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Monday, July 28, 2008

The Real McCoy: Of Griffey’s gestures

Kapa o Pango o Junior?

That’s pretty much what Ken Griffey Jr. was mouthing to the radio booth Saturday night after he hit a home run. And for those who can (or those who can’t) read lips, yes, that was an epithet Griffey uttered as he make a cut gesture across his throat at home plate.

It was aimed at radio broadcaster Jeff Brantley.

“Oh, you saw that?” said Griffey. Yes, and so did the television world.

Griffey said he was upset that Brantley said Griffey was pouting because the Reds haven’t picked up his $16 million option for next year.

“If I was worried about money, would I have even come here in the first place?” said Griffey.

Brantley denies ever saying that on the air and, in fact, said he didn’t say it until he and Griffey had an early-morning chat Sunday in the players dining room. Brantley believes Griffey was angry over comments he made about the defense of the corner outfielders (Griffey and Adam Dunn).

Repoz Posted: July 28, 2008 at 07:28 AM | 14 comment(s)
Related News: General, Cincinnati, Announcers

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1. Craig Calcaterra Posted: July 28, 2008 at 08:23 AM (#2877564)

I can't think of anywhere where there is more rancor between the broadcasters and the team than in Cincy. Between the Brennamens and Brantley, there have been multiple blowups like this over the past couple of years.

2. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: July 28, 2008 at 08:37 AM (#2877569)

Craig:

Lot of frustration. You watch this team, and it's hard to reconcile the talent level with the sub-.500 record.

3. Repoz Posted: July 28, 2008 at 08:53 AM (#2877576)

Why haven't the fans in Cincy stormed the booth yet..whenever that disturbing Grandeiose mantra starts "get em on, get em over, get em in"?

Do they like that dull-shitted wit?

4. JRJ Posted: July 28, 2008 at 08:54 AM (#2877577)

Only people that sign $100MM contracts "aren't worried about the money."

I haven't seen a gesture like that to the press box since Juan Gonzalez was mad at the Texas score keeper.

5. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: July 28, 2008 at 08:57 AM (#2877579)

Repoz:

I will refrain from my comment as my opinion of the general Cincy fanbase is less than flattering.

6. Steve Parris, Je t'aime (M. Valentin) Posted: July 28, 2008 at 08:58 AM (#2877582)

Griffey to Encarnacion: "I'll him high, you hit him low." [cracks knuckles]

7. Vida Blew Over the Legal Limit Posted: July 28, 2008 at 09:27 AM (#2877597)

[

i]I will refrain from my comment as my opinion of the general Cincy fanbase is less than flattering.

Go ahead Harveys, I can take it, and probably chime in. And to think, I was pulling a bit for the Brewers as the Reds are out of it. Pshaw.

8. Toolsy McClutch Posted: July 28, 2008 at 10:49 AM (#2877700)

And I should care that a player and media member are feuding? What's next, articles about how Corey Patterson doesn't like the way his pants are starched.

9. James SC Posted: July 28, 2008 at 11:04 AM (#2877732)

I love how the fans blame Griffey for taking a 40% discount on what he could have earned in the free market to play for his hometown team. It isn't the fact that they have one of the worst managements in baseball, it is the one decent sized contract they have been willing to spend money on that is their problem...

10. Craig Calcaterra Posted: July 28, 2008 at 11:07 AM (#2877739)

The Reds fanbase used to be pretty savvy, but it seems to have eroded over the past few years. I was at the Padres-Reds game last Tuesday. Reds are rallying, Dunn is at the plate. Big shift is on for him. He pulls one foul. A guy down the way from me stands up and yells "take what the defense is givin' ya, Dunner!" essentially mad that he's not trying to lay one down the line or something. Basically, they have all been brainwashed by Grande's small ball stuff, the Brennaman's hatered for Dunn, or both.

And yes, I realize that the Reds are frustrating. And I don't think the announcers should whitewash it, either. There's a difference between telling it like it is and going after guys, however, and the Reds broadcast team is far too often engaging in the latter.

11. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: July 28, 2008 at 11:11 AM (#2877747)

Vida/Craig:

I will only comment that even with the change in ownership it appears that the marketing team is working to appeal to the lowest common denominator of fan. Fans who need heroes, bums and a simple story line.

12. Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: July 28, 2008 at 11:13 AM (#2877754)

There's a difference between telling it like it is and going after guys, however, and the Reds broadcast team is far too often engaging in the latter.

Over the past few seasons I have witnessed the broadcasters go after Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn [repeatedly], Encarnacion, Lopez and Dave Ross. I only watch 4 or 5 Reds broadcasts a season. Now they're bad-mouthing Griffey too?

Gee, if only they had a roster full of Sean Caseys.

13. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: July 28, 2008 at 11:23 AM (#2877776)

Pops:

I think it's like Fox News. Marty determines the story line and then everyone pounds that theme whatever the facts may show.

Hence the infamous "Edwin stinks in the clutch" by Brantley followed by a game-winning homer.......

14. Portia Stanke Posted: July 28, 2008 at 04:08 PM (#2878260)

“He’s chasing that rabbit instead of stalking it,” said Baker. “You never catch a rabbit by chasing it. You have to stalk it.”

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Monday, July 28, 2008

The Real McCoy: Of Griffey’s gestures

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