The Cincinnati Reds, man. They sure do dislike the way the Chicago Cubs “chirp.” Also, they really like using the word “chirp.”
After another Reds starter beefed with the Cubs’ bench and threw at Anthony Rizzo, and after a Reds broadcaster griped about the Cubs’ attitude, it was Trevor Bauer’s turn after – admittedly – dominating the Cubs last night.
“I have to give them props, they actually chirped all night and yelled at me all night. Normally when they get behind, they shut up real quick.” #Cubs #Reds pic.twitter.com/w3ll13dIAN
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 10, 2020
Bauer isn’t one to be shy with the chirping of his own, and he waved to the Cubs’ bench as he departed the game.
“It’s kind of funny, I’ve got to give them props,” Bauer said in the post-game you can watch above. “They actually chirped all night and yelled at me all night. Normally when they get behind, they shut up real quick. I mean, even when I got taken out, they’re yelling ‘bye’ at me. I gave them a nice little wave and some other stuff because it was impressive that you can chirp at someone after he shoved it up your a** for 7 2/3 innings. So props to them on that.”
Bauer is a polarizing figure in the game, among players and agents, among front offices, and among fans. Many like his frankness at times, and his sense of urgency that the game needs to connect more personally with fans, but many others have legitimate beefs with many of his comments and behaviors. Me? I also don’t like that he ripped the Astros two years ago saying the only way to add 400 RPMs to your fastball is to cheat with grip enhancers, and then this year his fastball has popped by 400 RPMs.
On this particular event, however, I don’t really have much beef. It comes off as unnecessarily aggressive and a little insecure, but hey, the Cubs chirped, and Bauer dominated. He can say it.