Mets spring training report - Goose Gossage reaction
TAMPA, Fla. Hall of Famer Goose Gossage has criticized Toronto star Jose Bautista and New York Mets slugger Yoenis Cespedes for the way the pair celebrated home runs during the playoffs last year.
Gossage called Bautista a disgrace to the game during a profanity-laced interview in Tampa on Thursday.
Hes embarrassing to all the Latin players, whoever played before him, Gossage told ESPN. Throwing his bat and acting like a fool, like all those guys in Toronto. Cespedes, same thing.
Bautista memorably flipped his bat after hitting a three-run homer that gave the Blue Jays the lead in the seventh inning in Game 5 of the A.L. Division Series against Texas.
Hes entitled to his opinion, Bautista said. I dont agree with him whatsoever. Ive never talked to him. I dont know him. Whatever reason or agenda hes on is fine with me. Im not going to start picking a fight, let alone with a Hall of Famer.
Gossage, a guest spring training instructor for the Yankees, made his comments before the Yankees played Toronto.
Bautista said he had no plans to reach out to Gossage.
I dont think its my job, Bautista said. Im just going about my work. Showing up here to do my job, and help this team win ballgames.
Cespedes added his own highlight bat flip after a home run during the Game 3 of the N.L. Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Like I said before, whenever a pitcher strikes someone out they get to celebrate, too, Cespedes said through a translator in Port St. Lucie. They get their moment, revel in it. Why cant the batters get to enjoy their success too? Im not too worried about what anyone says about me. I just go out there and do my job. Thats all Im going to focus on.
Cespedes added he did not know who Gossage was, but guessed he was a pitcher based on the comments.
Mets manager Terry Collins said Cespedes and Bautista arent the only ones who flip their bats.
The old-timers, thats something that wasnt approved of years ago, Collins said. Today its different.
Source: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/10/goose-gossage-criticizes-jose-bautista-and-yoenis-/
