Yasiel Puig Needs An Ego Deflation

Yasiel Puig doesn’t play for the Cincinnati Reds, he will never play for the Reds but if he did his ego would have to check itself at

July 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) hits a walk off solo home run in the eleventh inning to win the game 1-0 against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

the front gate of GABP.

Puig has been making headlines since his debut with the Dodgers on June 3, 2012. Thanks to ESPN and their obsession with Puig the entire country knows who he is now. His first month in the majors was impressive. With that though everyone slowly started to notice his attitude and behavior start to change.

His cockiness on field is second to none, off the field though his ego has seemingly grown as large as Chavez Ravine. Puig’s bat has cooled off as of late prompting ESPN to stop their non stop coverage of the young Cuban.

The first sign of Puig’s cockiness and growing ego came slowly as he dominated pitchers and robbed numerous hitters all while getting an extra base each chance he got. Puig seemed like he could do no wrong.

His demeanor on field has turned into an unearned swagger no rookie should have.

Puig stares down pitchers, talks back to umps and carries his emotions on his sleeve. All of which are not inclusive of a great ball player, all that attitude will get you is a hit by pitch and a quick ejection from the umpires.

The first report of Puig’s rudness came from the Arizona Diamondbacks great Luis Gonzalez who tried talking to Puig only to have Puig act like the 2001 World Series hero didn’t exist. Keep in mind the DBack’s and the Dodgers have had some history this season.

All of that brings me to today when Puig hit a walk off home run in the 11th inning against the Cincinnati Reds. A walk off home run that saw Puig stare the ball down, flip his bat and then slide into home, all of which were unnecessary. The biggest complaint is act like you’ve been there.

Puig won’t last long without an attitude adjustment, the DBack’s hit him earlier in the season and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more teams go after him.

Don’t get this writer wrong, the effort and flat out style of play is refreshing. The attitude and cockiness are the turnoffs.

@MattNiehaus