Chicago Tribune: Hamilton respected? You bet

rhabdophobia (literally: fear of wands or rods)

1. The fear of being severely punished or criticized.
2. The fear of being beaten with a rod.
3. The fear of magic and the paranormal.

ARLINGTON, Texas — With the bases loaded and the major leagues’ RBI leader Josh Hamilton representing the tying run Sunday night, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon didn’t have too many good options.

With the Rays leading the Rangers 7-3 and two outs in the ninth, Maddon had Grant Balfour intentionally walk Hamilton to force in a run. Maddon then brought in Dan Wheeler, who struck out Marlon Byrd for a 7-4 victory.

“I mean, listen, it’s [Hamilton’s] year, and why not have him hit a grand slam right there and really screw up ours,” Maddon said.

It’s the first time a player had been intentionally walked with the bases loaded since the Giants’ Barry Bonds in 1998.

Said Byrd: “When the guy’s AL manager of the year like he’s going to be, things go your way.”

Hat tip: Mr2bits