Ex-Giant Pierzynski's tops MLB's most hated

Colin BechtCSNBayArea.com
In the eight seasons since A.J. Pierzynski played behind theplate for the Giants, the animosity he garnered in his one season by the Bay hasnot faded.
Giants fans may be encouraged to hear that they are notalone in their dislike for Pierzynski. In fact the loathing for the 15-yearmajor leaguer extends far beyond China Basin.In a Mens Journal survey of 100 MLB players on their mosthated player, Pierzynski was the top response. He received 34 percent of thevote.
Giants fans need little reminding of why Pierzynski may havewon such a high percentage of the vote. Between his MLB-worst 27 double plays,his 40-point dip in batting average from the year before and his arrogantnature, Pierzynski built up quite a reputation in lone season with the blackand orange.Pierzynskis Giants teammates didnt seem to care for himanymore than the fans did. An anonymous player told current Giants InsiderAndrew Baggarly that Pierzynski was the cancer in the clubhouse. Two pitchersconfirmed to Baggarly that Pierzynski ignored a request from starting pitcherBrett Tomko to go over opposing hitters before a start.Pierzynski reportedly offered 100 to any of his ChicagoWhite Sox teammates who homered off of Tomko during a spring training game in2005.
Baggarly also reported that two Giants players had heardthat Pierzynski openly criticized Giants pitchers to the Padres Phil Nevinduring an at-bat.San Franciscotraded Francisco Liriano, Joe Nathan and Boof Bonser to acquire Pierzynskibefore releasing him after one year. Liriano and Nathans success after leavingSan Franciscoonly added to the frustration Giants fans associate with Pierzynski.
The 35-year-old catchers penchant for drawing enmitycarried with him after he left the Giants. Cubs catcher Michael Barrettfamously punched Pierzynski during a game in 2006 after Pierzynski collidedwith Barrett on a play at the plate.

Colin Becht is an intern with CSNBayArea.com and a senior at Northwestern University