The Other Fifteen

May or may not have murdered someone. But probably murdered someone.

Wow.  It’s a sh*tty day for headlines in baseball.  Let’s break it down.

The Giants top prospect Angel Villalona was charged with murder today.  The 19 year old farm hand is accused of shooting someone to death last Saturday night in a bar in his native Dominican Republic, though no motive has been provided.  Villalona was rated by Baseball America as the Giants’ best prospect in 2008, and he represented the team at the All-Star weekend Futures Game that same year.  I have to say, if he goes to jail that’s going to KILL his chances to make the majors.  Get it?  “Kill” his chances?  What too soon?  Oh yeah, somebody actually died in this.  My bad.

Twins outfielder Denard Span was beaned in the head with a pitch last night.  Span tried to get out of the way, but only managed to turn slightly, causing the ball to hit him in the back of the helmet.  He stayed on the ground for a while, but ultimately walked off the field.  Span said he took Tylenol for his headache afterward.  Well, Denard, maybe you should have taken “get out of the way faster” pills before hand instead.  HA HA HA HA HA HA AHA HAH AHA!!!!!!!!  No, but seriously folks, baseball is a lethal sport.

The MLB players’ union is thinking of filing a grievance on behalf of Milton Bradley after the Cubs sent him home for the rest of the season for being f#cking crazy.  This is the bad side of unions.  I know that they’re necessary for labor negotiations and organizing on behalf of workers’ rights, but they also come to the defense of completely indefensible people simply because that person pays their dues.  Milton Bradley doesn’t need defending right now.  If he wasn’t suspended he would just be benched, and fairly since he’s playing terribly, so either way he’s getting payed not to do anything at all.  That’s something that you file a grievance over?  Especially when that person has done any and every thing to disparage his bosses and their paying customers?  That’s bullsh*t.  That doesn’t fly at any other job.  I hate to be whining about spoiled millionaire athletes, but the union needs to shut the f#ck up and let this one go.  Milton Bradley needs a time out.  He doesn’t need mommy and daddy fighting over how long his punishment should be.  He just needs his time to think about what he did.  F#ck Milton Bradley, f#ck the players union.  I’m done with this.

Nice PJs. Oh, that's the Cuban uniform? Well now I see why you defected.

In the one uplifting story of the day, Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman has filed for MLB free agency.  He’s only 21, has been clocked at over 100 MPH, has pitched very well in international tournaments, and is generally considered the second best pitching prospect in baseball next to Stephen Strasburg.  He risked his life to escape a dictatorial regime and is poised to get paid for his exceptional talent.  Good for you, Aroldis.  Welcome to the promised land.  We’re excited to have you.

U S A!  U S A!  U S A!