BOSTON RED SOX CLOSER FINED FOR SLOWING DOWN THE GAME

0 Red Sox closer Papelbon fined again for taking too long to pitch
AP September 4th, 2009
Red Sox closer Papelbon fined for slow pace

CHICAGO — Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has been fined again for slowing down games.

Papelbon was fined $5,000 by Major League Baseball for taking too long to throw his first pitch. A new rule allows pitchers 2 minutes, 20 seconds from the final out of the previous inning to the first pitch. They get 12 seconds to throw once the batter steps into the box.

The fine was first reported by the Boston Herald. Papelbon was fined previously this season.

“After this, I don’t know, man,” Papelbon told the paper. “I think they’re going to call my parole officer and put me away.”

Papelbon has 34 saves in 37 opportunities this season, with a 1.84 ERA.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: It seems, Major League Baseball wants to complete the ball games between two and half and three hours per game.

The way baseball was originally written to be played it allowed the pitcher to take as much time as he needed. The same applies to the hitter, also. Baseball is a game of inches. Baseball is a game of fractions of seconds. Baseball is a game of mind games. A pitcher or hitter trying to out wit each other. A game of strategy.

It is like the bases being 90 feet apart. Years ago, players were slower, and threw slower and the plays were close. (example throwing from third base to first base) Today, the players are faster, bigger and stronger. The plays are still close. The 90 feet still works. A game over one hundred (100) years that still works, the way it drawn up from the start.. Should baseball fool around with distances between bases? Absolutely, NO.

Yes, there are considerations for the fans, the media, television,etc., however should they be allowed to change the way the game should be played? Is what major league baseball doing good for the game? Is the old way, the best way? What do you think?

THESE ARE BROKENWINGS OPINIONS.