Several years ago when I was waiting in a dentist's office I read a Sports Illustrated article that profiled Peyton Manning. The Colts were doing a pre-game routine during which Manning suddenly spotted a teammate who was being overly friendly with an opposing player on the sidelines. He mocked the Colts player to a nearby player then turned to the Sports Illustrated reporter and said (paraphrasing) "I don't believe in playing grab-ass with them. I'm here to win, not be their buddy."
That attitude is partly why Manning is the NFL's best regular season quarterback ever.
I recalled that article during game three of the NLCS when I watched Casey Blake have a lengthy conversation with Shane Victorino when he arrived at third base in the first inning. Both of the men smiled broadly and laughed several times as if they were cracking good jokes to each other. It struck me as unbelievably inappropriate. If they were doing it during spring training maybe Dodger fans could condone it. Regular season? No. Postseason? Hell no. The error is compunded by the fact that even before this series if you polled the Dodgers' fans with the question "which player do you hate most?" Victorino would undoubtedly rank #1 or #2.
We love Blake. He has played well offensively and outstanding defensively.
But... for the love of whatever you consider holy, Blake... Stop. Now.
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