Does Jorge Soler’s Performance Make Up For the Fight With Reynaldo López?
Most people heard about the recent unexpected brawl between Jorge Soler and Reynaldo López at the game between the Angels and the Braves on Tuesday, April 7. What started as tension between them quickly escalated into a big bench-clearing fight.
They were supposed to have seven-game suspensions, but López’s suspension was reduced to five games, and Soler’s suspension is on hold. That means he has still been playing with the Angels.
Soler’s Performance
If you can look past the disturbance from the brawl, you will see that Soler has been a really good player for the Angels. On Sunday night, he had a sacrifice fly and a walk. Thanks to his contribution, the Angels were able to keep their lead, and eventually they beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-6. That was a big deal.
It is safe to say it was one of the biggest games of the season for him. Soler actually managed to hit a grand slam during a five-run eighth inning, plus he recorded a two-out double earlier in the game. He helped the Angels to eventually win 10-2 against the Cincinnati Reds, breaking the Angels’ seven-game losing streak. So aside from the brawl, he’s been very good for the Angels.
Conflicted Opinions
Regardless of the fight, many people are probably very pleased that Soler has appealed his suspension and has been helping the Angels. However, his fans seem to have mixed views and opinions on recent events and on Soler in general.
Some loyal fans are defensive of Soler, saying that it was perfectly fair for Soler to charge the mound after being hit by a pitch. Others say that he was being over-dramatic about the pitch and are criticizing him. Some like the aggression, but I think they’re just starved for entertainment, in my opinion.
Many are criticizing López for hitting Soler in the head with a baseball, which I’ll admit was not his finest hour. Many are also very impressed with Braves Manager Walt Weiss for intervening by tackling Soler in an attempt to protect everyone involved. He was not suspended, and nobody really took issue with that.
Then there’s the subject of the seven-game suspensions that Soler and López received. Some are saying that this punishment is much too merciful. There is anger over the fact that López used a baseball as a weapon.
Some are frustrated over Soler’s appeal and López negotiating his suspension down to five games. Some people say that this punishment is actually way too strict, and they should just move on. Others defend the punishment because of how deadly a fastball can be when thrown near the head, which is a fair point.
The Lack Of Discipline
Yes, Soler has had a good performance with the Angels thus far. Yes, he’s had some fantastic contributions. Yes, he’s been a standout player. But that doesn’t mean that there won’t be consequences for his fight with López, or that it will be so easy to look past.
Discipline is important for a baseball player. Players need to be consistent. They need strength under control. They need dedication. They need accountability. They need to be responsible. Without those qualities, a player can’t get very far.
Soler should be aware of all this, having made it this far. And yet, though he’s known for having power, his discipline has always been a bit questionable, even before the brawl.
The brawl seems to raise the question: If he has no self-control when deciding whether or not to start a fight with someone for what may or may not have been a mistake, what will his control look like in future games? If he wants to try to do better, that would be great for himself and the Angels.
