Save the Spit for the Test
The only spitting currently allowed in the MLB is into vials for mandatory testing. Pottymouth’s musings about the total volume of saliva this collects on a daily basis aside, the testing protocols are failing in a number of ways. There are some great role models, then there is Joe West. Smelling pizza, seeing hamburgers.
The only spitting currently allowed in the MLB is into vials for mandatory testing. Pottymouth’s musings about the total volume of saliva this collects on a daily basis aside, the testing protocols are failing in a number of ways. Intake testing wasn’t actually completed until a week after the league announced the results, and an additional 17 positive tests came from the first round of monitor tests *after* players and staff completed intake and were approved to enter training facilities.
MLB chartered planes to bring Dominican players back to the US, without testing them first, and sent those players off to their teams in 30 cities. The Cardinals and Cubs delayed additional practices because test results were not delivered on time. The Astros cancelled practice and closed their park for cleaning when a staff member reported contact with someone who tested positive outside the team. Cam Gallagher, catcher for the Royals, tested positive after catching an intersquad game -- the third Royal catcher to go on the IL. The Utah testing facility is catching a lot of heat for delays and the type of test in use, leading to an additional lab, this one at Rutgers, to address the quantity issue. Joey Gallo saw his two positive saliva tests and raised them two negative nasal swab tests from a private lab.
Canada approved the plan for the Rogers Centre bubble for the Blue Jays, to live in the adjoining Marriott and not enter the outside world except to travel to games in the US. Travis Shaw is among the players that just don’t see how this is possible. Franmil Reyes posted publicly about attending a July 4th party, maskless, and has to sit out until a negative test comes back, and apologized in all the right ways. Fernando Tatis, Jr. is a mask ambassador. Mike Trout, another mask hero, models boyfriend traits turning a family tragedy into suicide awareness. Joining the heroes is opt-out of the week, Buster Posey, who is now the proud father of adopted twin girls, born prematurely and still in the NICU. Decidedly not a hero, and surprising no one, umpire Joe West turned down MLB’s offer to pay him to sit out the season as he is seen as high risk at 67. Cowboy Joe is closing in on the record for regular season games called, and thinks the pandemic is not all that, so will be looming over the heads of catchers everywhere when the season starts. The umpires union separated itself from his remarks swiftly and decisively.
The paramedic on duty who was seriously injured when hit by a Brantley foul ball in the Astros dugout last October is suing the team, saying that lack of netting over that part of the dugout was to help the team steal signs. Can the Astros please just give him a great big check because it is the right thing to do, and spare the grasping at straws that is this shaky lawsuit? The plan for piped-in crowd noise gives former BF for life Anthony Rendon the opportunity to say “...smelling a pizza but...looking at a hamburger.” Patti and the Pottymouth would please like the Os to sign Yasiel Puig and the Nats to take back Brian Dozier. Thank you.
Over in the CPBL, the Monkeys are trying to climb back against the Brothers to win the first half of the season. The KBO saw its first tie game, where the game is called at the end of 12 tied innings. Pottymouth gets Patti a present to support the Women’s National Baseball teams “I’ve Got Your Back” fundraiser for seriously injured veteran player Shelby Estocado. You should buy a pig jersey from the Pulaski Yankees.
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