What should happen to Mike Winters?

Question

According to Bobby Meacham (Padres first base coach), Mike Winters was the one who antagonized Milton Bradley on Sunday by calling him a "piece of s___." (www.xxsportsradio.com)

The video of the game (mlb.com) clearly shows Bradley taking his lead off first and paying attention to the game and Winters continuing to talk. This continues for about 10 seconds until Bradley calls "time out" to go to Winters. Meacham can be seen already yelling at Winters. Winters almost immediately ejects Bradley.

Do umpires have the ability to antagonize players until they react then eject them with impunity? Should Winters be disciplined and should that discipline be worse because Bradley's ACL was torn in the melee that followed?

Before anyone else gets on Bradey, see the video for yourself and listen to the first base coach's interview. I officiate sports myself and usually back the umpires, but Winters clearly was in the wrong on this one.

Answer 1

Having been an umpire from Little League to College ball for more then 20 years, I was absolutely sickened by Winters' actions. But, I can't say that they shock me that much. It seems that the umpires have become much more antagonistic towards the players in the last few years. You can bet that 20 years ago an umpire would have never followed a player towards his dugout to continue an argument about a called 3rd strike. While I think that Bradley is not the greatest example of sportsmanship to ever set foot on the field, the fact that an umpire would continue to talk to a player after a play was over like that is crossing the line between calling the game and becoming a part of it. If the bat throwing incident truly did happen, (and I can't believe I'm defending him, but i don't think Bradley intentionally threw his bat at anyone) it should have been handled immediately, not later on.
If the allegations that he started it are true, Winters should be immediately dismissed as an umpire. And he should be made an example of to the other umpires that have somehow forgotten that their job is to allow the players to play the game. I think the umps have somehow come under the impression that the 40,000 people in the stands and the millions watching on TV somehow want to see them. A good official in any sport, but particularly in baseball, knows that the sign of a job well done is NOT being noticed.
This is where MLB needs to get more strict with its' umpires. I would actually like to see them go to a program where ALL umpires in the majors as well as any of the affiliated minor leagues be employed by MLB. I would then like to see them have the freedom to send an umpire down if his work is not up to major league standards, and bring another ump in from AAA to replace him. After a few of the MLB umpires had to go back to umping in exciting places like Scranton or Salt Lake City, maybe they will come to realize that the game is not about them. Until then, the problem will only get worse.

Answer 2

Can't leave off Trans Siberian Orchestra Some others: Brian Setzer Orchestra has a couple out Lynyrd Skynyrd did one Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did one Gary Hoey did several (These are exceptionally fun surf guitar type stuff) Individual Songs: Father Christmas (ELP) Little Drummer Boy (Joan Jett)

Answer 3

I have a sore spot for ump Angel Hernandez. It doesn't take much to provoke him before he gets 'trigger happy' Take for instance the incident with Joba and Youkilis...ridiculous!! Yes,umps like to play god and hopefully are disciplined. It must be tough with all the veteran umps in the league and the nepitism that goes along with it. One day there's gonna be a scandal in the MLB like you've seen in the NBA. It's just a matter of time. Sometimes it's blatenly obvious that one team is getting calls going there way or the opposite.

Answer 4

Suspended without pay and fined.

I don't think that his punishment should be more severe simply because Bradley's ACL was torn. The injury is Bradley's fault because he should be able to control his temper during the game.

Answer 5

I think he should be suspended without pay. What he did was completely uncalled for. I have yet to see video of Bradley's previous at bat where it all started because Winters told the HP umpire that Bradley threw his bat at him. If that was also false then the suspension should be worse. I dont think you can make it worse because Bradley got injured though.

Answer 6

I'm with you artistic, 100%.

This is the worst abuse of power I've ever seen. Umpires should be rarely heard, and seen even less. They think people go there to watch them, very delusional.

He should be gone for AT LEAST the rest of the year, and should not be allowed to umpire any post season games.
.

Answer 7

Bradley should not have lost his mind, but this ump needs to be suspended. This is alot like The Tim Duncan and Joey Crawford incicdent.

Answer 8

Umpires have been fired before. If a review is warranted, then it should be done. If the umpire was in the wrong, a reprimand, a fine, or even release could result.

Allowing Bradley to beat the snot out of him? No. His injury was the result of his being a stupid, stupid man.

Answer 9

Read Sandy Alderson's quote. Alderson is the ultimate MLB insider, a very balanced guy and the Padre's CEO. With him campaigning, I think Winters is suspended.

Answer 10

I like John Kruk's idea last night on Baseball Tonight. He suggested the following:
"Suspend Winters for the rest of this year without pay, put him on probation for next year and (permanently) revoke his all-star and post season priveliges."

I'm adding in the permanent there, Kruk DID NOT SAY PERMAMENTLY