MLB’s hypocrisy is why Reds fans are upset over Amir Garrett suspension

After news dropped yesterday that Amir Garrett was slated to be suspended for seven games because of his actions in Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, a good majority of Cincinnati Reds were irate at Major League Baseball’s ruling.

I don’t think that most fans are upset at the fact that Garrett was suspended, even though seven games is excessive for an exuberant celebration. The anger comes due to MLB’s double standard that saw Garrett receive a seven-game ban while Javier Baez received a slap on the wrist.

Reds reliever Amir Garrett’s suspension isn’t the issue.

I’m not surprised one bit that Amir Garrett was suspended for his actions on Saturday afternoon following a strikeout of Anthony Rizzo. Garrett, in typical AG fashion, pounded his chest and began talking smack after punching out the Cubs’ first baseman.

The celebration, in my opinion, was very over-the-top for a non-playoff game in the month of May with one out still to go while you’re sporting an ERA over 12.00. Nonetheless, Garrett is a player that thrives on emotion, so I understand where he’s coming from.

I also understand Javier Baez’s actions following Garrett’s excessive celebration. He was sticking up for teammate. As a Reds fan, Baez ranks right behind Yadier Molina among players I can’t stand to watch take the field. Quick swinging at the air, draw a couple walks, help you team win, and come back and see me.

However, putting my personal beef with Baez aside, I think most Cincinnati fans would have wanted to see Joey Votto emerge from the dugout and come to the defense of Jesse Winker had Cubs’ reliever Dan Winkler had the same reaction as Amir Garrett. Am I right?

MLB’s hypocrisy is on full display following the suspension of Reds’ Amir Garrett.

The problem with MLB’s punishment levied on Tuesday was not the seven games dealt to Amir Garrett. It was the menial fine doled out Javier Baez. Major League Baseball is dishing out these suspensions, like we saw to Reds’ slugger Nick Castellanos and Phillies pitcher José Alvarado, because they want to curb these bench-clearing incidents.

There would not have been a benches-clearing incident had Baez not leapt over the railing atop the dugout ands charged the mound with an eye toward Garrett. Had Baez not entered the field of play with an obvious aggressive walk toward the mound, no one from the Cubs bench or the Reds bench would have poured onto the field.

If MLB really wants to curb these on-the-field dustups between teams, then the punishment must be evenhandedly passed out. If you’re going to suspend Amir Garrett, the same thing has to happen to Javier Baez. Otherwise, you’re going to have another benches-clearing incident in the future.

Rob Manfred and Michael Hill need to become more consistent in their punishment. Why did Alvarado receive a three-game suspension while Garrett got seven games for a nearly identical infraction. Why did Javier Baez get nothing more than a fine? We saw the same punishment handed down to Yadier Molina after he put his hands on Nick Castellanos on April 3rd.