What's the Difference?

The Orioles and Tigers resumed a plunking tiff last night in Detroit that started in Baltimore 3 weeks ago during the first series between the two clubs. The Tigers plunk Tejada and the Orioles retaliate by plunking Sheffield. This is generally considered an honorable pursuit amongst baseball teams striving for an edge over a worthy foe.

Last night was different, though, and arguably illustrates why the Orioles may be only flirting with the status of "worthy foe" and why the Tigers may be flattering them by treating them as such.

First of all, Tejada offered at the Bonderman pitch that started last nights episode. He put it in play. He followed this by not running to first and then posturing and jawing at the Tigers pitcher. While Tejada may believe his tantrum was brought on because Bonderman threw at him, the reality is that the tantrum was brought on because Bonderman retired him.

When the Orioles retaliated by hitting Sheffield in the middle of the back, Sheffield dropped his bat lightly and trotted to 1st base. No stare, no jawing, no posturing. Just take your base.

Tejada is clearly the Orioles best player. Tejada is widely regarded (amongst the talking heads) as the O's on field leader. The O's will not be a winning team until they get winning on field leadership. You can't throw a tantrum because you made an out. You can't hit the opposing teams' big hitter because your big hitter made an out. Your focus must be on winning, not on protecting your man.

Sometimes, your man just has to be a man.