Major League Baseball umpires will begin checking pitchers more closely for using foreign substances like pine tar, Spider Tack, and Pelican Glue. For our WISE Sports Radio baseball segment, we discuss why MLB is suddenly cracking down on pitchers getting more grip.

Also, Arizona Diamondbacks TV analyst Bob Brenly has a reputation for criticizing players of color. The D-Backs have the worst record in MLB, which will probably result in players being traded. And Tony La Russa has the second-most all-time wins among baseball managers. Is he truly among the sport’s best?

I didn’t get a chance to convey this, but I believe I’ve done so when the subject has come up previously: I don’t have a problem with pitchers using something besides the resin they’re provided to get a better grip. Batters are allowed to use pine tar and wear pads and shields when they’re at the plate. Pitchers should be allowed to help themselves too, especially when better grip might mean better control.

You can listen to The WISE Guys from 3 to 6 p.m. ET streaming on wisesportsradio.com (courtesy of Mars Hill University) or the TuneIn app. Locally in the Asheville area, dial up 1310 or 970 AM and 102.9 FM. And thanks to Happy Hill Restaurant for sponsoring the MLB segment.