So there was so much hype this week over the All-Star Game and the war of words which possibly started out as innocent fodder with Jonathan Papelbon wanting to close out the mid-summer classic and his words being construed as cause for a lynching in NY as he thought he should close over the great Mariano Rivera simply because his team (and manager) won the World Series in 2007. Now prompts for JP, but I think he got what he deserved when speaking up in NY and maybe a tad harsh were the NY crowds, but c’mon, this is NY and stuff like that isn’t going to flow in the Big Apple. Of course Tim McCarver, the great announcer that he is (not), decides to defend Papelbon while the announcers make NO comment. Laughable.
To make matters worse he gave up the possible winning run albeit aided by an error, but almost took the loss. Papelbon’s good, but he’s gotta remember…he’s only been good for 3 years….Rivera’s been good for the last 12+… NY fans can be annoying, as they all look alike fat guys in full Yankees gear high fiving when a Yankee walks, talks, chews gum, etc. But when the game is in any other city, the home team fans can have full reign. But there was no doubting Rivera should be pitching the 9th.
Kudos to Francona for pulling ARod, Jeter off the field to loud ovations and then relieving KRod for Rivera in the 9th. My big ‘laid and egg’ award goes to Fox Sports for electing to cut to commercial as Rivera ran in from the dugout. Just out and out greed and a big mistake I think overall, tainting the moment!
Thanks for noting that Fox denied Mariano and fans this historic moment, but this kind of treatment is what Rivera gets all the time. You may have noticed the camera lingered on Joachim Soria for quite awhile as he took an exciting stroll back to the dugout. I’ve seen this go on for many years, and it will continue. They think it’s a laugh riot. Thanks again.
Not even as a Yankees fan, but more as a fan of the game, this is what is irresponsible about some networks and broadcasters (McCarver). Thanks for the note.