Jonathan Papelbon says he made an "adjustment" to his athletic supporter as he headed back to the Phillies' dugout. If you were watching on television it happened so quickly and you could only see his back, so you likely did not know what happened. Waiting for Papelbon to react to some boos was none other than second base umpire Joe West. West once again did as usually does: insert himself into the situation in some sort of loud, obnoxious way.
West immediately ejected Papelbon. But even the Phillies dugout had no idea who was even ejected at the time. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg had to ask. But, West went a step further. He walked all the way to the Phillies dugout and leaned in, pointing to Papelbon. Of course an argument would ensue. Someone with a personality like Papelbon's is an easy target for someone like West. West knows that Papelbon's buttons could be pressed, and that's way, even when it was clear Papelbon was done from the game he went after him.
When Papelbon came out to argue as West expected he would, Papelbon did not, contrary to some reports" hit the brim of West's cap with his. Papelbon was not even wearing a cap. Then, West laid his hands on Papelbon, pulling his jersey to get him away from him. West has no right whatsoever to touch a player, just as no player has the right to touch an umpire. Had Papelbon done the same, we would not have seen him for the rest of the season.
When West is not on the field trying to get everyone's attention, he is doing so off the field. West recorded a country western CD, which you can purchase here on his personal website. The website umpirejoewest.com is the only umpire home page. He lists his email address on the site, in case anyone wishes to send him attention over the matter.
Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was suspended one game for "bumping" umpire Bob Davidson during an argument two years ago. What is the fine for an umpire grabbing the jersey of a player during an argument? The sad part is that we'll never know. Umpire fines or suspensions are not made known, as per the umpire contract. We can look around to see if West has any "days off" this upcoming week, but we'll never know.
Good umpires are those we never hear about. West wants you to hear about him, and will insert himself into any situation that arises. Had Antonio Bastardo or Jake Diekman made an "adjustment" on his way off the mound, West would have not been heard from. But, Papelbon was an opportunity to show himself off, and West grabbed the opportunity. Then he grabbed Papelbon's shirt. Unacceptable.
