ENOUGH WITH THE EXCUSES FOR PINEDA AND PINE TAR

In his first start against the Red Sox, it was blatantly obvious that Michael Pineda had a foreign substance on his hand.  While pictures and comments made their rounds on the tv, radio, and internet, Red Sox manager John Farrell did not ask the umpires to check him.

When asked about it, Farrell said that by the time he became aware of it, it was no longer there.  Pretty much every current or former baseball player said that all pitchers use pine tar to grip the ball on cold nights and that it isn't a big deal.  However, most agreed that he shouldn't be so blatant about breaking a rule.

Pineda of course did not acknowledge the substance for what it was and said it was dirt. 

Today, Pineda decided to try a new hiding spot for his magic dirt.  After giving up 2 runs in the 1st inning Pineda suddenly had some brown goop on the side of his neck when he came out for the 2nd.  This time Farrell spoke up and the umpires responded.

If you've been on twitter or reading peoples' comments online about the ejection, you have seen all kinds of comments like:

• It's just for grip on cold weather days
• It makes the game safer
• It doesn't help the pitcher
• Everyone does it
• Farrell shouldn't have said anything
• Lester does it so he better watch out
• Buchholz does it too, so Red Sox fans shouldn't be saying anything

Well, I say all that is hogwash.  Pineda is CLEARLY using it to pitch better.  When he doesn't have it, he has less control and gets hit.  When he has it, he is almost unhittable.  Don't give me that cold weather BS.  This was at least the third start he has had pine tar on him.  Once at Yankee Stadium, tonight at Fenway Park and earlier this season at Rogers Centre.  Oh yeah, Rogers Centre has a retractable roof that was closed when he pitched there. 

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