As Minnesota’s Chris Archer struck out Detroit star Miguel Cabrera, Kaat used a nickname to describe pitcher Nestor Cortes that some found inappropriate.<\/p>\n
MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Twins broadcaster Jim Kaat referred to New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes as “Nestor the Molester” during a broadcast Thursday, the second remark in the past year by the 83-year-old Hall of Fame pitcher while calling a game that many deemed offensive. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
As Minnesota’s Chris Archer struck out Detroit star Miguel Cabrera, Kaat began to explain that Cortes had become one of his favorite pitchers during a breakout season with New York.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201c’Nestor the Molester,’ Nestor Cortes,\u201d Kaat said. “Angles and different speeds. He’s a pitcher. “<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Twins vice president of communications and content Dustin Morse spoke with Kaat after the broadcast about the comment he made.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cObviously, we take these matters seriously and like in all cases will handle this internally and privately,\u201d Morse said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Kaat reportedly plans to contact Cortes directly and speak with the pitcher about the situation. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cJim meant no ill will,\u201d Morse said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
After the Yankees swept a day-night doubleheader from the Los Angeles Angels, Cortes said he had heard about Kaat’s comment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cI’m sure, you know, he didn’t really mean it, and people make mistakes, but it didn’t offend me at all,\u201d Cortes told The Associated Press.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cSo, you know, I don’t really have anything more than just that, honestly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Cortes has affectionately become known as \u201cNasty Nestor\u201d by Yankees fans while going 5-1 with a 1.50 ERA to begin this season. He pitched seven scoreless innings to beat the Angels in the first game.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Kaat, a longtime commentator who has also worked for the Yankees, Fox and MLB Network, apologized in October after saying teams should try to \u201cget a 40-acre field full of\u201d players who look like White Sox infielder Yo\u00e1n Moncada.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
His comment about Moncada reminded some fans of the unfilled promise by the US government that freed slaves would receive 40 acres and a mule following the Civil War. Kaat apologized later in that game between the Astros and White Sox.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
“Earlier in the game when Yo\u00e1n Moncada was at the plate, in an attempt to compliment the great player that he is, I used a poor choice of words that resulted in an insensitive and hurtful remark,” he said. “And I’m sorry for that.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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