I dont so much have a problem with the benching as with Williams feeling the need to publicly humiliate him in the media. Calling him out to the press was not necessary. The issue should have been a private one between the manager and the player. Bryce has one of the worst reputations in the sport and this does not help. People here had a fit last season when Soriano threw Bryce under the bus in the press but its ok for the manager to do it? If your own team doesnt have your back..(and your own manager) then who will. Punish players for poor play if you feel its deserved but dont throw even more negative press at the team and specifically Harper. It was unprofessional and Williams own reputation and past makes benching someone for not respecting the game seem hypocritical. How respectful of the game was he when he doped up? We dont need crap like this to make the Nats seem like a joke. They have been doing a good enough job of that on their own. How many people casually watching at home probably even noticed Bryce "Loafing" until it was called out and turned into a spectical.
I noticed it when he didn't run to first and wondered if the manager would pull him and glad that he did. He used to always hustle but this year has been different. Must be watching too much of Big Papi.
