Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia doesn't appear to be a big fan of people looking at his statistics.
Arencibia took offense at a New York radio host pointing out his .063/.118/.156 line in his first nine games on Twitter.
Here's the exchange:
I'm not going to get up in arms about an athlete taking a cheap shot at a media member -- those of us in the public eye (even the tiniest of eyes) have to expect some sort of criticism, it's just part of the game for players and for the media types. What bugs me is that he took such a lame, easy shot. As uninspired as the original tweet was, Arencibia's response was less imaginative or funny than the original, and as a pro, you should have a little more pride than that, even on Twitter. Of course, I'm guessing if Arencibia tried 35 jokes, he may get two hits and even one could be a home run. The shot he took Wednesdy was a K -- something he's pretty familiar with, having struck out 13 times in 35 plate appearances so far this season with just one walk (and a hit-by-pitch).
Arencibia may have to make some half-hearted apology at some point, and if he does, it'll likely be as sincere as it needs to be (not at all), but it just goes to show that players (and radio talk show hosts) are people too, they can get their feeling hurt just like anyone else. People are mean-spirited, and most hide behind Twitter handles that have nothing to do with their real name or message-board anonymity. The internet is a cruel place where people say things to famous people -- like Arencibia and to a lesser extend the radio guy here -- on a keyboard that they'd never have the stones to say in real life. It's the sad state of the world we live in (and if you don't believe that, just read the comments here in a little bit), but it's true.
The best idea may be to stay away from Twitter -- or at least ignore your @ mentions -- if you're thin-skinned and you haven't had a hit in more than a week. Of course, maybe he was just feeling good that he didn't have to bat when he entered Wednesday's 12-2 loss to the Rays in the ninth inning.
Hat-tip: The Score
