Matthew LeCroy, third-string catcher for the Washington Nationals had some issues yesterday. I’m sure you’re aware by now. With LeCroy catching, the Astros just started stealing on him at will. Half the time, LeCroy didn’t bother to make a throw, and when he did, it sailed into centerfield. It happened again and again. The Astros finished with 7 stolen bases, and LeCroy with two throwing errors.

So Frank Robinson pulled him… replacing him in the middle of an inning. I’m not all that familiar with the unwritten rules of baseball, but… I guess that’s something that isn’t done. Managers don’t embarrass players like that… it’s just not something that happens. But Frank Robinson felt he had to do it.

The headline notwithstanding, I don’t know if there’s any way to feel about it other than just sad for both guys involved. LeCroy couldn’t throw anyone out to save his life, and everyone knew that beforehand. But Robinson didn’t have a choice but to throw him into the fire, due to some other roster issues. It didn’t work out, Robinson’s taking the blame for it (as he should), and as evidenced by his post-game tear-fest, he felt terrible about having to embarrass a guy like that. I think it’s admirable how much it hurt him to do it.

Maybe the AL would be a better place for Matt LeCroy.