Blue Jays: The Hypocrisy of Rougned Odor’s Slide Issue

The Blue Jays/Rangers rivalry exploded on Sunday when Rougned Odor caught Jose Bautista with a swift right hook following a takeout slide.

Let’s rewind to October 3, 2015 when Rougned Odor levelled Los Angeles Angels second baseman Johnny Giavotello with a blatant takeout slide. Without question the slide was late and with the intent to breakup a double play, which is something every baseball player is taught to do throughout their playing career.

Now let’s compare that slide to Jose Bautista’s late breakup slide on Sunday. Yes, his slide was late, and, depending on who you ask, it was somewhat dirty. But prior to Chase Utley obliterating Ruben Tejada during last year’s NLCS, it was a baseball play we’ve seen time and time again.

A player slides hard into the bag a bit late to break up a double play. Nothing out of the ordinary.

More from Tip of the Tower

• Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
• Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
• Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
• Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
• Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith

So after Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was tossed earlier in the game, and the Rangers hit Bautista in the same inning, did Odor really expect a soft slide from Bautista?

If anything, Odor is lucky Bautista slid into the bag because he could’ve easily slid cleats up — like Odor has done numerous times — to the right-hand side of the bag and dismantled his left leg while he was completing his transfer to turn two.

Taking exception to Bautista’s slide is one thing, but throwing a haymaker is an entirely different thing. Considering the way Odor plays the game, throwing a punch after a late, but relatively soft, takeout slide is a complete and utter joke. It’s not the first time Odor has done something like this either.

The swift hook from Odor doesn’t resolve anything from last year’s infamous bat-flip during Game 5 of the ALDS. Instead, it just turns this heated rivalry into an inferno.

More from Toronto Blue Jays

• Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
• Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
• Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
• Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
• Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback

Think of it like this: the Rangers waited until the very last meeting between them and the Blue Jays to retaliate and drill Bautista during his last at bat. Not only were they at home, but they don’t have to see the Blue Jays again until possibly the postseason. Essentially, it’s a gutless hit-and-run that screams of hurt feelings and frustration.

Regardless of how upset the Rangers were, or still are, for Bautista’s actions, I’m sure every single player on their roster — especially the veterans — would admit that Bautista’s “takeout slide” on Sunday was soft by baseball standards.

Yes, the slide was late, but that kind of slide does not warrant a punch. Call the slide bush league, call it dirty, call it whatever you want. It’s a typical baseball play that has been around forever.

Next: Blue Jays: Pillar and Martin Man Up During Brawl

As for the Rangers’ antics on Sunday. Well, that’s the definition of bush league and something that doesn’t belong in the game. If you’re going to play the game hard, don’t get upset when another player, or team, plays the same way.