The Unapologetic Joe Kelly: A Breath of Fresh Air in Baseball
In an era of analytics and predictability, it’s astonishing that a player like Joe Kelly can still find himself in a major league bullpen, despite his -0.6 WAR in his last 235 games. What’s even more remarkable is that he’s earned a staggering $45,000,000 for his efforts. While some might view this as a travesty, I see it as a testament to the American dream – getting paid handsomely to do what you love, even if that means being, well, not exactly exceptional.
A Flashback to Defending Joe Kelly
I recall writing about Joe Kelly when he famously drilled Astros players, taking matters into his own hands. I admired his bold move, seeing him as a champion of the game’s integrity. However, my praise was met with criticism from active MLB players, labeling me a “douchebag” for defending Kelly. Since then, I’ve been hesitant to revisit this topic. That is, until I saw the clip of Kelly’s recent comments.
The Smugness of Joe Kelly
In the clip, Kelly comes across as smug, donning oversized glasses and flaunting his Dodgers pride. While his message about the team re-ranking playoff seeds and placing the Yankees 8th or 9th is intriguing, his condescending tone undermines its impact. Still, I appreciate Kelly’s willingness to speak his mind, even if it means ruffling feathers.
A Step in the Right Direction
Kelly’s unapologetic attitude is a rare breed in baseball, where players often play it safe. Imagine if stars like Shohei Ohtani or Kyle Schwarber followed suit, speaking their minds without fear of reprisal. The league would become significantly more interesting and competitive. While Kelly may not be the most likable messenger, his ethos carries the right tone and spirit to shake things up.
The Question Remains
Do you appreciate Joe Kelly’s unfiltered comments about the Yankees, or do you see him as an overpaid player who’s lucky to be on the same team as his teammates? Perhaps it’s a mix of both. For me, Kelly’s outspoken nature, despite being “bush league,” is a refreshing change from the usual monotony of baseball.
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