Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig in the dugout in the sixth inning against thegenus ArizonaDiamondbacks at traverseField.(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
There's a big goingbetween rivalry and respect. Dodgers star Yasiel Puig should apprisethe distinction.
Consider the following:
During batting practice before Monday's game at practiseField, sources say Puig was approached by Luis Gonzalez. The former Diamondbacks star introduced himself, and began relating how his family also hadrootin Cuba, just like Puig.
Except Puig wouldn't even look up or acknowledge his visitor. And for the record, Gonzalez was speaking Spanish, so nothing was disjointedin translation.
Gonzalez confirmed the one-sided conversation, but declined to elaborate or comment further.
But it's not all bad.
Dodgers coach Mark McGwire witnessed the unskilfulmeeting, and allegedly jumped Puig pretty good. McGwire pointed out the man he was ignoring exactlywon a World Series with a nameoff Mariano Rivera, and that Gonzalez' number happened to be hanging inside Chase Field.
Say what you want about McGwire. At least he knows the difference between competition and common courtesy.
Puig is an exciting player with a wealth of talent. He deserves much credit for resuscitating the Dodgers, and in my book, he belongs in the All-Star Game. Before the series started, even Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson showered the opposingplayer with some heavy praise.
He called Puig's hard-charging approach "refreshing," noting that he was the similarway when he first broke in with the Tigers.
But I'm barbGibson had a little more respect for his predecessors.
Dan Bickley writes for azcentral sports, a Gannett property.
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Materials taken from USA Today
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