MLB To Investigate NY Mets For Use Of Excessive Force Against Cubs

“They had a five-run lead in the bottom of the ninth last night. The objective did not warrant such a display of pitching.”

Chicago, October 22 – Major League Baseball will open an inquiry into whether the New York Mets went overboard offensively in defeating the Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series last night, sources in the Office of the Commissioner announced this morning.

The Mets swept the best-of-seven series from Chicago in four games, scoring in the first inning in each game and never trailing. Daniel Murphy, the Mets second-baseman not known for his home run production, hit one in each game. In the process Murphy became the first player ever to hit a home run in six consecutive postseason games, extending back to the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, altogether hitting four home runs off Cy Young Award winners and contenders. The display by Murphy and his teammates, who took the final game 8-3 at Wrigley Field, prompted baseball officials to investigate whether the Mets had acted disproportionately on offense and defense against any threat the Cubs may have posed.

Commissioner Rob Manfred instructed his staff to open the inquiry after an acquaintance on the UN Human Rights Council suggested New York acted disproportionately. Baseball officials summoned Mets manager Terry Collins to a hearing in New York tomorrow, while reviewing footage of the games and interviewing Cubs players, fans, and the team of umpires.

“It just wasn’t a fair fight,” said Chicago fan Steven Bartman, who witnessed the events. “There must have been some outside factor in play, because there’s no way, by the rules, those Mets should have been able to get to [game 2 starter Jake] Arietta like that, or run the bases. Did you see Murphy steal third on a walk in game one? Or beat that throw to first in game three, then go to third on a single? Then beat the throw home on a grounder to first? I’m telling you, that was over the top.”

Cubs fans and officials accused the Mets of excessive use of their ace closer Jeurys Familia, who did not allow a run in his four appearances. “It was unjustified,” said Cubs manager Joe Maddon. “They had a five-run lead in the bottom of the ninth last night. The objective did not warrant such a display of pitching.”

MLB officials are also considering a limit on run production, stolen bases, and dazzling defensive plays, but critics of the organization have already said the Mets are being singled out for this treatment, hinting at bias against New York. “Have you noticed that everyone’s always complaining about the Yankees’ money, at how they buy pennants and championships?” argued New York fan Jeffrey Maier. “Aside from getting the facts wrong, those accusations fuel prejudice against New York, and umpires will automatically make calls that go against New York.”