Booing Vazquez already?

Photo courtesy of the NY Daily News

Numerous reports had Javier Vazquez getting booed yesterday in his first start back with the Yankees since his ill-fated relief appearance in the 2004 ALCS Game 7. Here’s some of the reactions from around the blogosphere and media:

NBC Sports Craig Calcaterra:

The man has started two games this year. These boos are almost certainly a function of people thinking back to 2004, which is amazingly weak given that, you know, the team just won the World Series five months ago. For a fan base that fancies itself so much more knowledgeable than anyone else’s, this was pretty bad.

Mike Vaccaro of the NY Post:

Angels take a 2-0 lead and Yankees fans boo Javy Vazquez, proof that perspective isn’t endangered merely in Queens.

Joe Pawl of RAB:

The fans. There’s no need to boo Vazquez, especially in the third inning. He recovered nicely, and he nearly finished his appearance with six innings and two runs. Alas, that was not to be, and the sixth inning was quite annoying. Still, there’s just no need for the booing, especially in freaking April.

I’m with all of the above writers, and would like to add a few notes to this chorus. First, the idea that Vazquez “can’t pitch in NY” is wrong, he pitched very well for us in the first half of 2004, before injuring his shoulder.   The notion that “He’s a NL pitcher” is wrong because he had a terrific year with the White Sox in 2007 and an equally bad year (to his 04 season) with the Diamondbacks in 2005. I understand that fans pay good money for their seats and have a right to boo, but it’s also the right to make a fool of yourself, which is what you’re doing in the eyes of many of your fellow fans. Myself included. If you’re going to make an complete ass of yourself at the stadium, at least try to be funny.