June 26, 2003

Cubs' reliever Kyle Farnsworth has his suspension reduced.: Is there a reason almost every suspension handed out by MLB is reduced, even when the player is obviously at fault? Are they just looking for a little contrition from the guilty parties?

posted by Wallzatcha to baseball at 03:08 PM - 2 comments

I've often wondered about this. First of all, I'm sure the union encourages all members to appeal any suspensions as a matter of course. I don't know if this is to exert influence, wave their collective dick at the management, or what. But I think it's analagous to a speeding ticket. Unless there were mitigating circumstances, usually the effort to appeal is worth it (especially if they are contrite, as you mention, which I am sure they are looking for when deciding on the appeal).

posted by vito90 at 04:18 PM on June 26, 2003

It always seems to me that they try to save face with the public and impose the suspension, but then a couple days later they lessen the penalty. I'm sure they don't want to cause a team paying $5 million or more a year for a player to miss a couple games but it just seems to lessen their authority in my opinion.

posted by Wallzatcha at 05:12 PM on June 26, 2003

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