Local Beat Writers Announce Inaugural ‘Media Bad Guy’ Award

Last week, the Twin Cities chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America announced the winners of their end-of-year Diamond Awards. In addition to Minnesota Twins MVP, Rookie of the Year, and other honors, they also bequeath a Media Good Guy award. This year it was Twins reliever and union rep Taylor Rogers. Next year, he’ll have a counterpart.

“In 2021, we’re looking to recognize the biggest horse’s ass in the Twins clubhouse,” said Star Tribune Twins beat writer LaVelle E. Neal III. “It’s why we’re rolling out the Media Bad Guy Award.”

The 60-year-old Neal said the writers will weigh several factors in deciding the winner.

“It’s not just going to be a way to get back at guys who don’t want to give a quote after a tough loss,” said Neal. “Does he also deliver two dozen pizzas to our hotel room, or send one of the clubhouse attendants to let the air out of our tires? We need a full suite of jerk-dom, a real bastard’s bastard.”

“Every season, there’s a guy who’s just a weapons-grade dink,” said The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. “He deserves recognition. ‘No comment’ is amateur hour. Stealing my phone and texting ‘Save 50% on a one-year subscription to The Athletic using the code DANHAYESHEARTEMOJIBINLADEN’ to my family’s group chat is the dedication to being a complete jag that we’re looking for.”

Hayes added that you can save 50% on a one-year subscription to The Athletic using the code HOTSTOVE2020.

Neal said the only potential snag is the current roster.

“Most of these guys are good dudes or at least respectful,” said Neal. “But there will be some turnover this winter, and you’ve gotta figure one of the new guys will be a total wad. Or maybe the short season prevented one of the current players from embracing his inner creep. It's the beauty of a long season. Boy scout in spring training, wearing a fedora in September.”

(Hat tip to Jim Andrews for the inspiration on this. Not the ACL guy.)