Comments on: Game 2009.112: Fallout

By: scotsw

scotsw — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:50:57 +0000

Jeff: If there was a warning issued, I would agree.

But no warning was issued in Tuesday’s game. What Porcello did was absolutely within the best traditions of baseball. He can say he didn’t try to hi Yukilis, but he was clearly throwing it nice and tight on purpose.

As I said elsewhere, I think Porcello’s only mistake was throwing that pitch in the second inning, rather than the sixth.

By: RoseTattoo

RoseTattoo — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:00:18 +0000

Has anyone heard if they plan to arrest Yukilis for child abuse?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:17:45 +0000

Andre, I agree. I’m just saying most people don’t (and shouldn’t) get their “news” from these people. Just like Fox News, MSNBC and Around the Horn/PTI on ESPN.

Coleman, I agree but I just don’t think who took down who was something they did (or should) put much effort into investigating since it relies to some extent on one’s interpretation and is trivial to the story. I agree that any inaccuracy undermines the credibility of the media though.

By: Coleman

Coleman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:02:57 +0000

You’ll have a hard time finding any inaccuracy in Drew Sharp (predictions don’t count), just curious opinions. The main reason for adding the Boston Globe example in the first place though is to show how I think things have a way of seeping from non-media opinion (fan forums etc) into columns into news.

Where did the AP reporter get his/her description of the event (which not only is “news,” not “opinion,” but becomes the description of record)?

I’m in agreement with you that it doesn’t matter much, or even at all in a baseball-fan sense; it’s just an example of a larger issue that bugs me in a media-sense. My post is ultimately less about the Porcello-Youkilis fight than it is about reporting.

(The reference to libel is to illustrate that there is an important reason, from the newspaper’s side, to make sure their columnists keep certain reporting standards in mind while opinionating/entertaining. I’m not just assuming this, it really is something that is stressed).

By: Andre in Chi

Andre in Chi — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:57:28 +0000

I tend not to read Drew Sharp…because he’s so “entertaining”. I also don’t view entertainment and accuracy as being mutually exclusive. In fact, when it comes to news/reporting (or whatever you want to call it) I generally find that inaccuracy to be detrimental to my entertainment. That’s just me though.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:49:00 +0000

You’re right – column, not editorial.

Why a reference to libel?

I’m just saying I wouldn’t get too worked up about an interpretation of the fight, as silly as it may be – people read these guys (just like Drew Sharp) for entertainment, not accuracy.

By: Coleman

Coleman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:30:06 +0000

Yes it is a column–which is not the same as an editorial–and there is a difference between hyperbole (exaggeration) and inaccuracy. And I mentioned the “who cares” aspect of it. I do.

And there are still standards for columnists, who are expected to be giving opinion. They are also expected to give opinion without factual inaccuracy (and especially without libel).

And the Youkilis-Porcello confrontation IS a fact of the game. It’s no different than if he would have said a third baseman bounced a throw to first when he didn’t. But hey, who cares, either way he’s out, right?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:15:54 +0000

This is an editorial by Shaughnessy, not a news item. It’s the norm for columnists to use hyperbole and opinion to make their points. Besides, who cares who won the fight or how it’s being reported? It’s not relevant to anything – it’s not like they’re misreporting facts about the game.

By: Keith (Mr. X)

Keith (Mr. X) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:07:26 +0000

Know what’s really stupid, is that Youk was still awarded 1B for the HBP after he charged the mound. He went out of the baseline and never touched 1B, then he went straight to the dugout. That should be an automatic out. Is there a rule for this?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:05:46 +0000

This is the same penalty players usually get for the same situation. I don’t see how anyone can be surprised or upset by it.

By: Tbone

Tbone — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:02:30 +0000

Just look who ended up on top. Porcello made a nifty sidestep move and gave Youk a lateral throwdown. I have to give it up to the kid, that was pretty slick. Only those with RoseSox colored glasses could see it any differently.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:55:06 +0000

The suspension is inconsequential.

The real damage was already done. Ejecting Porcello from last night’s game after 15 pitches was basically an immediate (as in, on-the-spot) one game suspension.

And it practically gifted the Sox with a win.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:53:25 +0000

For a starting pitcher, 5 days suspended means he will miss only one start.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:50:19 +0000

We can have the Ump-bot’s calls compared to the human umps calls. If the human gets one wrong, he is fired or sent to the torture chamber next to the clubhouse.

By: Mith

Mith — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:48:56 +0000

I don’t see it being ridiculous. The end result is he makes his next start one game later than scheduled. It’s not really much of a suspension at all.