Because of Criticism, Milton Bradley is a Sad Panda

Ryan Lefebvre, a Royals broadcaster, says he complimented Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton's accountability for his past mistakes. Lefebvre then decided to make an "interesting" comparison to fellow Ranger Milton Bradley, saying "it doesn't appear Milton Bradley has done the same thing in his life."

Bradley, who was watching the game on the clubhouse TV, wasn't very happy with the comments. He decided to try having a chat with Lefebvre after the game.

Bradley left the clubhouse after the game and reached the press box but never talked to Lefebvre. General manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington chased after Bradley, and Daniels escorted him back to the clubhouse.

Bradley then walked around with tears welling up and his voice breaking as he spoke.

"All I want to do is play baseball and make a better life for my kid than I had, that's it," Bradley said to a quiet clubhouse. "I love all you guys. ... I'm strong, but I'm not that strong."

Many players tried to console Bradley, who had his head down at his locker.

What really bothers me about Lefebvre's comparison is that, really, there isn't much to compare between the two's mistakes. Josh Hamilton was abusing cocaine and heroin during his troubled period. Too my knowledge (and Wikipedia's), Milton Bradley has never had serious legal problems outside of disorderly conduct and rumors of assault. It seems much of his trouble stems from on-field confrontations. Personally, I can live with that.

That being said, could Bradley have handled past situations with more maturity? Absolutely. Would I be annoyed by sideline critics like Lefebvre? Surely. Did going to the press box help his cause at all? Nope.

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Youkilis' Selfishness Led to Squabble With Manny?

You might have heard that Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez and first baseman Kevin Youkilis had a bit of a confrontation last night. Speculation on the cause of the squabble said Manny, being Manny, was to blame in one way or another.

Not so fast! A Red Sox source told ESPNdeportes.com that Manny and his other Red Sox teammates are growing frustrated with the Greek God of Walks apparent selfishness at the plate. They said:

"It all happened because Manny complained about Youkilis' habit of throwing bats, helmets and other objects in the dugout when he has a bad at-bat, something that has become a constant practice," the source said.

"Other players have told Youkilis in the past about the situation, which makes him look selfish and that he is more worried about each at-bat than about the team. If Boston is winning easily, there's no reason to throw objects all over the dugout because of a bad at-bat.

"There was a meeting where the team let Youkilis know that many of his teammates were tired of his explosive reactions for each bad plate appearance. It became very bothersome … more so when the team is winning and it's in first place. There's not much room for individualistic attitudes."

Well, that was unexpected. I think a new nickname is completely called for at this time. The Sultan of Selfishness?

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Ruth's Granddaughter Wants MLB to Retire the Babe's Number "3"

No Yankee has worn the number 3 since the club retired it 60 years ago. That is not good enough for some. Linda Ruth Tosetti believes the Babe "belongs to all of baseball" because he single-handedly saved baseball in America after several betting scandals. His number should never again be worn in a MLB game, she says.

Tosetti, Ruth's granddaughter, did what any woman with a "Ruthian mug" would do. She created a website and started a petition. The petition, which has been signed by 1383 people online, reads:

A PETITION TO RETIRE BABE RUTH'S NUMBER "3" THROUGHOUT MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

For his contributions to our national pastime, for his contributions to children all over the world and for his humanitarian works: Babe Ruth single-handedly saved the game of baseball with his mighty bat, his charismatic personality and his inherent sense of fair play. He made it possible for baseball to become the international game it is today.

When it was not possible for minorities to participate in Major League baseball, Babe was not deterred. He spoke up on behalf of these fine men, he barnstormed with them and his actions and words on their behalf has not gone unnoticed by baseball historians.

Please help to achieve this tribute for an American icon, George Herman "Babe" Ruth. Thank You!

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Tosetti's petition frustrates me on a few accounts.

First, this idea that baseball was "single-handedly" saved by Babe Ruth. He was a factor, but he was not the only person involved in leading it past betting scandals. Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis was given absolute control after the Black Sox scandal. The suspensions and bans he handed out were important in ending that dark chapter in baseball history. The radio, exciting rivalries, and Ruth played important roles, too.

This next part just makes me laugh: "When it was not possible for minorities to participate in Major League baseball, Babe was not deterred." I am at a loss. I think this could be worded differently.

Lastly, what does it matter if Babe Ruth's number is retired or not? I mean, his legend has lasted over half a century without this honor.

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Selig to Address Maple Bats With Union on June 24

Last week, Commissioner Bud Selig expressed his concern about the potential danger of shattering maple bats. On June 24, Selig will meet with the players association and several teams to address the issue.

Banning the use of maple bats completely is one option. However, the idea was contentious during the last labor negotiations; the players wanted no part of parting with their bats.

Selig is said to be looking into several other solutions if an outright ban falls through.

For starters, Major League Baseball could restrict the width of bat handles. The way things are now, players seek bats with a thin handle and a large barrel; often times, they will thin the handle to make it even thinner. This, supposedly, gives the hitter more snap in his swing. It also makes the bat more susceptible to shattering.

Taking a page out of Japanese baseball's book, Selig would extend the netting from behind the plate down the first and third baselines. This, of course, would protect the fans who may be paying just partial attention to the game.

What about those people who are paying attention to the game? Pirates hitting coach Don Long, who lost feeling in his upper lip after being sliced by a shattered bat, compares them to spears or thrown javelins. White Sox third baseman Joe Crede says they lodge into the field like lawn darts (interesting that the metal lawn darts are banned because of fatal injuries). Some fielders acknowledged that their main concern when a bat breaks is to avoid the bat instead of playing the ball.

Unless Selig and the Union address the breakage itself by either banning or restricting the bats, the fielders will still be placed in a bad position defensively. That being said, protecting the fans would be a good start.

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Teams Conspiring to Keep Bonds Out of Baseball?

What do the Mariners and the Tigers have in common? Both teams are in need of a left-handed bat in their lineups. If that player must be a designated hitter, so be it. A player like Barry Bonds would be well-suited for their on-field needs.

Bonds' agent Jeff Boris said not even a single team has contacted him regarding Bonds since he became a free agent. Even more, he doesn't expect Bonds to play any baseball this season.

As a result of unsigned players like Bonds and Kenny Lofton, the MLB players' association has decided to investigate the possibility of collusion.

According the Collective Bargaining Agreement, "Players shall not act in concert with other Players and Clubs shall not act in concert with other Clubs." (Of course, this wasn't on the books in 1918 when the owners released all of their players with an agreement not to sign each other's players, thus allowing them to reduce player salaries).

Dan Halem, MLB senior vice president and general labor counsel, said, "The union notified us that it was investigating potential collusion regarding Barry Bonds and asked for information, and we told them that there was absolutely no collusion with respect to Barry Bonds or any other free agent."

Honestly, why would teams have to work together to keep Barry Bonds away from a baseball field? The lack of interest in Bonds has nothing to do with collusion and everything to do with Bonds. Consider the cloud of steroids and media personnel that follow his every at bat; Bonds would be nothing but a distraction. Few--if any--fans would actually be excited to see baseball's anti-hero on their favorite team.

The MLBPA can keep digging, but they will find that thirty teams made thirty separate decisions. They all chose to avoid Bonds and his baggage.

Not collusion. Just sound logic.

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Pujols and Backe Fight Before Game

Astros pitcher Brandon Backe and Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols confront each other on the field prior to Wednesday's game in Houston. As the Astros were wrapping up batting practice, Backe said Pujols approached him coming off the field. The two were seen near first base having an exchange before Houston manager Cecil Cooper stepped in to separate Pujols and Backe.

Why were the two upset? In the eighth inning of Tuesday's game, Pujols collided with Astros catcher J.R. Towles in the Cardinals' 5-3 victory. Pujols called the Astros' clubhouse after the game to apologize to Towles.

Backe said he did not have a problem with Pujols' apology, but was offended when he was confronted on the field. According to Backe, Pujols was upset that he "kept pressing on" about the situation.

"I felt violated. I felt he confronted me at the wrong time," said Backe. "I don't think it was very professional on his part. Cooper was there and heard everything. He had to say his peace to me, and I said my peace to him and that's it."

"I already apologized and it's over with," said Pujols. "He had a problem with me calling over there (to the clubhouse). You guys don't need to make this bigger than it is."

As for Tony La Russa's take on the slide:"I thought Albert did a fantastic job sliding to take his legs out," La Russa said. "The kid is not giving anybody room to slide, so that's what we teach. He's going to get blasted one of these days."

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