Hell hath no fury like umpire Joe West behind the plate. Since 1976, “Cowboy Joe” West has umpired 4,683 games and tossed 158 players. He’s ejected players for talking crap about other umpires, got suspended for grabbing Jonathan Papelbon, tossed Justin Verlander after a pitching change took him out of the game, and ejected Mets coach Bobby Wine for being late to deliver the lineup card. Showing no discrimination for who he boots out, he’s even ejected cameramen.
Enter A.J. Pierzynski who is no stranger to being ejected himself. In 2014, he was tossed for asking umpire Quentin Wolcott to “Give me a new ball. One you can see.” Putting these West and Pierzynski in a bag and shaking it up is a recipe for trouble, even in spring training.
After Braves rookie Arodys Vizcaino went down 2-0 to former Brave Brian McCann, the next pitch was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Pierzynski. A quick disagreement about the call of the pitch and West exercised his authority to send A.J. Pierzynski packing.
It may only be spring training, but while others are still finding their footing, Pierzynski seems to already have his and be pissed off at Joe West about it.