The Targets Extend To The Minors

Evidently the Dodgers and their minor league affiliates have targets on their backs. Their AAA affiliate the Albuquerque Isotopes were involved in a basebrawl with the Memphis Redbirds yesterday when two Isotopes batters were plunked in back-to-back innings last night in the Isoptopes 13-10 win. In my opinion the Isotopes players have a right to defend themselves. Warnings were issued, ejections were made, but Justin Sellers still got one high and tight after Isotopes player Jeremy Moore hit a three-run homer. When warnings like that are issued, a pitcher loses his ability to pitch inside. There is no way to tell intent but if a pitch comes close to being inside, you run the risk of getting tossed from the game. I'm a baseball purist and pitching inside and beanballs have always been an accepted part of the game. Going head hunting is a different matter altogether because that signifies an intent to injure. I am sure suspensions will be handed down but I think baseball needs to take at the umpires not being able to control the game and letting situations like this escalate.