Alexisonfire

Alex Rios has had a tough go of it lately; he is the proud owner of a .174 batting average in the month of June, on pace for another underwhelming year both at the plate and in the field, and recently got in an argument with a dude outside of a charity event in Toronto after refusing to sign an autograph for a young fan. As the Blue Jays continue to plug away and stay close to the big boys of the American League East many players are enjoying successful years at the plate thus far. Aaron Hill has re-established himself as one of the leagues brightest young second baseman, Marco Scutaro has proven he belongs to be in the starting line-up every day, and Adam Lind continues to improve each game. Alex Rios seems to be an exception, an outlier, on this over-achieving squad.

Those of you who didn’t hear about Alexis’ spat with a fan after a charity event in Toronto last week can watch the video here. This video upsets me ....sure Rios acted like a douche, but I am torn between my love for the lanky bastard and his actions in the amateur video.

There are some obvious things wrong with this video, the first being the fact that Rios refused to sign an autograph for a young fan, I think this is pretty lame on his behalf. Toronto is far from a baseball Mecca and I am pretty confident Alex can parade around town without being hoarded by hundreds of eager fans looking for his Herbie Hancock. Just because you had a rough night at the plate the previous game (0-5, 5 K’s) gives you no right to snub a young, impressionable fan.

The second part of this video that I didn’t like, and reflects poorly on him is the fact that he dropped the fuck bomb about 5 or 6 times in a crowd of onlookers. I’m no prude, but yelling out who gives a fuck! Followed by a fuck you! And a fuckin’ idiot! whilst surrounded by young fans and people holding cell phones is not cool, gotta keep that shit profesh, Alexis.

The third part that bugged me was pretty much summed up by the fan who told Rios that he is lucky anyone even wants his autograph the way he’s been playing lately. It’s a great chirp, and also true. You can argue that Vernon Wells has been a bigger disappointment so far this year, yet I still think that he is much more valuable to the Jays than Mr. Rios. Vernon seems to be a leader in the clubhouse, a hard worker, a good teammate and former gold glove winner, Rios on the other hand seems to be a guy full of talent and potential whose biggest accomplishment is finishing second in the 2007 home run derby.

I have gone on long enough about how Alex Rios acted like a duster in that short you tube video; I guess it’s only fair to explain why I still like him...a little bit anyways. The guy; according to every teammate and coach in the Blue Jays organization, has a stupid amount of god-given talent and athletic ability, and he finished second in the freaking home run derby....like fuck, figure it out Alex! There is no denying Alex Rios is a good baseball player; I just wanna see him become great. He is currently signed to a decent contract that will see him make $64 million over 6 years so I guess I have no choice but to believe Rios can hit his potential and help lead the jays to prominence in the American League in future years, I just hope he doesn’t act like such a douche along the way...but even if he does, who gives a fuck!!