN THAT DIVISION WHO SHARE EQUALLY.
ARIZONA, LA, AND SAN DIEGO.
MY MONEY IS ON SAN DIEGO.