Stanton Gets Beaned; Kooks Take to Twitter; Hilarity Ensues

Feb 12, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (left) talks with outfielder Juan Pierre (right) during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton took a Jose Fernandez fastball up and in during a simulation game in Jupiter today.  The ball bounced up off of his neck and under his helmet, knocking it almost to the backstop.  Stanton walked off under his own power, but after a couple of “where’d you park your car, son?” questions, he took a golf cart ride back to the clubhouse for a more detailed examination.  He was alert and focused enough to sign a couple of autographs before the cart trip, so serious damage isn’t likely.

Naturally, about nine minutes after the tweets by Joe Capozzi and Juan Rodriguez, the TwitterTrolls crawled out of the woodwork: @RQ20 asked “Think Jose hit Stanton on purpose?”

Seriously?  Now the evil of Jeffrey Loria is so far-reaching that he’s issuing beanball orders for post-season fire sale temper tweetrums?  I love a conspiracy theory as much as the next guy, but, sheesh!

Here is a link to a YouTube clip.  High and tight fastballs are an inherent risk of the game.  We here at Marlin Maniac hope that Mr. Stanton is uninjured, and that Mr. Fernandez doesn’t develop the yips after nearly dropping the Savior of the Season.

Rub a little dirt on it and get back to work.