Ultimate Fighting vibe or grappling with the absurd?
What: Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder went MMA on pitcher Manny Parra, slapping and shoving the right-hander after the two exchanged words.
When: The startling scene played out in the visiting dugout at Great American Ball Park. Parra, disappointed that he was lifted for a pinch hitter, began heading to the clubhouse. Fielder suggested it would be in his best interest to stick around and watch the remainder of the inning. The pair disagreed, and as Parra put his jacket on, it appeared to clip Fielder. The big first baseman went nuts, getting physical before teammates intervened.
Background: This is the second public incident involving the Brewers in a calendar year. Last August, manager Ned Yost got into it with catcher Johnny Estrada. The team tanked after the confrontation, with at least one Brewer telling me Yost had lost the clubhouse. Soon after, the Brewers lost a shot at the postseason. Yost’s reaction to Fielder’s fracas was insulting. He suggested that the media was rude for asking about it, comparing it to knocking on a neighbor’s door to discuss his family’s problems. OK, Ned Flanders, next time tell your players to fight where cameras aren’t present or risk the wrath of all us Homer Simpson scribes.
Renck’s take: There’s nothing wrong with a little intensity and wanting accountability from teammates. The fallout is usually dramatic regardless. It can either galvanize a club or send 25 cabs in different directions. The Brewers won three straight after the dust-up. For a team whose mental toughness was questioned last season, that’s a good sign. The reality is that the window is closing on this group, heightening tensions. If the Brewers don’t make the playoffs this season, there’s no telling how long their 25-year drought will extend.
