MLB analyst uses profanity while calling out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. over his comments on Judge vs. Ohtani MVP debate
A popular MLB analyst has gone a little too far in what was originally an innocent expression of affection for Shohei Ohtani. Ryan Spaeder is a well-respected baseball analyst, although this time his words cut just a little bit too deep.
As this season's race for the AL MVP heats up, passions are running very high. It is largely anticipated that New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who is on track to break the AL home run record, has it in the bag. Apparently, that reality was just a little too much for Spaeder.
The analyst took to Twitter to call out Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero, who expressed his support for Judge, describing him as a "little b*tch."
Guerrero, the defending MLB home run leader, has followed up 2021 with less prolific numbers. So far, Guerrero has 85 RBIs and 29 home runs, down 26 and 19 respectively from last season.
Knowing that these numbers are unlikely to win him the MVP award this year, Guerrero publicly endorsed Aaron Judge, much to the chagrin of Spaeder, who is firmly in the camp of Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani.
Replying to Guerrero's endorsement, Spaeder tweeted, "You can't pitch like an ace and neither can Judge, you little b*tch." His comment was met with much consternation in the Twitter sphere, with many finding his retort unduly aggressive and distasteful.
@theaceofspaeder You have a problem of telling jokes that aren’t funny bucko https://t.co/EDgReb3YiV
"You have a problem of telling jokes that aren’t funny bucko" - @ Josh Waldoch
Spaeder walked back his comments, referring to them as "humor", but it is clear that many still view the comments to be made in poor taste. Spaeder was referring to the fact that Ohtani's pitching ability is unmatched by any other hitter in the MLB.
Alright… it was just a joke. Vlad is one of the best to do it. I’m just all in on Ohtani, and how what he is doing and has done being (somehow) undervalued, as we well know.
"Alright… it was just a joke. Vlad is one of the best to do it. I’m just all in on Ohtani, and how what he is doing and has done being (somehow) undervalued, as we well know." - @ Ryan M Spaeder
Ohtani, who is the defending MVP, is lethal from both the mound and the batters' box. Ohtani's ERA and average are both better than they were last season and he is on course to hit more RBIs.
Aaron Judge, meanwhile, has 59 home runs and 127 RBIs - both first in the MLB. Judge has also become a fan favorite for his likable personality and open nature.
As such, Judge looks like the odds-on favorite to capture this year's prestitgious honor for the most valuable player in the game of baseball.