Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez deserves suspension for actions on Monday
By David Hill
The Chicago Cubs rivalry with the Cincinnati Reds had more fuel added to the fire on Monday. Javier Baez walked off the Reds, leading to a thrilling 6-5 victory, but the outcome was not the story. Instead, the game will be remembered for Baez’s actions after hitting his fly ball to deep center.
After sending Amir Garrett‘s offering to the outfield to score the winning run, Baez began mouthing off to the Reds’ pitcher. He slowly walked towards first, using the bat as a paddle as he made his way up the baseline before firing the bat in Garrett’s direction.
Major League Baseball needs to suspend Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez
There is a history between Garrett and Baez. The Cubs infielder took exception to Garrett celebrating striking him out back in 2019, although this is common these days. Baez also instigated a situation in May after Garrett struck out Anthony Rizzo, resulting in a suspension for the Reds’ pitcher while Baez was fined.
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As it is, Major League Baseball has been overboard with suspensions of Reds’ players. Joey Votto and Nick Castellanos both received suspensions they did not deserve. Meanwhile, Baez deserved a suspension for his actions back in May, but was just made to write a check to the league.
This time, the league needs to step in. Baez needs to be sat for a few games for his actions, especially given the history between the two players. Otherwise, Baez may find himself facing a fastball in the ribs and the benches clearing situation will essentially write itself.
Emotion in the game is perfectly fine. Watching batters fire their bats into the air after a home run, or seeing pitchers celebrate a big strikeout, will help grow the game. The players are not emotionless robots, and they should not be expected to be treated as such. But there is a line, and it is one that Baez crossed on Monday.
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Major League Baseball needs to suspend Javier Baez for his actions. Otherwise, the Chicago Cubs infielder could be wearing a fastball in the coming days.