The MLB playoffs are heating up.
During an appearance on MLB Network’s “High Heat” this Thursday, Alanna Rizzo expressed her opinions regarding the leak of Orlando Arcia’s comments about Bryce Harper.
According to Jake Mintz of Fox Sports, Arcia was quoted as saying “Atta-boy, Harper” after the Braves’ victory over the Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS. Evidently, Harper caught wind of this comment, and it led to a tense moment between him and Arcia during Game 3.
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Rizzo strongly criticized Mintz’s reporting and accused him of seeking personal recognition in the process.
“I am so irritated with all of these people, these bloggers, or podcasters, or, not even reporters, not even journalists going into the clubhouse,” Rizzo said. “You’re ruining it for the rest of us, the guys that come in in the postseason and don’t have any clue of the pulse of the team. And it’s making it worse for the people that are there every single day covering this team on a daily basis.
“And then some jackoff comes in at the end of the season that gets a credential, God only knows why. And the clubhouse is a sacred space. And, remember, I’ve been in clubhouses for the last 16, 17 years. I remember I would go in there, get my job done and get out. That is their space. So for this idiot to go in there and take something out of context just to make a name for himself is ridiculous.”
Rizzo faced significant backlash on social media for her perspective on this matter.
“The ‘jackoff blogger’ in question is a BBWAA member who has been covering games in his home market and on the road all year,” one individual responded. “This is not only unkind but also egregiously ill-informed.”
Another commentator remarked, “Rizzo truly made a series of regrettable missteps, utterly embarrassing herself in every conceivable way.”
A third person chimed in, saying, “There’s no justification for making disparaging comments like these. To obtain a press credential, one must demonstrate exceptional work ethic, competence, and professionalism. MLB doesn’t grant credentials haphazardly, and suggesting that Jake Mintz didn’t deserve his credential is offensive and disrespectful.”
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Mintz boasts several years of experience covering MLB; he’s far from being just an arbitrary member of the media.
