Last September, the Kansas City Royals swept the Detroit Tigers, allowing for the Minnesota Twins' to win the American League Central Division by one game. Nobody is a grateful as Twins Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter (apparently). This past weekend, Hunter delivered four bottles of champagne to the Royals clubhouse as a token of gratitude. After all, the Royals really had no reason to win the game except for bragging rights and a few bottles of the bubbly. Hunter's act could, according to the MLB rule book and commissioner Bud Selig, cost him a three-year suspension.Rule 21-b states:
"Any player or person connected with a Club who shall offer or give any gift or reward to a player or person connected with another Club for services rendered ... in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing Club ... shall be declared ineligible for not less than three years."
Ouch. If Selig puts this rule into effect, it could mean a world of hurt for the Twins. But let's take a look at how irrational a three-year suspension would be in this situation. I wouldn't consider it a bribe for the Royals to win because Hunter gave them the bottles seven months after the series occurred. And be honest, the Tigers (95-67) had to play pretty bad to get swept by the Royals (62-100) last year. Hunter said he didn't even know about the rule at the time, and if he had, I'm sure he wouldn't have sent the care package. Selig needs to think over the situation before making any harsh decisions. Maybe suspend him for a game, or even a series. But for three years? Give me a break. Hunter said that his intentions were good and it was meant to be a joke. Let's let this pass by and focus on something more important. Like maybe A-Rod hitting 74 long balls this year?
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