So Yermin Mercedes turned a 47-mph pitch from Willians Astudillo into a big ol' homer in the ninth inning of last night's White Sox-Twins game. This was all good and fun because: 1) Yermin Mercedes is cool, 2) Willians Astudillo is cool, 3) a giant slugger smashing a homer off an equally large catcher is, from the perspective of a viewer, just about the best possible outcome for garbage-time baseball.
But one person did not think this was all good and fun, and that person is old dork Tony La Russa, who also happens to be Mercedes's manager:
Tony La Russa was 'upset' that Yermin Mercedes hit a home run on a 3-0 count last night in a blowout win.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 18, 2021
"He made a mistake. There will be a consequence he has to endure here within our family."
La Russa rejected Mercedes rationale that he was just being himself:
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) May 18, 2021
"I heard he said something like, 'I play my game.' No he doesn't. He plays the game of Major League Baseball, respects the game, respects the opponents. And he's got to respect the signs."
Some advice for Yermin Mercedes: When La Russa approaches you in the clubhouse to talk about this, just smile and nod, guide him over to his favorite chair near the TV, and turn Fox News on. That should keep him occupied for a few hours.
Thank you for your continued support of Defector. Later!
