In Wednesday's Mariners-Yankees game, Derek Jeter was hit in the left thigh by a pitch from Mariners reliever Josh Kinney in the eighth inning of game Seattle was leading 2-1. Of course, as soon as he's plunked, Yankees broadcaster Suzyn Waldman audibly smacks her desk, before lamenting that "I'm sure it wasn't on purpose, but these are major league pitchers, and that's enough of this, Seattle!"

Enough of what, exactly? Kinney is a 33 year-old who's totaled just 6 2/3 innings in the majors this year, and has walked 31 hitters in 71 2/3 innings. It's not as if this is Greg Maddux out there with pinpoint control, hitting players whenever he wants. And if you're going to hit a guy, why would you hit a player at the top of the order to lead off the eighth inning of a one run game? It makes less than no sense. Of course, the Yankees rallied in the eighth and went on to win the game 5-2 with Jeter scoring the game's tying run… so I guess justice was served in Waldman's mind.

[h/t: Jimmy Traina]

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.