We’ve talked about Alec Bohm a bit around these parts over the last couple years. He’s a former third overall pick who is treading perilously close to become a mere post-hype guy thanks to a disastrous 2021 season at the plate. The 25-year-old third baseman had raked in the minor leagues and in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, but 2021 was sufficiently bad (.247/.305/.342, 75 wRC+, with every peripheral regressing) that the calls for a change of scenery were audible this offseason. There were questions if he was even going to make the Phillies roster.
I mention all of that because there’s probably going to be even more discussion of it after tonight. Maybe enough that those change-of-scenery conversations pop back up as soon as this month if the Phillies get desperate (and a team like, say, the Cubs wants to try to give him a different opportunity … ).
Here’s what happened (so far) tonight:
Alec Bohm has made three throwing errors in three innings tonight. Here they are: pic.twitter.com/sQ1VHKX7cW
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 11, 2022
Alec Bohm has 3 errors in 3 innings pic.twitter.com/flXrxJCE8g
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 11, 2022
After making a routine play and getting mocked cheered by the Philadelphia faithful, it sure *looked* like Bohm was displeased:
“I fucking hate this place” Alec Bohm after Phillies fans sarcastically cheer an out pic.twitter.com/ZU9CV4NXuJ
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) April 11, 2022
That’s how I read the lips, too – unkind, if understandable, words for the home crowd – and it’s definitely how I see a lot of Phillies fans out there reading it. The reaction is all over the place, and it’s, uh, pretty hostile. I would imagine Bohm will be asked about not only the extreme throwing issues, but also the mock cheer and his response.
UPDATE: After the game, all credit to Bohm for owning up to it, and discussing it openly:
Alec Bohm on @NBCSPhilly Phillies postgame on saying
“I f***** hate this place” during game
“I said it. Emotions got the best of me. Do I mean it? No. It’s a frustrating night for me. These fans, they just want to win. They’re great. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that” pic.twitter.com/YxjO2gqTIJ
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 12, 2022