Yankees Rodriguez, Swisher go from hated to heroes
Yankees Blog
By DAN MARTIN
Last Updated: 8:59 AM, June 13, 2012
Posted: 2:01 AM, June 13, 2012Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher are two of the most unpopular players in baseball according to their peers. And after they both homered in the Yankees’ eighth-inning outburst of their 6-4 win in Atlanta last night, that opinion likely won’t change.
In a survey of 100 anonymous players conducted by Men’s Journal for its July edition, Rodriguez and Swisher were ranked behind only the White Sox’ A.J. Pierzynski as “the most hated player in baseball” category, while Joba Chamberlain was voted “most overrated.”
The relief pitcher is coming back from last year’s elbow surgery, as well as a dislocated right ankle suffered during a trampoline mishap in spring training, but hasn’t won over his contemporaries.
“If Joba didn’t play in New York, no one would know him,” said a starting pitcher, according to the magazine.
As for Swisher, another AL player said, “Everything about him is annoying, from his mannerisms to his always wanting to ‘bro’ it down… Being around him is just exhausting.”
But it wasn’t a total loss for the Yankees. In addition to being the team most players wanted to play for — besides their own — Derek Jeter trailed only the Angels’ Albert Pujols as the “player you would most want to have on your team.”
Boston manager Bobby Valentine received the second-most votes as the least respected manager, second to Miami’s Ozzie Guillen.
It feels like high school, doesn’t it?
Tags: A-Rod, Nick Swisher, Yankees
Its all jealousy — they’re no doubt seen the gorgeous women that A-Rod has dated and Swisher’s wife, who is also one beautiful young lady and a very funny actress. They need to get some reality – Swish is hysterical and I’m sure his teammates love him to death.
Sounds like dirty politics to me…..
I agree with Diane, they are jalous…..
Some writers don’t know how to write a good article, and certanly Men’s Journal needs to find something to fill their issues.
Thank God Mo is ok!!! (I know, it was from the other post, but I couldn’t resist) :)
James
I’m sure Swisher’s teammates do love him, Diane. He keeps the clubhouse light and plays with so much enthusiasm. I can see where the crusty old timers would find him emotional displays irritating, since it’s not old school, but I think you’re right about the jealousy. After all, the same guys who were interviewed for the article said they’d play for the Yankees any day.
Thank God Mo’s okay is right, James. I can’t wait to see him in spring training!
I have NEVER been an A-Rod fan, but have to admit the dude is a great baseball player. I can’t understand Swisher being on that list. I have not gotten the impression before that he is unlikable. He may be more eccentric than other players, but it always seems like he is having fun. He’s enthusiastic about the game and that it what my fave players have in common. Jeter and Mauer take their jobs seriously and work hard, but you can also tell they love the game and have a passion for it. And I just have to say A.J. Pierzynski is definitely one of the worst. The husband and I were so glad when the Twins traded him. Thanks for sharing the article.
Glad Mo’s surgery went well. After your post last week asking for a prayer circle, I sent up a prayer to St. Luke who is the patron Saint after going in to surgery and the saint for Surgeons. Now I’ll have to keep it up for Mo’s healing. If anyone can overcome this, it is Mo!
Thanks for the heads up about St. Luke, DJ. Now I know which “higher up” to pray to for surgeries, which happen a lot around my house as you’ll see if you read my new book this fall!