ESPN

Vote: Which sport is best at handing out vigilante justice on the field of play?

Ozzie Guillen is unsubtle.

This has become somewhat of a universal truth these days, along the lines of "Superman is strong" and "The Red Sox can't hit." Ozzie speaks his mind regardless of the consequences, like a modern-day Winston Churchill -- only in this case, Ozzie is defending his players from beanballs instead of serving as the last bulwark of Western civilization. Other than that, they're totally alike.

If you're going to hit White Sox players, be warned: Ozzie says it's no more Mr. Nice Guy. Some might say that this kind of open airing of hostile intent is counterproductive; after all, umpires will be scrutinizing your pitchers more intensely, possibly leading to more ejections. Then again, it's always nice to know that your manager has your back, and that even an accidental beaning will be answered in kind.

That being said, the White Sox are only fifth in the majors in HBPs, with 20 fewer beanings than their ostensible antagonists, the Cleveland Indians. Never let numbers get in the way of good rhetoric.

• Almost 60 percent of SN thought off-the-field retaliation for beanballs was out of line.
• Seven out of 10 voters think the retaliation code results in more batters hit.
• 62 percent of SN thinks Ozzie is better than he gets credit for.
• Groups: Chicago White Sox Fans | White Sox Fans | American League Central