Reggie Jackson has started a commotion. Again.

However, summer may not exactly be Mr. October’s best season. This time, it isn’t a baseball hit from Jackson’s bat, but Reggie himself that has been catapulted from Yankee stadium.

Though no formal announcement, fine, or discipline has been administered, USA Today reports that, after Reggie Jackson’s insults to Alex Rodriguez in Sports Illustrated, the New York Yankees have requested that Jackson stay clear of the team. Jackson himself stated diplomatically, “The Yankees think that the timing is not right for me to be around the team right now. When the Yankees feel that the timing is proper, I’ll return.”

Regarding Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, Jackson told Sports Illustrated, “Al’s a very good friend. But I think there are real questions about his numbers. As much as I like him, what he admitted about his usage does cloud some of his records.”

The Yankees club did not appreciate Jackson’s very public denouncement of Rodriguez’s admitted steroid use, calling him “high maintenance.”

According to Fox Sports, concerned about the possible distraction Jackson’s comments might pose, the club did not allow him to attend the Yankees’ four-game series with the Red Sox this past weekend. When they are ready to have contact with Jackson again, the team will let him know.

Furthermore, Fox Sports reports that Jackson took a dig at former greats in the Sports Illustrated article as well, asserting, “I didn't see Kirby Puckett as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Gary Carter as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Don Sutton as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Phil Niekro as a Hall of Famer. As much as I like Jim Rice, I'm not so sure he's a Hall of Famer.'' Such comments added further insult to injury, only fanning the fire Jackson created.

**Trapp Rant**
I couldn't care less if Jackson upset the Yankees, but I take some offense at him deeming that other Hall of Famers are not as worthy as himself.  So, here are some stats.

Reggie Jackson
21 Seasons           .262 Avg      2584 Hits        563 HR       228 SB     1 MVP     14 All-Star

Kirby Puckett
12 Seasons           .318 Avg      2304 Hits        207 HR       134 SB     6 Gold Gloves    10 Cons. All-Star

Gary Carter
19 Seasons           .262 Avg      2092 Hits        324 HR       3 Gold Gloves      11 All-Star (10 Cons.)

Don Sutton
23 Seasons           3.26 ERA    324 Wins        178 CG       58 SHO        4 All-Star

Phil Niekro
24 Seasons           3.35 ERA    318 Wins        245 CG       45 SHO       4 All-Star     5 Gold Gloves

Jim Rice
16 Seasons          .298 Avg      2452 Hits       382 HR       1 MVP         8 All-Star

So, Kirby was a very different player, but he outhit you by 50 points and went to 10 consecutive All Star games, and brought the Twinkies to the land of the world champions Reggie.  Gary Carter, was one of the best the most demanding position on the field for nearly 2 decades and went to 11 All-Star games.  Oh, and 2000+ hits and 300+ HR's?  Jim Rice was Reggie with less speed and a better average.  If he was not a HoFer, the Reggie barely was. 

As for Sutton and Niekro, that's a more interesting argument.  They both made it on stats and careers, but had a good number of years where they were just decent starters.  But they were legit Major League starting pitchers for 23+ years each who both put up 300+ wins.  You do not stay in the Major Leagues for 20+ years without 3 things.
1. A hell of a lot of talent
2. A hell of a lot of luck
3. Even more Hard Work.

I know that noone is as good as you Reggie, but these are hall of fame guys.  Next time you decide it's been too long since your name was in the paper, just go get arrested.

**end of Rant**

As of now, Nj.com reports that Jackson has extended the olive branch, offering Rodriguez, Yankees officials, and others he offended an apology. Also, the separation appears only temporary, as Jackson will stay on as a special adviser to the team.

BY KIMBERLY ESKIN
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
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