Johnny Cueto should be in prison.

I've been saying this since August of 2010, when the Reds pitcher kicked Cardinal catcher Jason LaRue in the head, effectively ending his career. Yes, LaRue would probably have retired at the end of the season anyway, but that's not the point.

Going into a series in Cincinnati two years ago, Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips popped off about how he hates the Cardinals. When Phillips came to bat in the first inning of the game on August 10, he reached out with his bat and tapped the shin guard of Cardinal catcher Yadier Molina as a form of greeting. Molina took exception and got in his face. Then the benches cleared, then the bullpens emptied. Usually, that's where baseball fights end -- players standing around, glaring at each other, with maybe a little pushing and shoving. This one didn't end there. There were punches thrown, and  Cueto started kicking at nobody in particular with his spikes. He wound up making contact with LaRue, causing a concussion and hastening his retirement.

Questioned about it afterward, Cueto said something to the effect that he was pinned against the wall behind home plate and he was afraid. I went back and looked at the video. So let me get this straight, Johnny -- the heavy action was nowhere near you, there was nobody coming after you, so you started using your metal spikes as a weapon??

In my opinion, Cueto should have charged with assault and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Instead, he's the starting pitcher for the Reds tonight against the Cardinals.

Okay, I feel better now. That is, until the next time he starts against the Cardinals.

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