Love Him or Hate Him: A.J.’s the Ultimate Playmaker
White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski will probably never come close to winning an MVP award during his career. His name will never be muttered in the same breath as hall of fame catchers Bench, Berra and Campanella. And due to his fiery — and sometimes ‘dirty’ — style of play, A.J. might never be accepted and/or respected by anyone other than his teammates (if he even gets that much).
But one thing will always be true: A.J. Pierzynski makes things happen.
A.J. is the guy you hate to play against because you never know what type of shenanigans he’s going to pull at any given time; he’s the guy you want on your team, whether you like him or not, and he proved why, yet again, in yesterday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Having made a bone-headed base-running play, A.J. cleared his mistake by mustering up another Academy Award winning performance when he purposely threw an elbow to Rays third baseman Willy Aybar, creating the illusion that Aybar had somehow obstructed him on the base path. The ump took the bait, called A.J. safe and awarded him third base, which would ultimately lead to the Sox winning the game.
If your eyes work, you’ll clearly see that the ‘obstruction’ in question was a complete fantasy — entirely created by A.J. and A.J. alone in what has now become just another Pierzynski moment that translated into a win. And while seeing the replay does make me feel a little uncomfortable (because it was ‘cheating’ after all) I cannot deny that a win is still a win no mater how it happens. Tongue in cheek, I can’t help but be glad that A.J. is on the Southside.
But if he isn’t on your team; you probably hate him.
And I can see why: He’s a chatter box. He gets under your skin. He throws temper tantrums. He uses the Jedi Mind Trick on susceptible umpiring crews (see 2005 ALCS) and gets away with it. He creates plays out of nothing — and in doing so — is personally responsible for at least two to three fabricated wins every season. When it comes down to a heated battle for a playoff spot, those two to three wins could be the deciding factor in whether you’re playing baseball or golf in October.
In essence, A.J. Pierzynski is that guy who you want at your party, but you don’t want him anywhere near your girlfriend… the keg… or your mother.
Don’t hate me ‘cuz I’m right.
Peace,
Jeffy
Red State Blue State 
I frequently hear Americans complaining that soccer players fake fouls and injuries and it ruins the game. But as you so well demonstrate it’s an aspect of US sports too. The basic rule is “If it’s my team it clever.If it’s the other team it’s cheating”.
http://arizonaviaslough.blogspot.com/
Who is Jeffy? And why does he keep telling us he is right? I don’t think so.
I agree with your interpretation of how other fans feel: I HATE AJ Pierzynski. But he does make things happen as well. I don’t know how the rest of baseball feels about it, but A-Rod’s bush league “MINE!” from the basepaths was brilliant. And what is up with AJ’s ridiculous white hair?
Oh yes, and “Jeffy” (insert condescendingness) you have obviously lost all belief in the magic of baseball, for your quote on MLB.com is pure molten evil. I am trying not to boil over right now. The first time, it was silly, but now, you’ve crossed the line. I’ll laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh the next 30 times the Yankees beat the Cardinals in the World Series, as I think about Jeff, who thinks he’s right about everything (even if he usually is).
Russell — That’s what I love about soccer/futbol; it’s almost like watching a soap opera… and the performances! Wow!
Old Man Bo — He’s me. Not right? What? Have you heard differently? Please expound.
Neal — Ah yes. I knew that’d ruffle your feathers. Sorry. Just not in the cards this year. Hey, the Redbirds were supposed to finish dead last, so playoffs or not, the 2008 season has been a modicum of success so far.
–Jeff(y)
When the White Sox come to Anaheim, I go to as many games I can, and it amazes me that Angels fans boo AJ worse every year. During the course of the game, the booing gets louder and louder, and if AJ is in a RBI situation, watch out.
It was bad in 2006 and was progressively worse in 2007. I usually get stuck to some Angels fans that like to make your evening uncomfortable with the language and rude gestures. It wasn’t as bad this year, but I went with a few friends or was lucky enough to sit next to a nice older couple.
When I saw AJ at Dodger’s Stadium this year, Dodger fans, who actually showed before the 4th inning, boo’ed AJ, but I must say that Dodgers fans were at least respectful to the other team’s fans.
http://bradcws.mlblogs.com
Lol, another hilarious post. I have no choice but to agree with you. Everyone hates A.J. because he can do that and get away with it, but they love him if he’s on their team. Kinda reminds me of the A-Rod “ha” fiasco”. Rodriguez had people pissing and moaning that he deceived the third baseman for Toronto into thinking his teammate was saying “I got it”, when in fact, on the replay u can clearly read his lips and it was one word: Ha. I haven’t checked the rulebook in a while… well actually ever, but if A.J. can do that then I say ain’t nuffin wrong with a little distraction.
V – http://flairforthedramatic.mlblogs.com
Talking smack about AJ just shows true jealousy at it’s worst! Can’t cheat when someone else is calling the shots, how many times does someone have to say that and the dropped strike in 05, ya’ll need to get over it. . . we showed in more ways than that one play that we were there to win it ALL and guess what… we did.. so grind on your jealousy, he’s ours and you can’t have him!
AJ: hate him
AJ P is a piece of crap who makes baseball fans sick. He has no integrity for the game whatsoever. Any ChiSox fan who supports his actions also has no integrity and needs to reevaluate themselves.
“AJ P is a piece of crap”
Really? Wow. Strong words. I gotta say though, you’re proving my point by being so upset by him. If he was on your team, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have a problem with him. Love him or hate him, he’s a gamer. Other famous gamers (who’s antics were just as if not more “controversial”) include Ty Cobb, Pete Rose and Thurman Munson. Pretty good company, I’d say.
–Jeff
First of all, Pete Rose is also a piece of crap. No integrity. Second of all, AJ does not have half of the raw talent that Ty Cobb or Pete Rose had. Don’t be an idiot and try to compare them. Third, I do not and would not want AJ on my team!
“Don’t be an idiot”
Okay, jeff5… I’m in. You first.
–Jeff