Jason Kipnis, a two-time All-Star whose MLB career spanned the then-Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs, criticized the New York Mets and Francisco Lindor for their lack of leadership.
The Mets advanced to 21-23 on the season Wednesday night with an 8-7 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays in extra innings. On Tuesday, Kipnis had some choice words for the Mets and some of his former teammates, including Lindor and Carlos Carrasco.
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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jason Kipnis celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Angels on September 9, 2019 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«All these veterans and no leadership,» Kipnis said on «Foul Territory.»
When AJ Pierzynski asked if Lindor was leading, Kipnis doubled down.
«I’m going to do it again, all those veterans and no leadership,» he said. «If they’re all veterans there, you’re kind of under the assumption that they’re all going about their business and doing things the right way.
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New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor throws to first base for the double play over Washington Nationals’ Dominic Smith as Alex Call slides to second at Nationals Park, Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Washington . (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
«You need someone to be those bumper pins on each side where people start to get a little out of line. It helps keep people in order, on track and focused on the same thing. Everyone feels a bit comfortable because there’s all veterans and you don’t have to worry about what you’re doing because you can’t go wrong. You kind of forget about that little nervousness when you’re a young guy and you’re like, ‘Oh, I don’t. I know if a veteran saw me, he shouldn’t be doing this. You lose that ‘Should I be doing the right thing?’ mindset.»
The Mets started May three games later. 500 but lost four of his first five games to start the month. The team had lost three of four before the win over the Rays.
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New York Mets manager Buck Showalter celebrates with Francisco Lindor at Nationals Park, Friday, May 12, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York won 101 games last season but finished second in the NL East. They were eliminated in three games in the wild card round.