It was one of those unnerving games.
The whole purpose of video replay was to avoid arguments between managers and umpires.
On a stretch play at first base, the runner was called safe because Anthony Rizzo did not keep his
foot on the base. Fair enough, but Joe Maddon challenged the play. It was upheld. Maddon went out to argue, and immediately got tossed by the umpire. Maddon had the right to challenge the play, but he was very dumb in arguing after the replay when the call was upheld.
The next dumb play occurred on the base paths. The Cubs, like most major league teams, have troubles running the bases. It is incredible that teams don't teach base running fundamentals anymore. Or that players don't care how to run to and slide into each base.
Kris Bryant hit a single to center which was going to score a runner at home. The throw was cut off as Bryant was trying to stretch his single to second on the throw. The cut-off throw to second was close but Bryant slide in head-first into second to beat the tag. In the process Bryant's body slide into the second baseman who applied a hard tag to his head and neck.
As a result, Bryant complained that he was "woozy" to the point of being taken out of the game.
Sports teams are well aware of concussions. There are new treatment protocols to protect athletes from brain injuries.
There was no reason for Bryant to slide head first into second base. Studies have shown that a head first slide into the bag is slower than a regular slide. Also, it is more dangerous to slide head first into the play.
The Cubs still won the game without Maddon on the bench or Bryant playing the rest of the game. But neither of those events should have happened in the game.
Also as a footnote, people were puzzled when James Russell batted in the pitcher's spot late in Sunday's game. Well, it is because the Cubs are carrying no bench players. With Bryant taken out for injury, only Ross and Denorfia were left on the bench. The Cubs are carrying 14 pitchers at the moment, which means only three position reserves. That is also maddening.
