World series contraversy

[wheelz33]

very interesting article from si.com from a bullpen coach's point of view...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/w ... index.html

Summary is that he thinks its pine tar, and that a majority of pitchers use some sort of foreign substance to improve grip. He also says that the Card's pitchers are probably mad at La Russa for even saying anything because most of them probably use some sort of substance also. So if they call out Rodgers then they have to be careful also. Would explain why La Russa didn't make a bigger deal of things.

[bste_lax]

The one thing I am surprised was the lack of a fuss by LaRussa. He is such an "old school" baseball guy and a "stickler" for the rules and baseball being played the right way, I thought it was weird of him not to blow up.

Although I have heard from some people that they think it is because he has great respect for Leyland, he wouldn't want to do this during the World Series.

[Brent Burns]

This came by an AP writer who wrote what Tony LaRussa said:

La Russa wouldn't discuss it: "It's not important to talk about," he said tersely.

I was reading that in my local newspaper this evening.

[Timbalaned]

just have to go back to the beginning, someone said it, what does it matter, he may have "cheated" for an inning, he still shut them down the rest of the game. Not that I am defending him cause they beat the A's, but seriously who cares

[beckner11]

I, as a Cardinals fan and a fan of games being played the right way, care!

[Sonny]

just have to go back to the beginning, someone said it, what does it matter, he may have "cheated" for an inning, he still shut them down the rest of the game. Not that I am defending him cause they beat the A's, but seriously who cares

Cheating is OK because no one cares? What color is the sky in your world? Its the World Series. You might not be a baseball fan, but its the highest level of competition for that sport.

[Campbell]

I don't think it was to throw a spitball...but if it's pine tar, it will allow him to grip the ball better, especially in cold weather. Better grip, better break, especially for a junk-baller like Rogers. Thing is, he was still un-hittable even after he cleaned up.

I'm not much of a baseball person either, but does all of it really matter? If he is just getting better grip? I could see disallowing sanding the ball or something else that changes the ball, but something that just increases his grip seems pretty minor.

Actually in cold weather it is a pretty big deal. When the weather turns cold both the ball and the skin become pretty slick. Growing up in Colorado and spending four years covering the Rockies for a local TV station, pine tar is widely used by pitchers when the come to Colorado for early games in April when the temps are in the 40s.

Plus, I can't stand Leyland...I wish Rogers would have been tossed.

I guess my question was why is it even illegal? Athletes in every sport use items to increase their grip and enhance performance. Is using pine tar for better grip putting pitches out of reach for MLB hitters? Obviously substances that change the surface of the ball and make it perform irregularly after it leaves the hand of the pitcher should be illegal. Is it just something that can't be regulated easily?

[Beta]

I guess my question was why is it even illegal? Athletes in every sport use items to increase their grip and enhance performance. Is using pine tar for better grip putting pitches out of reach for MLB hitters? Obviously substances that change the surface of the ball and make it perform irregularly after it leaves the hand of the pitcher should be illegal. Is it just something that can't be regulated easily?

I think it's because they use things to increase their grip within the legal limits like tape, gloves, etc...as long as the "hardware" of the game isnt changed "ball, puck, field, etc". That's just my 2 pesos.

[UofMLaxGoalie11]

Lets see if I can't put this in simpler terms. The pine tar is increasing the coefficient of friction, requiring a larger force before you allow slipping. Therefore, you are increasing the time period in the impulse, resulting in an increased velocity in the direction your hand is moving. (If you're spinning the ball for a curve, it will have a larger curve to it)

[SLUDoubleDeuce]

Lets see if I can't put this in simpler terms. The pine tar is increasing the coefficient of friction, requiring a larger force before you allow slipping. Therefore, you are increasing the time period in the impulse, resulting in an increased velocity in the direction your hand is moving. (If you're spinning the ball for a curve, it will have a larger curve to it)

Oh, now that it's been explained in physics terms, it's crystal clear!

[Champ]

Lets see if I can't put this in simpler terms. The pine tar is increasing the coefficient of friction, requiring a larger force before you allow slipping. Therefore, you are increasing the time period in the impulse, resulting in an increased velocity in the direction your hand is moving. (If you're spinning the ball for a curve, it will have a larger curve to it)

I don't think anyone was curious what the pine tar added...

[wheelz33]

just have to go back to the beginning, someone said it, what does it matter, he may have "cheated" for an inning, he still shut them down the rest of the game. Not that I am defending him cause they beat the A's, but seriously who cares

Cheating is OK because no one cares? What color is the sky in your world? Its the World Series. You might not be a baseball fan, but its the highest level of competition for that sport.

id be willing to bet you sonny that most cards pitchers are more upset that rodgers didn't hide it better compared to him actually using it.

[Brent Burns]

Most of the time, controversy is usually involved with the World Series.

Recall those controversies of the past??

[jessexy]

who cares.....its baseball. Is anyone watching it this year? i heard that Game 1 was the lowest rated game ever in Series history. Maybe MLB should switch to OLN, i mean Versus network.

[ZagGrad]

I also heard that the Cards batters weren't so concerned with how the ball was dropping or moving, but that he had gained so much more velocity in his pitches. Going from 86-91/92 is a pretty considerable amount.

I love how sports are turning in to Docu-dramas more than an actual sporting event e.g. TO in football, Landis in cycling, Rogers/Bonds in baseball, fights in NCAA football, etc. Give me a break and let's just play sports.