Russ Springer, because of some hidden grudge or egged on by a barbaric crowd, took aim at a batter with a hardball at 90mph-plus. No matter what you think of Barry, he doesn't merit physical assault.
When Springer left the mound, he was rewarded with a standing ovation from the hometown Houston fans. Maybe they just sold an inordinate amount of beer that night but I was offended at everyone in Houston that night: Springer for being a chickenshit dickwad; Astros manager Phil Garner for condoning Springer's action as "strategy"; the Houston fans for encouraging behavior that doesn't make good baseball sense (giving a free base) and gleefully expressing a sadistic character.
You know, what goes around comes around. To paraphrase John Lennon, instant karma can come out of nowhere and hit you with an even greater force than any 90mph fastball. When I read that Springer would be serving the four-game suspension to be with his sick wife, I was thinking what would have happened if he put Barry Bonds in the hospital. Batting helmets and elbow armor are no guarantee of protection. Springer may have felt justified with his acts by the confirmation of the standing ovation but let's see him on the other side of the tracks, having rocks thrown at him and maybe the people he loves.
Bullying, terrorism... when things like this happen in baseball, they need to be dealt with in the strongest terms, even more than steroids and uniform color-coordination. Shit like this needs to be balanced out with penalites harsh enough to deter future acts of violence. I don't know if four games and a "undisclosed" fine are the answer. I get the feeling that Springer feels nice and snuggly.
I don't wish ill will on Springer's wife, whatever her condition. But she should know that, a few days ago, her husband was the leader of a lynch mob against Barry Bonds. Imagine what that action teaches his kids, or anybody's kids? Did Springer know that (gasp!) Barry Bonds has kids, too?
Eye for any eye? Tit for tat? I just wish Springer would get a taste of his own medicine, that's all.
End of line.