* When a pitcher is suspended for five days as was Ryan Dempster, he won’t even miss a start. But if a position player were to be suspended for five days, he more than likely would miss five games. So a pitcher can use a ball as a weapon and not suffer any consequences, but if a batter, say, rushes the mound swinging a bat, he could be history for almost a week. Dempster should have gotten five starts,not five days. Major League Baseball won’t wake up until a beanball severely injures a batter.
JAMES PANZO
Brooklyn
Bravo, Ichiro!
* It was only fitting Ichiro Suzuki got his 4000th professional hit in a Yankees uniform. Ichiro is one of the best all-around players to ever play the game. Playing in Seattle, he really didn’t get the recognition he deserves. Along with his talent, he brings class and dignity to the game, something that has been lacking lately.
JOHN BUONAGURA
Stewart Manor, N.Y.
* Congratulations to Ichiro Suzuki, who achieved his 4000th professional hit this week. His defensive prowess and ability to score runs continue to help the Yankees win crucial games during this pennant run. Ichiro truly respects the game and has always carried himself with great dignity. It is still a pleasure to watch him in the twilight of his great career, after which he will certainly be the first Japanese born player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
STEVEN F. PALUMBO
Rockville Centre, N.Y.
Shut up & play
* Ever since Alex Rodriguez got suspended, other players have been crying: Why is he still playing when he got suspended? Well first off, it is because it is in the collective bargaining agreement. A player has the right to appeal any suspension and play until his appeal is heard. Second, and most important, last I saw, I was living in the United States of America, where everyone is innocent until proven guilty. All these crybaby multi-million-dollar players have a choice: Just like they bargained to be able to appeal a suspension, they can vote to change the rule so once a player is suspended, he can’t play. Whether I agree with A-Rod or not, he is using the rules fairly to his advantage. Now stop bitching and play ball.
ROBERT PIOVESAN
Rye, N.Y.