You know who Joe West is, and that is a problem. The best umpires are the ones you've never heard of, the ones who do a good job without trying to become part of the game. Joe West has never been that guy.
The scene in Philadelphia on Sunday was a crazy one. Jonathan Papelbon blew a save opportunity by allowing four runs in the ninth inning against the Marlins. As Papelbon was walking back to the dugout, the Phillies fans let their closer know that they were none too happy. Papelbon reacted to the rain of boos by gesturing to the fans in a way that can only be described as distasteful.
That's when Joe West saw a good opportunity to overstep his boundaries and become part of the story. He walked towards the Phillies dugout and ejected Papelbon.
Papelbon came charging out of the dugout and argued with West emphatically. West's explanation for the ejection was baffling:
"The whole thing started because the fans booed him and he made an obscene gesture. He had no business doing that. He's got to be more professional than that. And that's why he was ejected."
I'm sorry, what? West kicked Papelbon out because he saw Papelbon's gesture to the fans as obscene? And he's giving lessons on being professional? West is one of the least professional umpires in the game.
Baseball players should respect their paying customers. At the same time, if while in uniform, I wanted to insult each and every one of you, I can do that. And at no time is it the umpire's prerogative to step in and discipline me.
It got worse. West said the brim of Papelbon's hat touched his during the argument. I've seen the video enough times; he might have grazed it. But West's reaction to the bump was to grab Papelbon by the jersey and shove him aside. I was shocked by what I saw, and more shocked that Papelbon didn't knock Cowboy Joe out.
At no time, under any circumstances, is an umpire permitted to lay his hands on a player. Joe West went so far past the line that if he turned around, he could no longer see it.
Joe Torre should suspend Joe West for the rest of the season, keep him out of the postseason, and fine Papelbon for the gesture. But it's likely that only one of those things happens.
