August 22nd, 2013 at 8:41 am 
by Ron Cervenka During Wednesday’s radio program ‘Inside Pitch’ on MLB Network Radio, show co-host and former general manager Jim Bowden made an interesting comment about his concern for 22-year-old superstar phenom Yasiel Puig during the upcoming off-season. Bowden said (and I am paraphrasing) I’m not concerned about what Yasiel Puig does from now through the post season, I’m concerned about what Yasiel Puig does from October through next February when spring training begins.
Say what you will about Jim Bowden or like him or not, he certainly has a knack for creating controversy which, of course, is what a good radio talk show host is supposed to do – Jack Clark notwithstanding.
With so much negative national media attention coming down on Puig, seemingly to the point where many (non-Dodger) writers and bloggers actually want the young superstar to fail, I cry foul and take exception to Bowden’s comment. Ironically, Bowden is a So Cal guy who actually has a bias towards the Dodgers and has been very outspoken about his affection towards Puig. But in it’s simplest form, what Yasiel Puig does on his own time or during the upcoming off-season is none of Bowden’s (or anybody else’s) damn business – so long as Puig doesn’t break any laws or bring embarrassment to the Dodger organization or to the game of baseball.
Yasiel Puig posted this photo of himself at the Playboy Mansion with Snoop Dog and Chris Brown on Twitter.
It’s no secret that the very young Puig is living large since defecting from an impoverished and oppressed lifestyle in Cuba and even I have to admit that it is a bit surprising where and with whom he has been turning up lately, but let’s be real here – if you were a handsome 22-year-old single celebrity athlete with $42 million burning a hole in your pocket wouldn’t you enjoy being invited to the Playboy Mansion or other lively late-night hot spots?
Prior to serving (and resigning) as General Manager for the Washington Nationals, Bowden also served as GM for the Cincinnati Reds GM. (AP Photo)
Whether or not Puig’s late-night escapades are hurting his play on the field is subject to debate and personal opinion, although his overall numbers tend to suggest that they are not. But until he does something during the off-season that shows indiscretion, what he does on his own time is his own business.
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RT @Think_BlueLA: New post – Radio show host expresses concern over Yasiel Puig during off-season
I heard he just bought a house in the Miami area. Looks like the club scene will be busy !!
Could it be that he might feel a bit more comfortable living in the large Cuban population in South Florida rather than a lifestyle thing? I guess we’ll find out.
That would make pretty good sense.
There must be more to the comment. Expressing concern doesn’t seem to be overly critical. Suggesting he will run aground would be critical as it is often written we are the company we keep. Is it Bowden’s place to get involved at all? Most likely not but the whole baseball world is keying on Yasiel now.
I am concerned about events happening with Yasiel. It seems to me on TBLA some of us in the past expressed concern when Matt was dating Rhinna and suggested it affected his performance on the field. I have the same concerns for Yasiel with so many celebrity types around who could take advantage of him.
I actually like Jim Bowden and tend to agree with much of what he says. He is extremely insightful and knowledgeable regarding many things. But this Puig off-season thing really surprised me and caught me off guard.
Then again, perhaps Bowden is spot on and if Puig does, in fact, have some off-season indiscretions, I will be the first to apologize to Bowden. But unless and/or until it happens, I am going to give Puig the benefit of the doubt. I know that I certainly made a lot of mistakes when I was 22 years old.
I did too. I became an elementary school principal. Talk about mistakes.
I think the less we hear about Yasiel in the off season the better. We’ll have to use OBF’s line – wait and see.
You were undoubtedly a wild one, Bluenose.
Unfortunately, wherever Puig goes during the off-season there will likely be a herd of paparazzi following him around, which only stands to irritate him and lead to potential confrontation.
Yeah – those jackdaws could be a source of irritation.