THERE'S NO WAY PAPI'S MORE BELOVED THAN JETER

Okay I have had my beef with Joe Buck.  I mean, I have written about his obvious bias against the New York Yankees and his ridiculous commentating across multiple sports, including football. But, last night at the baseball All Star Game, Buck finally crossed the line.  When Joe Buck uttered the words, "There's no one on the players' side that is more beloved than David Ortiz," I threw my hands up in disgust.

The previous line was that Derek Jeter is the most admired player in modern day and Mariano Rivera, the most respected.  David Ortiz is by no means the most beloved and quite frankly, he should not be even be in the same conversation.  Anybody who is not a Red Sox fan would agree.  What he is for the Red Sox and the city of Boston, is undeniably beloved.  But in baseball?  That's a completely different story.

Derek Jeter touched the lives of the baseball community in multiple ways.  He is the ultimate example of a class act and he has made contributions to the sport far beyond his sportsmanship, competitive spirit and fan appreciation.  You would never hear Jeter utter a bad word about anyone or swear in public, whether it was warranted or not.  Ortiz, not so much.  I have seen tempers, heard inappropriate language and although he is quite a supportive leader at the All Star Home Run Derby, I still can't wrap my head around the words Beloved=Ortiz.  

At the end of the day, you cannot compare Ortiz to Jeter.  They are two different competitors who have added their value to the game.  But in no way is Big Papi, beloved in the way Jeter has been and will continue to be as he demonstrates grace, poise and an amazing spirit that will far outlast his own life.  Joe Buck, once again, you have revealed your negligent reporting and unfounded comments. Yet another iconic sports night ruined by Fox Sports and Joe Buck.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
BYB Hot Stove Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof