STAY CLASSY, PAPELBON

Jonathan Papelbon may be a pitcher, but he sure seems comfortable handling the wood. At least that’s what Philadelphia fans discovered this weekend when the Phillies closer grabbed his crotch in reaction to boos after blowing a three run lead in the ninth to the Florida Marlins.

Papelbon maintained his innocence in a post-game interview stating his shock over the umpires ejection after his lewd gesture, "He said I was doing an inappropriate gesture, and I didn't know what he was talking about. And that's when I got pretty upset.”

Yeah, right.

Papelbon has made no secret that he is unhappy with Philadelphia’s train wreck of a season. After signing a four-year deal for $50 million back in 2012, the Phillies missed the playoffs in 2013 and are currently in dead last in the NL East. Here’s a clip of him talking about the club’s troubles:



Though Papelbon is no Jack Parkman, his shimmy certainly does make Philadelphia fans sick.

I have no sympathy for fans of any Philadelphia sports team, but Papelbon’s gesture is the mark of a sore loser. It’s also a sign that he’s letting his frustrations affect his mental game—and that’s the most offensive part about his little display. As any Yankees fan can attest to, chatter from the stands is part of the game and it’s up to the player to have the mental toughness to tune it out.

Do you think Derek Jeter would let a little heckling throw him from his game and show emotion directed toward the crowd? I doubt it. Can you imagine Papelbon in pinstripes?

There’s other famous instances of players taking their frustrations out on those in the stands. Back in 1995, Yankee Jack McDowell left the game after a dismal performance on the mound against the White Sox and figured since he couldn’t throw strikes he’d  throw fans the bird instead. And then of course there was Chad Kreuter of the Los Angeles Dodgers who went into the stands after a fan after they reached into the bullpen and swiped his cap.

Papelbon is suspended for 7 games.  You gotta wonder if the suspension should have been more severe.

--Alexis Garcia, BYB's "Eye on MLB" Columnist
Twitter:  @heylexyg



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YANKEE STORIES REVEALED BY PR GIANT MARTY APPEL

Thought you've heard everything about Mickey Mantle and Thurman Munson? Think again.  Recently I was lucky enough to get to know Former Yankees Public Relations Director Marty Appel, the author of 18 books and he's just released his latest one titled  Pinstripe Empire: The New York Yankees from Before the Babe to After the Boss.

So, you know me...I had to pick his brain, I'm fascinated with Yankee history.  This is a guy that's been around so much Yankee history, he knows all the Yankees and the top guys in the organization. So I did my research, and I wanted to ask him questions that would hopefully get some answers that fans like you and I had never heard before.  Hopefully I succeeded.  So...here it is... I bring you Bleeding Yankee Blue's interview with Marty Appel, author and PR giant of the New York Yankees...Enjoy this, I did!

BYB: You were the Yankees Public Relations Director from 1973 to 1977, right when the Yankees climbed to the top and became World Champs.  Describe the Boss during your tenure there.

Marty Appel: We (front office) were  happy to see CBS sell the team (once we knew we still had jobs!), and hoped the new ownership would get us back into contention.  You could tell right away there was a new energy, a new determination to compete at a high level.  For those veterans in the front office who went back to pre-1965, this was especially wonderful.  I started in 1968, and hadn't yet worked for a pennant contender.  What we didn't realize at the time was that our new owner was going to be a national celebrity, almost the prototype of being a "boss."
 

BYB: Many people don't know that you were in charge of Mickey Mantle's fan mail before your PR gig. Why that job and just how overwhelming was it?

Marty Appel: Mick was in his final seasons and no longer bothering to open the mail.  99% said, "Dear Mickey, you are my favorite player, please send me an autographed ball."  So who could blame him?  The Yankees PR chief, Bob Fishel, hired me because I had written in with hopes of a summer job, and he knew that mail needed to be answered, or all those letter writers might become Mets fans.  So it was good timing for me.  I always managed to pull out about 3 or 4 letters that I needed to "personally review" with Mick, so I'd have face time and to go home each day knowing that Mickey Mantle knew my name, was awfully good for a lifelong fan.

BYB: You've been surrounded by so many Yankee greats. Now I'm putting you on the spot, who was your favorite and why?

Marty Appel: Mick was my favorite, because he treated me well and was a very nice guy.  His teammates loved him and I get that, I understand why.  Bobby Richardson was a boyhood idol, and we became, and remain, adult friends.  Other favorites had to do with just being decent, easy guys to get along with, not necessary well known players.  Ruben Amaro, Steve Whitaker, Bill Robinson, Roy White,  Fritz Peterson, Steve Hamilton, from that first year.  Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, Mel Stottlemyre, Sparky Lyle, Ron Blomberg from later on.    

BYB: Many knew Thurman Munson as a great player and nice guy.  But I need to know, what was his personality like right before a game? How about outside of baseball at say a restaurant?

Marty Appel: He could be a world class grump, but I think he enjoyed that role, and much of it was an act.  He was very smart, always knew what he was doing.  The fans got him.  The press didn't.  He shut them down and they wrote about his not talking to them, but the fans somehow understand that there was an eye wink that went with that.  One day he gave the fans the middle finger when some booed him after he struck out.  Other players might have been booed louder, like Jack McDowell.  Instead, the fans turned it into a big cheer.  A great moment.

BYB: What are your thoughts on the New Yankee Stadium compared to the the House that Ruth Built?

Marty Appel: It met its number one criteria: when you are there, it still "feels" like Yankee Stadium.  You still feel the majesty and the history.  Sometimes I'm facing the field and I don't even think it's a different place because the outfield dimensions are still essentially the same.  

BYB: Billy Martin was one of the most passionate managers I've ever witnessed as a fan.  One on one, what was Martin like? And while I'm on Martin, describe that relationship he and Steinbrenner had?

Marty Appel: As well reported at the time, their relationship ran hot and cold.  When Billy felt he was being undermined (like Mr. Steinbrenner signing Reggie Jackson over Billy's objections), two hard-headed personalities clashed.  Billy responded by refusing to bat Reggie cleanup, which was the intention of the signing.  Oh boy, what Bronx Zoo days they were.  One on one with me, I never had a bad word with him, but I could never relax with him either.  It was strictly business; I never dared go out drinking with him.  So as strictly business, I was never really sure if he respected what I was saying or not.  I just did my job. 

BYB: I know you were a member of the Board of Directors for the Yogi Berra Museum.  What's the best part of talking with a man like Yogi Berra?

Marty Appel: Yogi is the Great American Success Story, he's living Yankee history, and he's as close to being a Baseball Saint as you can be.  Saint?  Well, you need three miracles, right?  How about dropping the foul ball off Ted Williams and getting a second chance to catch one on the next pitch to save Allie Reynolds no-hitter?  How about being a coach on the '69 Miracle Mets?  Coming back to the Yanks in '76 and their losing streak ends?  Having George Steinbrenner go to HIS museum to apologize to him? How about catching Don Larsen's first game ceremonial pitch in '99, handing glove to Girardi, then watching a perfect game by David Cone unfold?   One of the most decent men you'll ever know - and someone who always knows the right thing to do.  

BYB: If you had to choose 2 New York Yankee of the modern era that you feel deserves to be Hall of Famers on the first time ballot, who would they be and why?

Marty Appel: I don't think too many of your readers would disagree with this answer; Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.  No explanation necessary.  But I would add, that in '96, some felt Jeter wasn't ready, and a veteran shortstop was needed at least for one year.  So they discussed trading Mariano Rivera for Felix Fermin.  Imagine if they'd lost Mo in that deal, and if Fermin had a career year, they felt it was Okay to trade Jeter too.  If the best deals are the ones you don't make, how about that one.

BYB: What New York Yankees from the 1970's do you still keep in touch with and why is that relationship still so strong?

Marty Appel: I wish I saw Sparky Lyle more, but he's managing in central New Jersey and I don't keep in touch like I wish I could.  Chris Chambliss, Fritz Peterson and Roy White I'd call personal friends.  Ron Blomberg is beyond that, sort of like a brother.  He was an usher at my wedding. Those relationships are strong because they are regular guys, you don't think "Oh, he's a major leaguer!" when you're with them. 

BYB: Marty, your book Pinstripe Empire is incredible. Here's your chance...tell the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers why this book is a perfect book for the ultimate Yankee fan, as well as baseball fan?

Marty Appel: For the baseball fan, it's baseball history, which you can't tell without the Yankees story.  Believe me, this isn't the Yankee Yearbook, and I should know because I wrote a lot of them.  This is an unvarnished look at the highs and lows, and how they have become this great international brand, but how they stumbled along the way too.  They were slow to integrate, to broadcast, to play at night, to introduce promotions.  We explain the unique Red Sox rivalry and the strange Kansas City Athletics "farm team" relationship.  It's about more than wins and losses, it's about understanding why things happened and also visiting things that fans seem to enjoy - the comings and going in the broadcast booth, the backstage stories....and getting to know the second tier stars much better.  And I think I had a sense of knowing when a dramatic moment was happening, even if not appreciated at the time.  The last time Ed Lopat walked off the mound - that was the end of the Reynolds-Raschi-Lopat era.  When Mariano extended his arms on the mound after his record breaking save last year --- same gesture as Roger Maris after his 61st homer, 50 years before. 

BYB: Have you ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue, and if so, what do you think?

Marty Appel: I read a lot of Yankee blogs - Bleeding Yankee Blue does great photo research to accompany its stories, stays very timely and understands what the fans want to know.  I can only imagine what Billy Martin would have thought of talk radio and the blogosphere, but for fans, it's great.  Bleeding Yankee Blue is certainly a "top tier" Yankee blog, and you work hard to make it so, that's obvious.

Marty, thanks so much for the kind words and thanks for your terrific interview! I can't wait to ask you more as we move through the season.  You're a stand up guy and I'm thrilled that you spoke with us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, be sure to pick up Marty's book Pinstripe Empire: The New York Yankees from Before the Babe to After the Boss.

HOW DO YOU LIKE PINEDA NOW?

Injury to starting pitchers is always the worst thing you want to hear, especially when your team’s goal is to put the best guys on the field and deliver every time until you win a championship. In our case it’s clear, we’re the Yankees, we have to win it all, it’s expected and that's with or without out injured acquisitions...enter Michael Pineda.

This news coming out about young Michael Pineda was a punch to my gut yesterday, and all I keep thinking about right now is Jesus Montero. Why does my mind do that? It’s annoying… Look, I was excited about Michael Pineda coming to the Yankees, I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t, but I wasn’t happy about Jesus Montero leaving either.  It just so happened that the Yankees needed starting pitching and Brian Cashman did what he was supposed to do, his job.  You can sit here and blame Brian Cashman for something that was beyond his control, like Pineda’s injury, but let’s face facts… he didn’t know it would happen! Come on!  He even referenced it last night explaining to reporters that we received a healthy pitcher in Pineda from the Mariners.  The injury happens on our watch, bottom line.  So yeah. now it seems Pineda’s out for 2012 and a portion of 2013, Read HERE.  Listen though, trust me…don’t blame Cash, don’t blame Pineda… blame a fierce competition for the starting rotation spot in the final days of Spring Training. That’s all you can blame… now we move on, we still have baseball to play.

Michael Pineda will not be a bust long term. Sure, he had a rocky start, and don’t forget, we’ve had many who have had rough starts.

Some pitchers can’t even hack it on the New York Yankees and some learn to adjust and some get hurt alot...  Jack McDowell, Carl Pavano, Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown, Jeff Weaver…let's not put Michael Pineda in this category yet.  The point is this 23 year old kid couldn’t wait to get started! Granted, he walked into Spring Training looking like a linebacker, overweight, but I’m not exactly sure weight gain contributed to his injury either. Maybe it did, maybe it didn't.  Quite simply, I think Pineda just pushed himself too hard too soon. That’s me with simple thinking and obvious info gathering.  Plus, and you can mock me if you’d like, I think young arms need to be properly stretched out.  Sure you can’t just jump from 60 innings to 171 innings in my eyes, but a gradual increase makes more sense. That's not Pineda's case, but another thing to think about, after all I wrote WHY THE INNINGS LOAD FOR PINEDA & NOVA WORRIES ME. Look, it's something to think about, that's all I'm saying.

But there’s more.  You also need to take into account the amount of starting pitching the Yankees had near the end of spring training.  With Andy Pettitte coming in and Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes competing for a spot, what’s to say Pineda didn’t do too much and just “tweak” something.  Then as he pitched that last game of the Spring, a start that would seal his fate in the Yankee rotation, he sealed his fate on the DL instead and it all happened because he wanted to impress Yankee brass.  At the time I was actively calling for “old fashioned” competition to get pitchers spots fair and square.  I couldn’t have imagined that this could happen, but it did. And no, it’s not my fault either…don’t go there.

You have to feel bad for Michael Pineda. He wanted to prove himself this season.  I remember the New York sports media jumped on the fact that Pineda showed up early ready to go, showing his excitement and appreciation for the New York Yankees and his willingness to work hard to make things happen in the Bronx. Read HERE. I remember Twitter was buzzing, some psyched for the new kid, some pissed that Montero went to Seattle…many had a lot to say about Brian Cashman, you can imagine the mixed bag on that one, but you get the point.  I had my highest readership when the Pineda/Montero trade happened… it was the biggest story of the off season for the New York Yankees and now… it’s the biggest story again for different reasons. 

Is Michael Pineda a lemon? No, but he got a really bad break. You can blast Brian Cashman for not having a crystal ball, but that’s the only thing you can blame him for, because if you really look over what Cashman had done all these years, there were some pretty darn good trades as well as bad, not to mention brilliant free agent signings…after all, didn’t we win just recently…in 2009?  Cashman did his job and it's not an easy job to do especially with a fan base like the New York Yankees. I’m just saying no one’s to blame and the best thing that can happen right now, at this very moment is this: We say a prayer for Michael Pineda, we hope Jesus Montero has a lousy season and the Yankees go out and win... Win for the Yankees fans, win for Michael Pineda and let us all forget about the Pineda injury for now.  No sense bitching and moaning, we have work to do….we need to win, win without Pineda, win a championship in our Quest for 28… it’s our time...and we'll be fine.

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WHY WE NEED TO FORGIVE & BURNETT

Whatever’s happened before with AJ Burnett is the past. We're going with a clean slate right now Ladies and Gentlemen. After all, many of the Yankee fans have written him off, but not so fast, the Yankee brass has not, at least that's what they want you to think.

Sure, they tried to unload him, but no one was biting so they pulled him back and Cashman quickly presented a smoke and mirrors trick to try and convince Yankeeland that he back’s AJ Burnett suddenly. (Read HERE.) Look, I’m not stupid, I know AJ’s been less than stellar, but it is what it is… AJ Burnett…never a truly outstanding pitcher, but instead, a good pitcher with problems.

Now that we officially know that, let’s remember who we have and enter Spring Training with him completing for a spot in the Yankees rotation like everyone else. After all, Freddy Garcia is, Phil Hughes will, Manny Banuelos may... so why not let AJ do it too. It’s only right.

Instead of killing this guy and crucifying him, we need to now put our differences aside and back him. Look, even great pitchers like Jack McDowell came to the Yankees and looked like they could be a perfect match, but then even he fizzled just as fast as he showed up. AJ Burnett is no Jack McDowell, he loves us fans... McDowell flipped us off. But the point is, pitchers sometimes can't handle New york pressure. It gets in their head... but one thing you can’t do is get down on your New York Yankees, you still need to back them. I’m not preaching here like Don Imus in Odd Jobs (Now that IS an obscure Pop Culture reference), but I’m just making a point, you get what you get and you don’t get upset. That means, we know what we have with AJ and until we come up with a solution to fix the problem, AJ Burnett is a pitcher for the New York Yankees and we need to support the guy.

What are we going to so, ship him off to Chicago to be with Theo and the Cubs and get Alfonso Soriano in return? Or trade bad contract for bad contract and send him to the Chisox for Adam Dunn? Actually, I love that idea. All these scenarios have been talked about and nothing is happening. So, now we do what we do as Yankee fans... We take a deep breath, and much like we did when Carl Pavano was the Opening Day pitcher for us in 2007, we support our guy, even if we hate him and we ask him to do what he’s supposed to do… his job. You never know, this could be AJ Burnett’s best year ever… maybe… if we give him alittle love…

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