Quote Originally Posted by Brutus the Pimp View Post
I don't think it's a stretch to say he was trying to brush McCutchen off the plate. He's known for being right up on the plate, so sure I wouldn't at all be surprised he was trying to brush him back. But there's a huge difference trying to pitch inside to knock a guy back and actually trying to hit him with malice intent.
Exactly. McCutchen was crowding the plate. That pitch was not that far inside. It was likely a purpose pitch. I don't think Chapman intentionally hit him, but I also don't think he was too concerned if he did hit him. As for Chapman's control, I don't think it's pinpoint. He is sometimes wild in the zone. But his extreme velocity often intimidates batters into swinging.


Quote Originally Posted by membengal View Post
That is, quite literally, the kind of pitch that Bob Gibson never hesitated to throw. Ever.
Absolutely! If anyone stood on top of the plate against Gibson or Drysdale, a high hard one was practically guaranteed. Two outs in the ninth and nobody on with a 3-0 lead is the perfect time for a brushback.