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I think rules like that just get in the way. I mean, i think they are necessary but I just don't think that the rule should apply to situations like this. It sounds like the rule was set up to prevent monetary gifts that could be construed as bribery.I don't feel like 4 bottles of champaign a long time after the royals swept the tigers could be considered bribery. But sports rules are ridiculous sometimes and as long as everything works out it's fine.

As a diehard Twins fan, I feel the need to clarify this story because, as usual, ESPN has misinterpreted what Hunter was trying to do with his actions.

The Twins were the best team (record-wise) in baseball in the second half last year. They already had the wildcard locked up the last weekend of the year, but needed the Royals to sweep Detroit to win the division.

After Kansas City swept the Tigers, Hunter then said he's send the champaign as a thank you. Some of the ESPN commentators are making it sound like Torii called up Sweeney before the series and said "beat detroit and i'll send you champagne."

It was a light hearted gesture made in fun after the Royals helped the Twins capture the division.

Baseball has so many more pressing issues (I don't know if people have heard of some guy named Barry Bonds and that little record he's chasing) that focusing any time on this is just a joke.

I agree with you Andy and your right the way they talk about blows it completely out of context. It wasn't like the Royals were going to make the playoffs no matter what and needed to lose so the Twins could make it in. The Royals were dead last and I do not think if Hunter proposed this that it would make them play any harder then they already were. They just wanted to win and fortunately for the Twins they were able to sweep the Tigers. It is just stupid and I agree with you, I do not find this to be a big deal.

This is just a joke, with steroids finally dieing down I feel like mlb needed to blow something else out of proportion. If Hunter did get the 3 ban, well that would just be ridiculous.