That's what I meant about beating up an old man...the first base coach.
Poor security a huge issue at Sox park
While major-league security officials rack their brains for ways to keep drunken fans from running onto the field and attacking players, coaches and umpires, Seattle centerfielder Mike Cameron has a simple solution.
"Just put an advisory on the scoreboard that if you come on the field, you are going to get your butt kicked," Cameron said. "You look at every guy who has come on the field, he has gotten his butt kicked."
Cameron was only half-kidding.
Major League Baseball, and the Chicago White Sox in particular, are justifiably embarrassed and troubled about the attack on umpire Laz Diaz last Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular (nee Comiskey) Park.
Coincidentally, the incident occurred during a game against the Kansas City Royals, whose previous visit to the South Side was marred by a two-fan attack on first base coach Tom Gamboa.
The Royals were steamed about the incident, in part because the fan who grabbed Diaz around the legs was the fourth to run on the field during the game.
"The first time, it was no big deal," Kansas City manager Tony Pena said. "The second and third time, I said, 'Somebody has to stop this.' "
In order to prevent a repeat, the White Sox added security guards and ordered ushers to be vigilant in checking ticket stubs to make sure fans don't sneak near the field. But they didn't change a policy that allows vendors to sell beer in the stands through the top of the eighth inning and at concession stands through the end of the eighth.
Minnesota first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz believes that baseball should relocate the All-Star Game, which is scheduled for U.S. Cellular on July 15.
"I think they should take the All-Star Game away from there, honestly," Mientkiewicz told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "You can't be having first-base coaches and umpires getting attacked. That's ridiculous."
Baseball feels the same way about Mientkiewicz's suggestion.
"There is no relationship between this and the All-Star Game," said Sandy Alderson, baseball's executive vice president for baseball operations. "The All-Star Game will be played in Chicago, played in a safe environment for players, umpires and fans, and it will be a great event."
The Diaz attack was a hot topic in big-league clubhouses last week.
"It used to be that when somebody ran out onto the field it was the kissing bandit - that pretty woman that came up to you and gave you a kiss," Cleveland first base coach Jeff Datz said. "Not anymore. Now if somebody runs out on the field, he jumps on your back."
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The story is wrong; the pitcher involved--Doug Brocail--had told Mr. Bueno to back off, as did some of the other Rangers. But, he was liquored up, and wouldn't.