LEADING OFF: Báez, Mets barb home fans, anger team president

A look at what’s happening around the majors on Monday:

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BOO WHO?

Javier Báez and his New York Mets teammates get a day to cool off after the derogatory gestures they directed toward frustrated fans at Citi Field angered club management.

Booed at home during a rough August, Báez said Mets players have been turning double thumbs down on the crowd in reponse. Báez did it after homering Sunday in a 9-4 win over Washington.

“When we don’t get success, we’re going to get booed,” he said. “So they’re going to get booed when we have success.”

Báez, a two-time All-Star acquired from the Chicago Cubs last month, good friend Francisco Lindor and Kevin Pillar all were seen giving the thumbs-down during the win.

Mets President Sandy Alderson swiftly condemned those remarks and signs.

“These comments, and any gestures by him or other players with a similar intent, are totally unacceptable,” Alderson said in a statement.

“Booing is every fan’s right,” he said. “The Mets will not tolerate any player gesture that is unprofessional in its meaning or is directed in a negative way toward our fans. I will be meeting with our players and staff to convey this message directly.”

The Mets are 8-19 this month, dropping them from the NL East lead to third place, 7 1/2 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves.

New York is back in action Tuesday, at home against Miami. The teams will resume a nine-inning game that was suspended after just one out because of rain on April 11, and then play a seven-inning game.

WANDER-FUL

Rays rookie shortstop Wander Franco has reached base in 29 straight games, the longest active streak in the majors.

The 20-year-old Franco got two hits and drew a walk as the AL East leaders beat Baltimore 12-8 on...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-B-ez-Mets-barb-home-fans-anger-16420496.php