VIDEO: Did Rougned Odor Throw the Baseball at Jose Bautista's Head on Purpose?

Opinions on who is to blame for the incident — as well as the truly awful unwritten rules discussion — is coming fast and furious. My initial reaction was that Bautista’s slide into second was deliberately dangerous and warranted a response from Odor. The Blue Jays slugger was understandably peeved about getting plunked by Matt Bush and the timing certainly suggests some payback was afoot.

But after watching the replay a few dozen times, something pops out that should change any hero-villain assignments.

Take a look at Odor’s relay throw. Notice the way he throws the ball toward the ground from a low arm angle, barely missing Bautista’s face. The exaggerated motion and woeful resulting throw raise serious doubts that Odor was trying to complete the double play in the first place. It opens the door to the possibility that he was trying to hit Bautista above the shoulders.

It should be pointed out that middle infielders routinely do this to force a runner to get down as close to the ground as possible. Double plays require a quick release and sidearm throws are the quickest way to get the job done.

Throwing low is what middle infielders are taught. They are also taught to throw the ball toward first base in the interest of getting the second out.

Having said that, Odor’s attempt went, what, 60 feet and was 15 feet wide of the bag? Seems fishy.

Lest you think this is something concocted from under a tin foil hat:

Bautista’s antics have rubbed me the wrong way in the past. I am definitely not president of his fan club. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that there’s another layer to this thing people are missing.