D-backs manager Kirk Gibson does not mind Yasiel Puig’s antics
Jul 11, 2013, 12:59 AM | Updated: 6:35 am
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig has tore up baseball through his first 34 games in the big leagues.
Puig is hitting .394 with eight home runs and 19 RBI, while helping the Dodgers get back into the pennant race.
While Puig is beating up on Major League pitching, some D-backs players are not happy with the antics of the Cuban phenom.
Miguel Montero criticized Puig earlier in the day, and pitcher Ian Kennedy went as far as to call Puig “arrogant” after last night’s game.
One person who does not mind the Dodgers rookie is Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson.
“I still rub people the wrong way,” Gibson semi-jokingly stated before Wednesday’s game. “People in today’s society always worry about someone else and I got no problem with him.
“He is just playing, some people say he doesn’t know any better, well why would he know any better? He hasn’t even been here that long, so give him a break”
Puig, who defected from Cuba prior to this season, signed a seven-year, $42 million contract just last summer.
“He is kicking everyone’s ass so people are jealous of him,” Gibson stated. “We are just trying to figure out a way to get him out tonight.
“I’m not offended by any of it and I think the way he plays is awesome.”
