Stick To The Yankees Klap!

Gotta love Yankee Fan/Writers commenting on the Mets. Bob Klapisch - Fox Sports is at it again. He is adding fuel to an already volcanic pyre. The Met player not worthy enough to be a Yankee, not because of talent, but because of histrionics, is no other than newly acquired record saving closer, Fernando, call me Frankie, Rodriguez.

Klapisch goes on to lament about K-Rod pointing skyward after a save, no matter when the game is played (April or September). As I have noted, Let The Cheering Begin, I am not a fan of excessive celebration. I believe in the old adage, 'Act Like You've Been There', but that being said, I also understand that this is a kids game, played by alleged adults.

I have stated numerous times I have no problem with Jose's celebrations; he doesn't do it at SS or on the bases (other than violently clapping his hands after a big hit). He merely has his wacky dances on the dugout steps. That is his game. He is a 13 year old trapped in a 25 year olds body. He plays with the exuberance that players should play with. I will never fault him for that. I don't consider him show-boating. Willie Montanez on the other hand...that was show-boating.

Back to the Mets closer, Klapisch scribes of his offense to K-Rod's heaven pointing six shooter action after a save, and that he is predicting a bench clearing brawl against the Phillies. If the Phillies are so classy, why in the world are they so obsessed with the Mets? The Phillies, from what I've read, because I didn't watch three innings of the 'Fall Classic', won the World Series. Why did they have to mention the Mets, yes you Jimmy Rollins, at the parade celebrating their championship? Late last season, Jimmy Rollins hit a key double against the Mets, and he pointed Heaven bound, and pointed. That display of 'histrionics' went unreported, and there certainly was no vilification towards Rollins.

Jose had this to say of the Phillies obsession with the Mets, "(the Phillies) should keep their mouths shut and enjoy (being world champions). That's what we would do." What about Cole Hamels? He of the Mets are 'Choke Artists' remark. This wasn't just being put up to it on WFAN. Hamels has repeated his opinion many times since. If so classy, why not just enjoy you World Series and World Series MVP instead of being so consumed by the Mets? Why doesn't Klapisch mention this as a possible reason to brawl?

Remember Dennis Eckersley? He is in the Hall, but was an absolute jerk when he was moved to the closer role. I remember one moment when 'Eck' was with the A's, and he struck out Boston great Dwight Evans , and Eckersley pointed his six shooter finger at Evans, and pretended to shoot him. He and Evans had been teammates with the BoSox years earlier. After the game, Evans set 'Eck' straight.

Rickey Henderson. A real show-boat. Remember when he broke Lou Brocks stolen base record? He pulled third base out of the ground, the game stopped, and he addressed the crowd with a microphone.

Again, I will re-state, I am not a fan of show-boating, and I am not defending nor persecuting K-Rod for his antics. I am simply stating that there is a lot of this going on in all sports, but guys like Jose Reyes catch most of the heat.