MLB is not for the timid

My wife is a high school guidance counselor so some things we see and hear in sports conflict with her sympathies.  The initiation of a rookie at the major league level is “bullying” in her eyes.  An aggressive (legal) take out slide at second

base is “unnecessary and should be banned” as well.  The other night I heard something else that would completely infuriate her.  I was listening to the Phillies game on the radio and the announcer (former MLB pitcher Larry Anderson) had an interesting comment regarding Mets third baseball David Wright.  He first mentioned that Wright was off to a good start this year.  He also said that an effective way to pitch Wright is to throw one up and in early in the game.  According to Anderson, Wright doesn’t have the same aggression towards pitches on the outer half of the plate after this occurs. 

A little  background.  David Wright was hit in the head with a 94 mph Matt Cain fastball in August, 2009 and was out for a 15 game stretch due to a concussion.  He struggled upon his return and more than a few wondered if there was still some leftover fear from the event that was preventing him from regaining his form.  Anderson said it would be a good idea to go hard up and in (not hit him) and see how he responds.  Shortly after, the Phillies pitcher did just that.  The following pitch was on the outside half of the plate and Wright didn’t quite get the barrel there.  Mission accomplished.

There is no mercy in baseball.