Juan Soto left the door wide open.
That’s why it was not surprising when assorted Gasbags rushed in to attempt an early-season media takedown of the $765 million man. Yet Soto’s theory, and the words he used to express it, were not surprising either.
“It’s definitely different. I had the best hitter in baseball [Aaron Judge] hitting behind me,” Soto told Post baseball writer Mike Puma. “I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone, less intentional walks and things like that. I was pitched to differently last year.”
That’s also known as the truth. A commodity in short supply in the world of sports. Apparently, the fact Soto delivered a credible, honest answer is not good enough for a number of Talkies. Like FAN’s Sal Licata, who suggested that Mets owner Steve Cohen tell Soto: “No more talk about Judge and the Yankees.”
Or Licata’s partner, Brandon Tierney, who predicted, “it’s only going to get worse,” before suggesting: “… Soto, play ball and shut up about the Yankees.”
Even the TV voice of the Yankees, Michael Kay, chimed in: “I would not be surprised if Cohen gives Juan Soto a call and says ‘Dude, shut up.’”
What they, and others of their ilk, are really saying is they want Cohen to treat Soto, 26, like a child. This is not a good idea.
In the long run this it would do more damage on a couple of fronts. It could trigger unnecessary tension between Soto and the owner.
It also could wind up with Soto being hesitant to “open up” to the media. Or come to the conclusion that the media is out to knock him off the mountain top it put him on. Why should Soto now serve up the truth to people who will wind up juggling it?
Some of the same voices who criticized Soto (For what? Hurting Pete Alonso’s feelings?) are the same Opinionnaters who are criticizing players, especially superstars, for their move-mouth-say-nothing style.
They want the subject of an interview to “open up,” but the minute a player departs from usual script to dabble in what they define as “controversy,” a segment of the sports media gets bent out of shape.
They go on the attack. This incites the lunatic fringe of the Mets and Yankees fan bases (some who live on social media). And the guy getting ripped, Soto, might realize it’s not worth the aggravation. He already got 15 years of baseball security to look forward to and a whole lot of dough to go along with it.
So, now it would be easy for Mr. Juanderful to slip into the role of Mr. Vanilla.
DOG DOESN’T BITE NANTZ
During his most recent appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo ripped “CBS” for basically anointing Rory McIlroy Masters champ before the deal was sealed.
“They [CBS] thought it was over on 13. They thought it was over on 15….” Dog barked.
His analysis was on the money.
Watching this all unfold, there must have been plenty of eyeballs, considering Masters history and McIlroy’s past, thinking about strange stuff intervening and severely altering CBS’ “script.” There was one hole in Russo’s otherwise compelling critique.
He never once mentioned the CBS broadcaster who delivered the heart-warming McIlroy plotlines and the ironies surrounding them.
Nor did he mention the same voice who prematurely led viewers to believe McIlroy had this elusive title in the bag.
Both are named Jim Nantz, CBS’ voice of the Masters. He was the guy narrating, the guy dishing all the schmaltz during this historical telecast.
Why did Russo not name Nantz during his soliloquy?
Did Doggie believe Nantz changed his name to “CBS?”
Or did Russo suddenly come down with a case of temporary amnesia?
Strange.
DOES DOLAN HAVE FALL GUY?
Going into the Pistons-Knicks first round playoff series, one of the lingering questions is: 1) Will anyone take a fall if the Knicks are extinguished by the Motown Madmen? The coach? The GM/Prez?
Is there already a designated scapegoat?
We would ask Leon Rose, but he does not talk to the media.
We would ask James (Guitar Jimmy) Dolan, but he rarely talks to the media.
You could ask Tom Thibodeau but you already know is answer: “All I’m concentrating on is the next game.”
We would tune in the MSG Network, but it’s not known for providing any “inside” information.
Of course, Dolan is the one to watch (duh). He’s already got one mess on his hands with the Rangers and their Teflon GM Chris Drury (who won’t be bringing in any playoff booty to the Garden’s bottom line).
So, the Guitar Man doesn’t need another mess to deal with. Yet certified Dolanologists know if the Knicks were shown the door, in an early exit against Detroit, all scenarios are on the table.
Especially if Dolan has run out of patience.
RATINGS REBOUND
With NBA ratings on ESPN, TNT Sports and NBA TV down 5% compared to last season, Adam Silver will be hoping for a rebound in viewership during the playoffs.
If for nothing else, to show his “new” partners (Disney, NBC Universal, Amazon), who signed a whopping 11-year contract worth $76 billion for NBA TV rights beginning next season, that the NBA still has its ratings mojo.
It might help the commish if there is some off-court drama during the playoffs, which is not a reach to suggest considering the NBA’s ability to “produce” soap opera-like scenarios.
BOOTH CHANGE
After 29 seasons in the Rangers radio booth, Kenny Albert is being kicked upstairs, so to speak.
Albert, the only current broadcaster calling the four major sports, will move to MSG’s Rangers TV booth next season replacing Sam Rosen, who finished up his 40-year career as the TV voice of the Blueshirts in the Garden Thursday night.
As a final tribute to Rosen, he was named the “No. 1” star in the Rangers’ 4-0 win over the Lightning.
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DUDE OF THE WEEK: DORIS BURKE
ESPN’s top NBA analyst turned in her best analysis of the season when she noted, during Lakers-Mavs showdown, that Dallas fans are still outraged at the Luka Doncic trade: “It’s a fanbase that feels cheated.” Amen.
DWEEB OF THE WEEK: SEAN MARKS
Just another miserable season in Brooklyn as yet another Groundhog Day campaign is mercifully over. At least fans can hold out hope he might throw them crumbs by hitting it “big” in the draft lottery.
DOUBLE TALK
What Aaron Rodgers said: “I’m open to anything and attached to nothing.”
What Aaron Rodgers meant to say: “Keeping them guessing keeps me in the spotlight.”
