I don't think Maddon should have ratcheted up the intensity by using the phrase "borderline criminal" or even contemptible. To now, he has simply defended his player and dismissed the incidents as simple differences in philosophy. But his language this time endorses the emotional frenzy, and I think he is mistaken. It would have been enough to point out the legitimate difference between what Johnson did and what Duncan did and make the point that Duncan's action was dirty and wrong. Even the word "they" is misplaced; the Yankees did not do it. Duncan did.

Second, I do not think there is justification for Gomes. I like him very much, but the umpire had already tossed Duncan, Iwamura was up and about and there was nobody to defend. Just as Duncan's slide was probably pre-meditated so too was Gomes tackle from behind, and it was foolish for many reasons.

I still think Girardi's initial complaint was poorly phrased as it focused on Maddon's managerial style and was an insulting attack in the press. And Duncan's slide was reprehensible. On balance, if we are rating "guilt", I think Duncan and Girardi are far more in the wrong than are Johnson, Gomes and Maddon.

I also think there is far more willingness among Yankee fans to criticize their own team on internet sites than I have seen among Rays' fans. From either side, the personal attacks on fan bases, managers and individual players are nonsense. And I have no respect for the view that a team has to become thuggish to defend its honor. There is a difference between toughness & spirit on the one hand and strutting belligerence on the other.

As far as teams not caring about winning and losing in Spring training, remember that you're talking about the Rays, who have built a culture of losing.  But now we have a new look, new name, and a new attitude.  We've got players who believe in the team philosophy and a pitching staff that should be able to get the job done on most nights.  So maybe the Yankees don't care about W's and L's in the Spring, but you gotta believe the Rays do.  Above and beyond that, if Girardi doesn't care about winning before the season starts, he needs to tell his catchers to stand away from the plate when opposing runners are coming in to score.

Gomes coming in to defend Aki may not have been the smartest thing to do, but it was absolutely the right thing.  By sticking up for Aki, Gomes showed the rest of the league that the mantra for this year's squad, WE ARE ONE TEAM, is one that the team is really believing in.

What I don't see here (maybe I did from others here last Sat.) is anyone stepping out of their fan shoes and saying maybe plowing a catcher in Spring is something our manager shouldn't encourage. He's risking his own players' health as well. The Yanks' feel if he wants to play that way, OK, we can too. That is in no way in my mind justifying Duncan. He did it wrong. And don't give me the "well maybe players shouldn't dive for balls..." line. Volitional hard impact with another player is inherently risky and can easily be avoided. As you said, he could, maybe should have slid. Did he not because of Maddon's earlier comment - a player trying to do what'sexpected. I lean to the instinct side. Girardi has been explicit about the opposite view.

I do have to say I'm disappointed in Girardi's "I have to look at the replay" comment. But Maddon's "borderline criminal" remark isn't exactly tuned to diffuse the situation or encourage it to end wither.

Further, I think when Maddon was asked if he would have a private discussion with Girardi to talk it out, his response was more than a bit cavalier. I'm sure this is helping his team get a we're in this together feel, and that may be good for them. I just don't think I'd have gone about it quite this way. I know many here and in NY are taking the "don't be a pansy" route - which they'll stick to doggedly until a key player is hurt.

Thanks for broadening the discussion as always.

Interesting that Duncan is "borderline criminal" but Gomes coming full speed from 30 yards away to charge Duncan from behind is standing up for a teammate. I'd like to see Joe Maddon make a comment that attempts to defuse the situation. I think Joe's a good guy - but also that he's overworking this into some team bonding thing. Perhaps cooler heads will prevail soon - its still front burner so I'll cut him some slack.

And there's at least an argument that what happened here was simply a dumb play, not that it was premeditated (though he welcomed the opportunity to "send a message" at some point). Duncan did slide into 2B in a game, elevated his foot to upset a tag - successfully - and argues he was doing the same here. I think it's a stupid and dangerous play, he shouldn't do it, and that he's bull****.  

And as I already said, I'm cool with it. That should have ended this whole thing.