Are the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitchers doing a proper job of protecting their hitters? That’s the lead line in a story in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The answer is no.
The story quotes pitchers as saying rules don’t allow them because once an umpire warns teams about not throwing at the opposition, then ejections and fines come into play.
But that’s simply an excuse. I watched Monday’s 18-1 Brewers romp over the Cubs. Carlos Gomez was hit twice, once in the head, but nobody was willing to take one for the team because they didn’t want to lose part of their paycheck. I guess I can understand that to a certain extent.
But what about early on, when Yovani Gallardo was hit by Cubs pitcher Randy Wells? How can Brewers pitchers stick up for their hitters when they can’t even stick up for themselves. When Gallardo was hit by Wells, he should have given one back. If not to Wells, at least to another Cub. If somebody hits the pitcher, that’s even more off limits.
Albert Pujols has been hit just once this season. Do you know why? Because Tony LaRussa’s pitchers will plunk the opposition immediately if teams throw at the Cardinals top players. Teams know that, so they leave Pujols alone.
Rickie Weeks has been hit 19 times and Prince Fielder 18 times. That ranks 1 & 2 in the majors. Do you think Brewer pitchers are looking out for their guys? No! And it appears the manager (Ken Macha) isn’t doing much to persuade them either.
You have to be proactive. If they hit your guy, you hit theres. Don’t wait for them to hit 4 of your guys before the thought even enters your mind.