Baseball Analyst Jessica Mendoza Makes History, Draws Sexist Backlash

[ferret]

Yet no one has bothered to complain about Kruk.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mlb-analyst-jessica-mendoza-makes-history-draws-backlash-n440176

[jbm]

Good point.  I don't find her super insightful, but it's not like she is dumb (Kruk plays this role well), and she isn't annoying like Kruk and/or Ashby.  Never once said intriguing, or hit on the sideline guy.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Not much of a "backlash". Headline could've read: Baseball Analyst Jessica Mendoza Makes History, Also: Assholes Still Out There.

[ferret]

Kruk has that interspecies thing going on, and the whole broadcast was yankee centric.  I had the Ashby button on by the 5th.   Chris Archer made a lot of fans http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/tampa-bay-rays-pitcher-chris-archer-al-wild-card-game

[BlownRanger]

Kruk has that interspecies thing going on, and the whole broadcast was yankee centric.  I had the Ashby button on by the 5th.   Chris Archer made a lot of fans http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/tampa-bay-rays-pitcher-chris-archer-al-wild-card-game

It wasn't the greatest baseball broadcast of all time, but I've seen lots worse, and I didn't think it was yankee-centric at all.  I thought it was balanced.

[BudGirl]

It wasn't the greatest baseball broadcast of all time, but I've seen lots worse, and I didn't think it was yankee-centric at all.  I thought it was balanced.

I respectfully disagree.  There was some discussion about the Astros but it seemed more of "we have to talk about the other team."  I think a little bit of research on the team and they could have done a better job.  But, if the Yankees are their team then they should be better the rest of the playoffs since they won't be a homer for anyone else.

[NeilT]

I actually thought her commentary was very balanced.  She had watched Astros pitching and did nice reviews of Keuchel's pitch locations, she did a nice job talking about Altuve's hitting when he hit the single, I kind of wondered if she was supposed to be the Astros' expert and Kruk the Yankees', and she just didn't have the experience to offset the powerful intellect that is Kruk.  I also think that all fans everywhere hate most broadcasters.

[ValpoCory]

I respectfully disagree.  There was some discussion about the Astros but it seemed more of "we have to talk about the other team."  I think a little bit of research on the team and they could have done a better job.  But, if the Yankees are their team then they should be better the rest of the playoffs since they won't be a homer for anyone else.

There were a couple times I felt they were disappointed the Yankees kept making outs.

[ferret]

I respectfully disagree.  There was some discussion about the Astros but it seemed more of "we have to talk about the other team."  I think a little bit of research on the team and they could have done a better job.  But, if the Yankees are their team then they should be better the rest of the playoffs since they won't be a homer for anyone else.

They lost me when they started talking about Keuchel's pitch count when Tanaka was pitching. 

[BudGirl]

They lost me when they started talking about Keuchel's pitch count when Tanaka was pitching. 

I found that odd, especially when Tanaka had a higher count.

[ferret]

I found that odd, especially when Tanaka had a higher count.

That was to keep the comments balanced.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I had to hit the Worrell/Morgan/McCarver/Ashby button several times in the early innings.   

I've seen worse baseball broadcasts,  most by espn.  There's probably some good content in missing,  but for the past 6 months or so I've avoided going to their website and i only watch the channel(s) when they're broadcasting an actual event I'm interested in.   I just don't like much about what they do,  how they do it,  or who they get to do it.  But other than that they're awesome.

[juliogotay]

I had to hit the Worrell/Morgan/McCarver/Ashby button several times in the early innings.   

I've seen worse baseball broadcasts,  most by espn.  There's probably some good content in missing,  but for the past 6 months or so I've avoided going to their website and i only watch the channel(s) when they're broadcasting an actual event I'm interested in.   I just don't like much about what they do,  how they do it,  or who they get to do it.  But other than that they're awesome.

Other than College Game Day on Saturdays I don't have much use for them.

[Navin R Johnson]

Not really getting all the Archer praise.  I mean he did an admirable job considering how young he is, but, um, um, I um don't um think he did anything to merit a regular um appearance in the um both.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I should add I thought Mendoza's commentary was perfectly fine.   I don't like multiple color commentators in general and didn't like it last night.

 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I wish she would have clarified what the fuck she meant when she said something about, "swing and miss hits."

[NeilT]

I wish she would have clarified what the fuck she meant when she said something about, "swing and miss hits."

It was about Kruk.  It made perfect sense.

[HudsonHawk]

Not really getting all the Archer praise.  I mean he did an admirable job considering how young he is, but, um, um, I um don't um think he did anything to merit a regular um appearance in the um both.

Archer provided some actual insight and analysis.  He was a little stiff at times, but he wasn't a bag of clichés and irrelevant babbling, which is Kruk's trademark.  He seemed to be the one person in the booth who was actually watching and commenting on the game rather than following the script.

[Dark Star]

Archer provided some actual insight and analysis.  He was a little stiff at times, but he wasn't a bag of clichés and irrelevant babbling, which is Kruk's trademark.  He seemed to be the one person in the booth who was actually watching and commenting on the game rather than following the script.

I didn't see the broadcast, but your comments on Archer make me think of Ron Darling, who I like a lot as an analyst.

[Tom Servo]

Archer provided some actual insight and analysis.  He was a little stiff at times, but he wasn't a bag of clichés and irrelevant babbling, which is Kruk's trademark.  He seemed to be the one person in the booth who was actually watching and commenting on the game rather than following the script.

Yes, I agree.  But if he wants a future as an analyst, he has to drop the "ums."  It was driving me crazy.  But other than that, great job.

[HudsonHawk]

Yes, I agree.  But if he wants a future as an analyst, he has to drop the "ums."  It was driving me crazy.  But other than that, great job.

I don't know that he has any designs on being a broadcaster.  He was invited into the booth because he's an active player, an intelligent, well-spoken young man who's pitched against both teams this season.  It was his first time ever doing something like that and he was a bit nervous.  Also the format is to pepper him with questions related to what's going on at the moment, not something you can really prepare for ahead of time.  I don't think anyone was really grading his delivery, only commenting that content-wise, he was well above the other yahoos in the booth.  Which says more about the yahoos than it does Archer. 

[NeilT]

Naw, it says something about Archer, too. He was surprisingly insightful about what he was seeing.

[Aussie Astro]

I may be a few days behind, but I do love a good sexist backlash…  http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/09/v8-driver-david-reynolds-apologises-for-offensive-comment-about-female-team

[mrpink]

That's pretty funny.

[Limey]

I may be a few days behind, but I do love a good sexist backlash…  http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/09/v8-driver-david-reynolds-apologises-for-offensive-comment-about-female-team

When will people learn to apologise properly?

“While it was intended to be humorous, I understand it has caused offence."

Wrong!  "I understand that it was offensive" is how you say it.

People take offense at anything and everything, and that's on them.  You said something actually offensive, that's on you.  It doesn't matter whether it caused offense or not, it's inherently offensive so you should apologise in that vein.

End of rant.

[Aussie Astro]

When will people learn to apologise properly?

“While it was intended to be humorous, I understand it has caused offence."

Wrong!  "I understand that it was offensive" is how you say it.

People take offense at anything and everything, and that's on them.  You said something actually offensive, that's on you.  It doesn't matter whether it caused offense or not, it's inherently offensive so you should apologise in that vein.

End of rant.

To apologise properly you have to mean it, he was trying to be a smart arse and I expect the only thing he is sorry about is having to apologise.  I actually thought the whole episode was pretty funny; the remark, predictable outrage and statement that is an apology, apparently.

[Duman]

Apparently, we also should apologize to coolers, too.

[Lefty]

Apparently, we also should apologize to coolers, too.

I remember that part in the Bible when Jesus threw the moneychangers out of the temple and then apologized to all the tables he turned over.

[Aussie Astro]

I remember that part in the Bible when Jesus threw the moneychangers out of the temple and then apologized to all the tables he turned over.

I always think an apology without the word sorry is not a real apology.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I always think an apology without the word sorry is not a real apology.

Well iI'm sorry you feel that way.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

The emotion one is seeking from an apology is less about sorrow, and more about regret, remorse, and contrition.

[Aussie Astro]

Well iI'm sorry you feel that way.

That's ok mate, I don't think it is all your fault.

[Nate Colbert]

ICYMI, Mendoza now has the job permanently. Also, ex-Astro Aaron Boone will be replacing Kruk as the other analyst.

Link

[Bench]

ICYMI, Mendoza now has the job permanently. Also, ex-Astro Aaron Boone will be replacing Kruk as the other analyst.

Link

That's a significant all around improvement.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

That's a significant all around improvement.

It's a wash in the average number of  testicles department.

[WVastro]

I really enjoyed listening to Mendoza last year. That along with not ever having to listen to Kruk again is fantastic news!

[Reuben]

It's a wash in the average number of  testicles department.

Golf clap.

[Nate Colbert]

Put ex-Horn and current Astros' minor leaguer Brooks Marlow in the anti "women in the broadcast booth" camp.

Link

[Bench]

Astros statement:

"The Houston Astros do not condone the tweet posted by one of our minor league players earlier this evening. We have communicated with the player, who agreed that his tweet was inappropriate and insensitive and has since apologized. We also apologize to Ms. Mendoza, who is an outstanding broadcaster that we have had the pleasure of working with this season."

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I like how he called her a "lady". Almost genteel.

[Reuben]

What did he say?

[Waldo]

What did he say?

http://deadspin.com/astros-apologize-for-minor-leaguers-shitheaded-tweet-1787473609

One of the best Deadspin comments I've ever read:

Guy hitting .205 in High-A ball is worried about the wrong Mendoza.

[jbm]

Thanks for relaying that comment.  A good laugh to break up the day. 

[moriartp]

http://deadspin.com/astros-apologize-for-minor-leaguers-shitheaded-tweet-1787473609

One of the best Deadspin comments I've ever read:

Classic.

[chuck]

One of the best Deadspin comments I've ever read:

I saw that, too. And in Lancaster.

Soon enough no one will care what he thinks and he can tweet stupid shit to his heart's content.

[Navin R Johnson]

My guess, like most people, he is probably a good person.  But what an utterly stupid thing to post on social media and really mean spirited.  Would he say that to a random female journalist who was interviewing him?  iF he was good enough to ever make a spring training roster, would he say that to Julia Morales face?

And this will follow him for the rest of his life, anytime a potential employer googles him, this will be the first thing that pops up.

[juliogotay]

My guess, like most people, he is probably a good person.  But what an utterly stupid thing to post on social media and really mean spirited.  Would he say that to a random female journalist who was interviewing him?  iF he was good enough to ever make a spring training roster, would he say that to Julia Morales face?

And this will follow him for the rest of his life, anytime a potential employer googles him, this will be the first thing that pops up.

 I wish I could take back some of the stupid things I said as a young man full of piss-n-vinegar. Fortunately we didn't have social media to broadcast them.

[Mr. Happy]

I wish I could take back some of the stupid things I said as a young man full of piss-n-vinegar. Fortunately we didn't have social media to broadcast them.

T'aint that the truth. There's a certain part of my entire life I wish that I could take back.

[geezerdonk]

How does she pronounce Pérez? That is the threshold test for anyone who broadcasts or comments on baseball.

[Mr. Happy]

I found her initially offputting, probably because of the novelty of it, but she knows the game and grew on me as the game progressed. In the end, I thought that she was pretty damn good. She was both technical and insightful.

[das]

I found her initially offputting, probably because of the novelty of it, but she knows the game and grew on me as the game progressed. In the end, I thought that she was pretty damn good. She was both technical and insightful.

Thought I'd dredge this thing up again.  I still have never heard her on a broadcast but hearing her on NPR this morning had me shouting at the dashboard of my car.  The segment started with NPR's Rachel Martin talking specifically about the Astros turnaround and the resulting 5 players going to the ASG.  I was super excited to hear the team being talked about in such a widely distributed non-sports format.  Then Martin brings Mendoza into the conversation as "the expert" and the conversation goes downhill from there.  It's like there was no editorial fact checking whatsoever.  If an everyday fan like me can pick stuff apart in real time as it's being said, it's gotta be bad.  Here's the segment, if you want to take a listen:
http://www.npr.org/2017/07/05/535578452/miamis-marlins-park-will-host-baseballs-2017-all-star-game-next-week

Astros able to draft high picks like Keuchel because of their poor records?  He of the 7th round pick in 2009 after an 84 win season in 2008?  Aaron Judge the "biggest player we've ever seen in the sport" at 6'-7", 280lbs?  Whut?  6'-7" is indeed tall but he's not even the biggest player on the Yankees right now (Dellen Betances is 6'-8" and weighs 275lbs).  Poor, poor reporting. 

It was nice to hear the Astros getting some national media props, though.

[BudGirl]

Thought I'd dredge this thing up again.  I still have never heard her on a broadcast but hearing her on NPR this morning had me shouting at the dashboard of my car.  The segment started with NPR's Rachel Martin talking specifically about the Astros turnaround and the resulting 5 players going to the ASG.  I was super excited to hear the team being talked about in such a widely distributed non-sports format.  Then Martin brings Mendoza into the conversation as "the expert" and the conversation goes downhill from there.  It's like there was no editorial fact checking whatsoever.  If an everyday fan like me can pick stuff apart in real time as it's being said, it's gotta be bad.  Here's the segment, if you want to take a listen:
http://www.npr.org/2017/07/05/535578452/miamis-marlins-park-will-host-baseballs-2017-all-star-game-next-week

Astros able to draft high picks like Keuchel because of their poor records?  He of the 7th round pick in 2009 after an 84 win season in 2008?  Aaron Judge the "biggest player we've ever seen in the sport" at 6'-7", 280lbs?  Whut?  6'-7" is indeed tall but he's not even the biggest player on the Yankees right now (Dellen Betances is 6'-8" and weighs 275lbs).  Poor, poor reporting. 

It was nice to hear the Astros getting some national media props, though.

I liked her at first, but she's caught that east-coast bias and is like all the rest of them now.

[MRaup]

I liked her at first, but she's caught that east-coast bias and is like all the rest of them now.

She hasn't caught anything. That's ESPN ordered 100 percent. They know their market.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

.. Aaron Judge the "biggest player we've ever seen in the sport" at 6'-7", 280lbs?  Whut?  6'-7" is indeed tall but he's not even the biggest player on the Yankees right now (Dellen Betances is 6'-8" and weighs 275lbs).  Poor, poor reporting. ..

And C.C. has 30 pounds on them.

[Waldo]

I liked her at first, but she's caught that east-coast bias and is like all the rest of them now.

I remember thinking she was okay during the 2015 Wild Card Game.  She (and the other announcers) were awful during Jeterfest, though.  Gives credence to Mark's theory.

[BlownRanger]

I remember thinking she was okay during the 2015 Wild Card Game.  She (and the other announcers) were awful during Jeterfest, though.  Gives credence to Mark's theory.

That theory is established fact.  If you want to keep your job at ESPN you will fellate who they tell you to fellate.

[Nate Colbert]

Heads among the haters must have absolutely exploded today.

[Mr. Happy]

Heads among the haters must have absolutely exploded today.

Good for herand great for baseball. I am glad that she is still going to be on television. I find her insightful.

[MusicMan]

Good for herand great for baseball. I am glad that she is still going to be on television. I find her insightful.

ESPN has already said she will continue, but I’m curious how they address her role. Will she work any Mets games?


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[Jacksonian]

ESPN has already said she will continue, but I’m curious how they address her role. Will she work any Mets games?


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If seen it noted that ARod is also contracted to the Yankees as a consultant and yet...

[VirtualBob]

Heads among the haters must have absolutely exploded today.

Only for those who know what is being talked about here.  Anyone care to summarize what happened?

[Nate Colbert]

Only for those who know what is being talked about here.  Anyone care to summarize what happened?

The Mets hired her for a front office job.

[VirtualBob]

The Mets hired her for a front office job.

Ahh.  Thanks.

[MusicMan]

If seen it noted that ARod is also contracted to the Yankees as a consultant and yet...

I didn’t realize that. Presumably ARod’s contract lasts even longer than Bonilla’s.


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