So it’s not news that the White Sox catcher is seen as a villain, a “cancer” in some circles, and generally makes headlines for what some may perceive as annoying antics and gimmicks. Sure A.J. can get on your nerves, anyone can get on your nerves, but the dark cloud floating over his head has constantly, and repeatedly, caused otherwise trivial situations to become some sort of controversy.

Well, it’s Pierzynksi, whadaya expect.

Right, except it’s really becoming yesterday’s news when an incident involving him is suddenly blown out of the water.

All of last week, the White Sox club house was inundated with questions regarding A.J.’s remarks on Mike North’s radio show; Guillen stepped in, twice, and Buehrle chimed in as well.

It finally appeared to be put to rest Monday after Buehrle and Pierzynski talked. That is, until Wednesday, when there was allegedly more smoke.

”You start worrying about what A.J. says and does? No, no, that’s my problem,” Guillen said. ”When I talked to A.J., I said, ‘Listen, I hope this is the last time you do that.”’
So why is Guillen so defensive about Pierzynski? After all, it was less than two weeks ago that Guillen talked about how hard Pierzynski was to manage.

It’s because Guillen considers his catcher an example of how he wants his team to play.
”Yes, without a doubt,” he said. ”But in the meanwhile, take it from me because I’m the voice and face of the ballclub, sometimes you have to be real careful what you say. And you never say anything about your teammates because look what happens.”

Well, I don’t see where that “alleged” new controversy came from, but I digress.

Sure enough, Pierzynksi’s rabbit foot for trouble lit up again early this week when the Twins accused their former catcher of stepping on poor baby Justin Morneau’s foot as he ran-out a double play. What a crock. I was watching the game and Pierzynksi did not even try to touch Morneau.

If he would’ve tried; he would’ve gone out of his way. I mean, he would’ve gone Albert Belle on him.

“Let’s be honest here: If I’m going to go out of my way to try to get somebody, I’ll get them,” Pierzynski said. “One thing about me, if I’m going to get them, I’ll get them.”

“A.J. plays hard, but I don’t think A.J. is a dirty player,” Guillen added. “Dirty players fight and he doesn’t fight. When you are dirty, you are a fighter. A.J. is just a gamer. I don’t think he did it on purpose.”

Guillen sent a message to this effect to the Twins clubhouse on Tuesday, adding that he understands the Minnesota players were upset and protecting their superstar, but the reaction might have been a bit unnecessary. In typical old-school fashion, Guillen also added if someone had a problem with Pierzynski, then settle it man-to-man and not in the press.

So let’s be clear as to what’s going on. Beat writers who can’t find a story must dig it out of ther shirt pockets, or out of a quote machine like Ozzie and Pierzynski. That’s what propagates his “bad boy persona”.
What a crock.

And now A.J. is thinking he could get traded because of all the crap that surrounds him?

A.J. Pierzynski is one of the most durable catchers in baseball.

But he’s concerned that the controversy surrounding him could shorten his tenure with the White Sox.

“Of course, I’d love to stay here,” Pierzynski said Tuesday, one day after he was accused of spiking Minnesota’s Justin Morneau. “It’s not ultimately my decision. I don’t want other [stuff] to factor in instead of just baseball. That’s the thing that bothers me more than anything.

“I can handle it, I can handle whatever has been said. I can handle people talking [trash] or whatever, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve pretty much had it all said or written about me anyway.”

Pierzynski is signed through 2008 and the Sox don’t have a catching prospect projected as a starter, although Double-A Birmingham catcher Donny Lucy has shown considerable improvement.

But Pierzynski has become increasingly irritated that his teammates are asked about him constantly.

Thanks MSM, way to blatantly fabricate a story by taking quotes out of context! This is just pathetic.

With all the fun news coming out over the past couple of days, I’ve decided to channel my inner Buster Olney and post some links. In an incredibly haphazard manner.

· Have we really reached a point in our discussions concerning Barry Bonds where columnists can create a completely fictional scenario based upon the imagination of the writer of a Wesley Snipes movie and call it an article? If so, we all should just go home. NEXT UP: If aliens invade San Francisco on the Fourth of July, would Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum save Barry Bonds?

· “When you start with the threats and the guns, that can get out of control” – Gary Sheffield

· Who is less likable - A.J. Pierzynski or this guy?

· I wasn’t surprised to hear that Jonny Gomes was demoted to AAA. Nor was I surprised to hear he threw a fit and reportedly “punctuated his argument by throwing the fan mail that was stacked in his box”. I WAS surprised to hear that Jonny Gomes had fans.

· Little known fact: The Washington Nationals have won 12 of their last 17 games, which does me no favors in my quest to make a convincing argument that the National League isn’t that bad. Especially considering that 2 of those 5 losses came against the Orioles.

· I know this is a little late, but I am currently awaiting word as to whether or not Murray Chass and Nate Silver will go toe-to-toe in a “Buried Alive” wrestling match. My money’s on Chass – how do you kill the undead?

Our favorite catcher will be with us for the upcoming ALCS between the Tigers and the A’s.

From the Trib:

Fox Sports has signed catcher A.J. Pierzynski to serve as an in-studio analyst for the American League Championship Series, which begins next week. He will be joined by host Jeannie Zelasko and Kevin Kennedy. This season Pierzynski made regular appearances on Mike North’s morning show on WSCR-AM 670 [in Chicago]. Known for being candid, it will be interesting to see how far the catcher is willing to go on a national stage.

Since AJ dind’t get even with Michael Barret back in May, maybe he’ll clock Zelasko with a much-neded left-handed-hook.

The people who host Gamenight on ESPN Radio  were talking smack last night as to why the ChiSox decided to run a full-blown campaign to get A.J. Pierzynksi to the All-Star game. In case you didn’t notice, it worked.

“The White Sox should be ashamed” one dude said. Well, I’m telling you who SHOULD be ashamed, all those fans forking over $22 bucks for a cotton T-Shirt!

I received an email promoting this “exclusive offer” from the Sox Pride Club I belong to. Apparently, only members of the ChiSox fan club get a chance to buy the shirts, and considering that I (and however many of us are out there) am dumb enough to waste my money on a fanclub that gets me a plastic card, some desktop backgrounds and a “chance” to buy more crap, I’m not surprised they are taking me for a fool.

” I Punched A.J.” T-Shirts

How many times did you “Punch A.J.” for the final spot in the American League All-Star Roster? Now that he’s won, take advantage of this exclusive offer only for Sox Pride Club members. Buy an “I Punched A.J.” t-shirt now for only $21.95 (includes fees and shipping & handliing). Maximum of five t-shirts per Sox Pride Member. T-shirts available in extra-large only.

Besides, the shirt is fugly! Although, it wouldn’t look half-bad if I wear it with my 1959 World Series Cooperstown ChiSox hat…

Read the rest of this entry »

*UPDATE TIME*

¡Se acabó la votación y el ganador es el receptor de los Medias Blancas!

Well apparently, having cute blonde girls parade around the top of the dugout with your marketing slogan all over their shirts will be a boon to your enterprise. The ChiSox pulled it off, getting enough votes to send everybody’s favorite punching-bag, A.J. Pierzynski to the All-Star Game.

—–

With a sly marketing move, the White Sox are trying to replicate the success they had last year in getting Scott Podsednik to the All-Star game by rallying their fan base to vote in the millions. This time around, they are using wit instead of good ol’ fashioned barn storming. Their slogan? In an ode to Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, they want you to “Punch AJ.“

Of course, many disgruntled majorleaguers would probably oblige the request, but the marketing office in Chi-town’s southside simply wants you to vote him on the All-Star Roster.

And sell some t-shirts while they’re at it.

According to a survey of 470 major leaguers, A.J. Pierzynski of the White Sox is the most bean-able baseball player in America. Asked “Which major leaguer would you most like to see get beaned?”, 18% of respondents picked A.J., while 14% chose Barry Bonds. Pedro Martinez was a distant third, with 6%. The runners-up were Alex Rodriguez (5%), Albert Pujols (3%), and Curt Schilling (2%). Jose Guillen, Milton Bradley, Jeff Kent, David Ortiz, and Manny Ramirez each got 1% of the vote.

It’s understandable that players would pick Barry “I thought it was flaxseed oil” Bonds. I can see why they picked A-Rod (252 million reasons) and Pujols (24 reasons, and counting). Pedro has hit 123 batters and Curt Schilling…well. He’s Curt Schilling. Most of the players up there are very good—jealousy explains their presence on the list. But A.J.? He’s average. Is he just that much of an asshole?

Well, Pierzynski drew more than 42% of the vote in his native AL Central, and his own manager admitted he’d have picked him if he’d been asked. Even at his (only) fan-site, 58% of poll respondents said they hated him. Ouch. I guess that’s what happens when you knee your own trainer in the balls.

Does that mean that Michael Barrett has been getting a lot of free drinks?

Oooh, that had to hurt.

No, not Barrett’s cheap shot to Pierzynski’s grill, but the Grand Slam and a two-run homer that White Sox second baseman Tadahito Iguchi hit in the game.

Boy Cubs do suck. Quit blocking the plate Barrett, or you’ll get run over like roadkill everytime.

The line (through 5 innings): T Iguchi 2B AB3 H3 R2 RBI6 2HR