We all know DaMeat, please meet: DaMeltdown

[Blimpie]

From what I learned this morning, the only official team video of this incident is from a center field scoreboard camera (think satellite footage). Thus, the best details to emerge from this whole event are the product of our own young cubby reporter, one Corky Miller.

It bears mentioning that this home plate umpire was of the strike replacement variety. Apparently, that's why the International League is not releasing his name at this time. I believe that this suspension is gonna fall squarely in the category of "message sending." Enjoy your summer vacation, Delmon.

Rays prospect Young throws bat at ump
04/27/2006 12:51 AM ET
By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

Devil Rays top prospect Delmon Young is facing a potentially lengthy suspension after throwing his bat at an umpire's chest during Wednesday night's game at Pawtucket.
The Durham Bulls outfielder, listed No. 1 on most prospect lists, including MLB.com's, took a called third strike from Pawtucket's Jon Lester in the first inning of the International League contest. Following the strike call, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft refused to leave the batter's box, glaring back at the home plate umpire for an extended period of time, according to those who witnessed the game.

"He stood there, looking back for a long period of time, maybe 30 seconds," Pawtucket broadcaster Dan Hoard recalled. "It was borderline, but not ridiculous from the vantage point of the broadcasting booth. I've learned since, from the Pawtucket catcher (Corky Miller), that the umpire told him to go back and he wouldn't go."

Young finally took a step or two toward his dugout when the umpire ejected him from the game. The timing of the ejection made it seem like Young said something to the umpire as he began his retreat, but Hoard said Miller told him Young was silent at the time.

Young then took a couple of steps and threw the bat at the umpire. According to The Associated Press, Young flipped the bat underhand. It sailed end over end and hit the umpire in the chest.

"It wasn't with force, but I'd say that was his intent," Hoard said. "He went back to the dugout and disappeared. That was the end of his night and the end of his playing for some time."

No one from the International League was available for comment on the incident. According to policy, the umpire will file a report with president Randy Mobley on Thursday. Mobley, in turn, will read it, interview those involved in the incident and make the decision what kind of suspension should be handed down.

In addition, no one with the Devil Rays, including several players reached for comment, would comment until executives in the organization had a chance to review tape of the incident. Young, 20, gave an official "no comment" when reached in his hotel room after the game. "It's going to be interesting," Hoard said. "He's certainly looking at a lengthy suspension from the league. I'm not sure if the Rays will tack on anything.

"I've never seen anyone throw a bat at anybody. I've seen a lot of games and never seen that before."

This is not the first time Young has let his anger get the better of him. Last May, while playing in the Double-A Southern League for the Montgomery Biscuits, he drew a three-game suspension for bumping an umpire. He also was nearly ejected earlier in the season when, after being hit by a pitch, he flung his bat in the air and it landed about 20 feet from the pitcher.

Minor League Baseball games have been umpired by replacements for every game thus far in the 2006 season, with the regular crews currently out on strike.

Young was hitting .333 with 12 steals (tied for the IL lead with teammate B.J. Upton) entering the game.

[TC81190]

Former Fox 19 sports anchor Dan Hoard sighting.

[RBA]

Seems to me, criminal charges need to be filed. Also, Delmon got a big signing bonus/contract, correct? A minor league umpire could use some extra cash and I wouldn't blame him a bit if he filed a lawsuit against him.

By the way, I predict Delmon to end up in the Nationals organization.
Is he 5 tools?

[TC81190]

Originally Posted by RBA

By the way, I predict Delmon to end up in the Nationals organization.
Is he 5 tools?

Think early career Ken Griffey Jr.

[RBA]

Originally Posted by TC81190

Think early career Ken Griffey Jr.

I knew he was good, but I didn't know he was that good. But I don't think Jr ever threw a bat at anyone.

[TC81190]

Originally Posted by RBA

I knew he was good, but I didn't know he was that good. But I don't think Jr ever threw a bat at anyone.

Think early career Ken Griffey Jr., with rage.

[Blimpie]

Originally Posted by RBA

Seems to me, criminal charges need to be filed. Also, Delmon got a big signing bonus/contract, correct? A minor league umpire could use some extra cash and I wouldn't blame him a bit if he filed a lawsuit against him.

By the way, I predict Delmon to end up in the Nationals organization.
Is he 5 tools?

A replacement minor league umpire, at that...I have already heard people trying to downplay this by saying, "The ump was wearing a chest protector..."

I don't know how malicious the toss was, but it really doesn't matter. Umpires are untouchable--it is way too slippery of a slope to be judging "intent to harm." He has to sit, and sit for a long time.

[cumberlandreds]

You don't throw anything,a bat or a mouthpiece, at an official. IMO and it may be harsh, but I think Young should be suspended for the season. The minor leagues and MLB need to send a strong message that this will not be tolerated. I know we all get frustrated with calls but you can not throw things,especially objects that can do harm, at another person.

[Yachtzee]

Originally Posted by TC81190

Think early career Ken Griffey Jr., with rage.

Maybe he's addicted to rage-ahol

[Blimpie]

ESPN is now reporting that Delmon Young has been "suspended indefinitely by the International League pending the outcome of their investigation..."

[westofyou]

http://baseballminutia.com/blog/2006...t-show-him-up/

[flyer85]

Originally Posted by RBA

Is he 5 tools?

He's most deinitely a tool.

[Tommyjohn25]

I just saw the footage on "The Hot List". It was not, by any means, a soft toss. It also came very close to hitting the umpire in the face.

[Blimpie]

Originally Posted by Tommyjohn25

I just saw the footage on "The Hot List". It was not, by any means, a soft toss. It also came very close to hitting the umpire in the face.

Just curious...but was the footage you saw from the center field scoreboard camera, or have they already gathered up camcorder footage from fans?

[Tommyjohn25]

Originally Posted by Blimpie

Just curious...but was the footage you saw from the center field scoreboard camera, or have they already gathered up camcorder footage from fans?

Not sure if it was a center field cam or not, it looked like it I guess. However, wherever it came from it was clear and very good footage, and I'll say this, what he did was dangerous and he should be out of the game for a good long reflective period. I would watch Sportscenter tonight (as painful as it may be), as I'm sure they'll show again.



And again and again and again.