I wouldn't call it an "interesting dilemma" if it's something that's happened repetitively for two decades.
Being "around .500" at the trade deadline is the worst case scenario for this team; they'll probably wind up hoarding their pending free agents in an effort to trip over the finish line, and still miss the playoffs in the end.
Bautista has figured out baseball; pimp a meaningless home run, force the opponent to hit you, raise your OBP.
We're all just playing baseball while Jose Bautista is playing 5D interdimensional Yahtzee.
I ripped Pillar's interview from the s***** Sportsnet website and re-uploaded it here:
https://vid.me/vCin
Full interview with the media. Seems genuinely apologetic and accepts the suspension.
I will be keeping track of all the pre-game controversy in this post.
Game 1 Highlights
Video: Freddie Freeman exits game in 5th inning after getting hit by pitch on left hand
Video: Tempers flare in Atlanta when Kevin Pillar uses homophobic slur after being quick-pitched
Video: Benches clear again after Bautista flips his bat on a solo home run
Fallout of Pillar incident
Tweet: Kevin Pillar post-game apology #1
Tweet: Kevin Pillar post-game apology #2
Tweet: Statement from Kevin Pillar
Tweet: Statement from Toronto Blue Jays
Tweet: (Davidi) Major League Baseball is investigating Kevin Pillar's possible use of a homophobic slur last night in exchange with Jason Motte.
Tweet: (Armstrong) Blue Jays say club is taking alleged Kevin Pillar homophobic slur "seriously." GM Ross Atkins on his way to ATL. More to come.
Tweet: (Davidi) Kevin Pillar suspended for two games
Fallout of Freeman HBP
Tweet: (Rosenthal) Braves’ Freeman has a fractured left wrist. Expectation is that he will miss at least eight weeks.
Tweet: (Gammons) One Brave veteran told a friend "we'll have a fight today" after Loup broke Freddie Freeman's hand (re-tweeted by Josh Donaldson)