MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is faced with a historic decision

Yesterday, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred spoke for the first time since news of Jose Reyes' arrest surfaced. As part of that process, MLB released this statement:

"As evidenced by our Joint Domestic Violence Policy, Major League Baseball understands the seriousness of the issues surrounding domestic violence, and our Policy explicitly recognizes the harm resulting from such acts. Consistent with the terms of this Policy, the Commissioner's Office already has begun its investigation into the facts and circumstances. Any action taken by the Commissioner's Office in this matter will be wholly in accordance with this Policy.

There is no minimum or maximum penalty prescribed under the policy, but rather the Commissioner can issue the discipline he believes is appropriate in light of the severity of the conduct."

The new Joint Domestic Violence Policy referenced here was put in place last August, and gives Manfred the authority to rule with an iron fist if he chooses. This takes the focus away from the individual clubs and puts it squarely on the Commissioner's Office.

The policy requires Reyes to adhere to an interview process which will help the league reach a ruling. This, along with all the evidence gathered in the coming days (and potentially weeks) will help determine Reyes' fate. As far as what that fate will be, it's hard to say at this point. While we don't have all the information, what we do have is ugly, and these domestic violence cases rarely tend to look less heinous as the complete picture fills in.

If Reyes did what it looks like he did, Manfred must bring down the hammer. This incident will set the standard for all MLB domestic violence cases that follow under this policy, and the league has to make it clear that this behavior will not be tolerated in any fashion.

The NFL has already provided a perfect blueprint for how NOT to handle these cases, withholding evidence and sheltering the abusers until public outcry reaches a fever pitch. They've been consistently reactive instead of proactive, and it's been disgusting.

If this new MLB Joint Domestic Violence Policy is successful, it will feature aggressive penalties and force Reyes' lawyers  to defend his actions. Let them stand on that side of justice.

Playing in this league is a privilege, not a right, and if you can't keep your hands off women, that right should be revoked.

Instead of attaching a bunch more stories on this depressing issue, I'll just link to a page with contact information to the Commissioner's Office.

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball

Robert D. Manfred Jr., Commissioner

Address:245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor

City:New York, State:NY Zip Code:10167

Phone: 212-931-7800

Fax: 212-949-5654

This is where you can send your concerns and pleas encouraging Major League Baseball to make the right decision here. If you feel strongly that these monsters need to be out of the league, don't be afraid to voice your opinion.

Awards

In happier news, Nolan Arenado won his third Gold Glove Award yesterday.

The Rockies made a video showcasing some of his best plays of the season. It probably could have been about ten minutes long, but they cut it just under two:

1 minute, 52 seconds of Nolan Arenado highlights. Enjoy! #GoldenNolan https://t.co/EAhePwkjP1

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) November 11, 2015

In just three major league seasons, Arenado has already accumulated 64 Defensive Runs Saved. Brooks Robinson, who holds the all time career record for Defensive Runs Saved as a third baseman at 293, "only" had 52 Defensive Runs Saved through his age 24 season. It'll be a tall task to keep up with Robinson's defensive production over the next decade, but that gives you an idea of how brilliant Arenado has been on this side of the ball early in his career.

In addition to Arenado's third straight Gold Glove, DJ LeMahieu was nominated for this year's Heart and Hustle award.

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Rockies will give up Draft pick for right pitcher - Thomas Harding / MLB.com

This probably won't be a popular opinion with some fans, but I don't think there is a "right pitcher" this winter, so hopefully Bridich is just giving that type of an answer to appease a certain segment of the fanbase.

The Rockies are simply not in a position where they're likely to contend next season and shouldn't be buying big name free agent pitching that requires giving up a draft pick. They instead need to focus on strengthening the farm for the next nine months by having as strong of a draft as possible and selling off assets that have value now and / or at the July trade deadline.

It's going to stink giving up more likable players and sitting through another season of bad baseball, but if the Rockies commit to that line of thinking, they should be in position to start adding pieces in 2017 for a long term run.

Trying to add pieces now and not going full scale with the nuclear rebuild this winter will only make the Troy Tulowitzki trade that much more devastating.