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Chat Reel: Vince Cellini

Cellini hopes Mets face Clemens again

Vince Cellini believes Roger Clemens would have been suspended if he threw the bat in a regular season game. AP

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with CNNSI anchor Vince Cellini, welcome Vince.
Vince Cellini: Thanks and greetings from Shea.

From Tim Walsh in Providence, R.I.: Do you think Joe Torre's decision to start Roger Clemens at Yankee Stadium was done purely to protect him? Or was it done because it was a better fit in terms of rest, the pressure he would have been under at Shea, and El Duque's great success at Shea?
Vince Cellini: Well, I think certainly the decision was made in part to keep him out of a very volatile situation. But also part of the decision was the fact that he's coming off a tremendous win in the ALCS in a complete game one hitter. However, the safest route for Clemens in that situation was pitching the Bronx and not at Shea. He didn't want Clemens to come to this and be exposed to all the anger and hostility and pick up a bat. But as it turned out he picked up a bat anyway.

From Susan: What is your take on the Roger Clemens Mike Piazza bat-throwing incident?
Vince Cellini: You know this has been talked about ad nauseum in New York. It's taken on a life of its own. First of all I've never seen anyone field a bat like that. I believe Clemens grabbed the bat in the heat of the moment was going to fire it off the field. I don't believe he did it with the intention of striking Piazza. However, what he did was indefensible and can't be tolerated, and it also tainted a tremendous Game 2 performance. The fall out from all this is people actually questioning Clemens' mental stability when he steps on the field. And I'm hoping the Mets get another chance at Clemens on Saturday in Game 6 if there is one.

From Corey: Do you think the punishment handed down to Clemens was appropriate?
Vince Cellini: I think if this had been in the regular season he might be facing suspension. The fine amount is inconsequential because of the salary he makes. But at this point he is not going to be suspended in World Series play it is just not going to happen. I think it would have been a more severe penalty if it were not World Series play.

From AUSTINTEXAS: Who has the better looking girlfriend, Mike Piazza or Derek Jeter?
Vince Cellini: I have not seen Derek Jeter's girlfriend, but I understand she is Miss Universe. Piazza's girlfriend is Millenium playmate which I believe trumps Miss Universe, but neither one walks away a loser.

From April: I bet the Braves wish they would have keep David Justice. What do you think?
Vince Cellini: Well, I bet the Indians probably feel the same way. At the time I'm sure the Braves felt it was a good solid trade. But in hindsight, it's difficult to live with the fact that you traded away the player with the most postseason RBIs ever and played in most postseason games ever He's just big time.

From Mike Murphy in Tampa, Fla.: Do you like doing the studio show or on-site reporting more?
Vince Cellini: Well on-site reporting definitely. When you field anchor like we are doing here for the World Series you are doing the essence of TV. Immediate interviews and immediate game reporting it has all the elements of terrific live TV. But having said that, the studio work is my bread and butter this is just a nice treat! I have an interview -- Al Leiter is on the scene. Thank you for joining the chat and I'll chat again with you next time.

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