[sullivand]

MLB should heavily consider banning the maple bats. It seems like one is busting with every single at-bat. It lengthens the game, disrupts the pitchers' rhythm, and distracts fielders from making plays. You'd think the League would be just as concerned about the safety of players, coaches & umpires as that of the fans, as well as game-flow.

Looks like the maple bat issue is back in the news. I just got back from tonight's Royals game -- scary scene in the second inning when this happened...

"Plate umpire Brian O'Nora was taken to the hospital in the second inning after shards from Miguel Olivo's maple bat lacerated his forehead on the same day that Major League Baseball commissioned a study on the dangerous lumber."