A critical element that the "rulebook purists" arguing Balogun deserved a red card are conveniently overlooking:
BALOGUN was the one who was challenged from behind.
The Bosnian player played *through* Balogun from behind and placed himself in the path of Balogun's natural step.
When he begins taking that step, Balogun has no idea the Bosnian player would even be in front of him. In that sense, you can't really even consider his move a "challenge." It was simply a step that incidentally landed in the same place the opponent's foot did.
In fact, the reason Balogun's step came down so hard is *because* the Bosnian player challenged into him and knocked him off balance.
This is not "reckless" or "excessive force" by any stretch of the imagination.
The red card was *obviously* unjustified from the outset. The only thing FIFA got wrong here is not immediately suspending the red card after the match.
Just a massive problem that was a massive problem in the offseason and was not addressed at all by Cashman.
It's one of their worst pens we've seen as fans entering a season in a long time.
Despite Being One Of The Best Hitters In The Game Right Now, Ben Rice Has Been Turned Into a Platoon Player Who Doesn't Play Everyday Because Aaron Boone Is An Asshole https://t.co/tW63gcaUIK
All-Time Catchers (minimum 80% career games at C)
275+ HR and .840+ OPS (two players)
• Mike Piazza
• Jorge Posada
275+ HR and .800+ OPS (four players)
• Mike Piazza
• Jorge Posada
• Johnny Bench
• Yogi Berra
250+ HR and .800+ OPS (six players)
• Mike Piazza
• Jorge Posada
• Johnny Bench
• Yogi Berra
• Roy Campanella
• Javy Lopez
These are very short lists, folks. We really need to reframe the way we think about catcher excellence.
Jorge Posada deserves Cooperstown.
FOX broadcast last night⬇️
Roman Anthony’s 370ft home run:
“A NO-DOUBTER TO THE SECOND DECK! A 2 -RUN BOMB.”
Ben Rice’s 419ft home run:
“They sure have the stadium for home runs”