MLB Pitcher Inspections

 

(Image Owned By Sports Illustrated)

    The image above is exactly how I feel about pitchers being inspected (checked) after every inning. This is just another intrusive way for the MLB to throw its weight around and make dumb rules. The introduction of pitcher checks began two seasons ago and now it is common practice. These checks were introduced to the game as a result of pitchers being so dominant. As a result of the dominance, batting averages were down and so were runs. The MLB sees runs the same way the NFL sees long passing touchdowns, high scores will bring in the fans. Let's look at the "steroid era" of baseball, to many this was when MLB was at an all time high. This is because there were homers left and right and scores were high and fans were soaking it up. As long as runs are being scored in baseball, the MLB is making money. When scores are not being made, MLB is losing money and at risk. Look I get it, we as fans want runs and we want our team to score. Runs get our teams ahead of the opponent and will bring us joy while watching the game. But two seasons ago this was at risk because pitchers were being so dominant and runs were low. 

(Bumgarner Being Checked Video)

    Last night, again as fans we were able to witness another pitcher being checked after an inning. Madison Bumgarner came off of the mound between innings and an umpire was checking his hands. Let me state this now, HE WAS HOLDING MADISON'S HAND! It was such a weird interaction, the umpire was feeling Madison's hand for more than 10 seconds. If I'm Madison, I'm doing the same thing he did make a sarcastic remark about what is currently happening. He then was ejected from the game and had to be physically restrained by other players and coaches. This exact interaction between Bumgarner and Bullio is what fans have had enough of with the MLB. Imagine if this was inning number 7, Bumgarner is pitching a perfect game and the umpire takes longer to check his fingers. This has the potential of breaking into the pitchers mindset and totally ruining his perfect game. That is what is killing me with the pitcher checks, you are creating a new factor against the results of the game. 

Umpires checking pitchers after every inning is introducing another (new) variable pitchers have to now overcome. Instead of staying focused on the task at hand, like pitching a perfect game; you have a stupid umpire come and inspect your stuff. This is such an annoying thing for baseball, and we got a glimpse into how it can affect the result of a game on Tuesday night. Bumgarner was ejected in inning 1, and their team went down early in points. Imagine if this was a World Series game, your team could potentially lose game one or seven because of the umpire introducing their power. Pitcher checks need to stop and the MLB needs to figure it out. I AM OVER IT! 

-The Polar Bear