Minnesota Twins announcer Jim Kaat uses derogatory description of New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes
DIGEST – Minnesota Twins announcer Jim Kaat mentioned New York Yankees lefthander Nestor Cortes was “Nestor the Molestor” on Thursday’s broadcast, the second offensive remark in the past year by the 83-year-old Hall of Fame pitcher when calling a game.
Like Minnesota’s Chris Archer aside Detroit Tigers star Miguel CabreraKaat began explaining that Cortes had become one of his favorite pitchers during his breakout season with New York.
“” Nestor the Molestor, “Nestor Cortes,” said Kaat. “Different angles and speeds. He’s a pitcher.”
Twins vice president of media and content Dustin Morse spoke to Kaat after the broadcast about the comment.
“Obviously, we take these matters very seriously and, like in all cases, will handle this internally and privately,” Morse said.
Kaat planned to contact Cortes directly and talk to the pitcher about the situation.
“Jim didn’t mean it badly,” Morse said.
After the Yankees swept a two-headed ship day and night from Angel of Los AngelesCortes said he had heard about Kaat’s comment.
“I’m sure, you know, he didn’t really do it on purpose and people make mistakes, but that doesn’t offend me in the slightest,” Cortes told The Associated Press.
“So you know, I really don’t have anything more than just, honestly.”
Cortes has been affectionately known as “Nasty Nestor” by Yankees fans as he won 5-1 with a 1.50 ERA to start this season. He threw seven goalless innings against the Angels on Thursday to win the doubles first game.
Kaat, a longtime commentator who has also worked for the Yankees and MLB Network, sorry in october after saying that teams should try to “get a 40-acre field” full of players who look like White Sox midfielder Yoan Moncada.
His comments on Moncada reminded some viewers of the unfulfilled promise of the United States government that freed slaves would receive 40 acres and a mule after the Civil War. He apologized later in that game between Houston Astros and the White Sox.
“Earlier in the game when Yoan Moncada In an attempt to praise the great player that is him, he said, I used the word lack of choice which led to an insensitive and hurtful comment. “And I’m sorry for that.”
