Sour Grapes?

Former Commissioner Fay Vincent let Bud Selig and baseball have it again tonight. His criticism of Selig for letting the All-Star game end in a tie are valid, but he does not offer any other alternatives. Also, he would know that the commissioner has little control over the on-field decisions of the managers (i.e., using all of the available pitchers). In asking, "How can you not anticipate it going extra innings?" Vincent perhaps is accusing Selig of not making some rule changes prior to the game to reserve a certain number of pitchers for extra innings. This would be a valid question to ask for anyone but the former commissioner. One could just as easily ask that question of him. As I pointed out in an earlier blog, the previous record for most players used in a game (56) was set in 1981 (and tied in '99). This has been an issue for some time. Unfortunately for baseball and especially for Selig, fate choice this year to be the one in which the worst-case scenario played out.

Vincent then states that Selig's position with the owners may no longer be secure. He then offers this opinion of the current state of baseball:

"A total mess. If there were stock in baseball, it would be hitting a new low. It's as low as it can possibly go."