Although this incident with Major League pitcher Brett Myers occurred over three years ago, I haven’t forgotten it. It’s probably the most abrasive, confrontational and childish athlete-reporter exchange I’ve ever heard. Or put another way, it’s the most extreme jackass-jock-condescending-to-journalist example ever imagined. And the thought of ever experiencing anything even remotely close to it makes me cringe.
Audio of Myers, then a member of the Philadelphia Phillies verbally assaulting Inquirer reporter Sam Carchidi can be heard here. Myers was right up there with Adam Dunn when it came to names being floated most often in trade rumors. However, it turns out he’s staying with the Astros.
After listening to the audio, I’m sure you’ll agree with this take from Beerleaguer; a Phillies blog.
Reading his bio, Carchidi has been in the business since 1975. He doesn’t have to let anyone talk to him that way, and certainly not someone of Myers’ character.
None of this changes the fact that everyone already knows Myers is a classless bully with an ugly history. There’s just no hiding or denying it.
So with Myers being shopped, I was wondering whose problem, or at least whose team’s beat reporters he would be next.
Looks like it’s still the Astros.
According to Fanhouse:
Myers’ agent, Craig Landis, told FanHouse his client and the Astros are close to finalizing a two-year deal with an option for 2013.
Houston general manager Ed Wade also said a resolution is near, solidifying Myers’ status as the de facto leader of the post-Roy Oswalt pitching staff. The pitcher’s current deal includes an $8 million mutual option for 2011 that can be bought out for $2 million.
Myers, 29, is in his first year with the Astros after signing with them as a free agent last winter. He has been their best pitcher, going 8-6 with a 3.10 ERA, and has pitched at least six innings in all 21 of his starts this year. Numbers like that are a big reason other teams were calling about him after Oswalt was dealt, and of course the primary reason the Astros want to keep him.