ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney Responds to Criticism of Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez
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Over the weekend, Athletics' post-game host Chris Townsend took a shot at Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez, essentially calling him overrated after Rodriguez hit a game-winning home run on Sunday.
You can listen to his comments HERE:
We asked ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney about the comments and asked how Rodriguez is perceived within the game.
"So, Chris Townsend was the host who said that. I know Chris, he's a good guy. I think he's reacting to Julio's numbers the last couple of years. You and I have talked about the slow starts and how they're trying to get him started better. And we'll see if his overall numbers are better, and if they are, over the course of the year, then maybe some of that perception will change. I will tell you, ESPN just did a Top 100 list of players...I know that Julio is somewhere in the Top 25. He's a guy who generates a ton of respect within the industry and I do think, that when it comes to players, hitters that are in Seattle, you have to work in the demerits of being a hitter for the Mariners. His offensive numbers are just not going to be as gaudy..."
You can listen to the full interview with Olney below, and reminder: He's on every single Thursday edition of the "Refuse to Lose" podcast:
The Mariners are 3-4 on the season and will return to action on Friday at 1:35 p.m. PT. They'll take on the San Francisco Giants as Justin Verlander (SF) pitches against Bryce Miller (SEA).
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NEW PODCAST IS OUT! Brady is back for another episode of "Refuse to Lose," where he recaps his trip to Seattle and the M's first five games of the year. What has worked and what hasn't? And we're joined by Tacoma Rainiers broadcasters Andy Helwig and Rylee Pay at the outset of the Triple-A season. CLICK HERE:
KIRBY's ABSENCE ALREADY FELT: The Mariners don't have George Kirby at the start of the year and they've already seen the impact in Monday's loss against the Tigers. CLICK HERE:
A's BROADCASTER TAKES SHOT AT JULIO: Chris Townsend from the A's post-game show took some shots at Rodriguez after Sunday's M's win. CLICK HERE:
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