Puig’s journey adds to star’s complexity
Dodgers superstar Yasiel Puig is a free-swinging, at-times reckless outfielder who just might be the most entertaining player in Major League Baseball.
He’s also an easy target for those who want to make him out to be a spoiled athlete who made too much money too soon.
Puig has been late for team functions, failed to run out fly balls and had a couple traffic incidents during his short time in the United States.
But everyone who wants to criticize what Puig has become should at least take time to find out how he got here.
Jesse Katz of Los Angeles Magazine did a phenomenal report on Puig’s defection from Cuba and the perils the group faced along the way.
The story is thrilling, exhilarating, depressing and inspiring all at the same time.
Readers can draw their own conclusions about the methods and the shady characters involved in the process, but most people at least come away with an increased understanding of Puig as a complex person and not just a baseball phenom.
None of this is to offer up an excuse for his perceived bad behavior. It’s just a little bit more of the puzzle.
Maybe someone who has lived free in America their whole life can’t fully appreciate what it would be like to suddenly have the option to be late to a meeting.
Just something to ponder.
Think whatever you want. Just read the story first.
