The Hill's publication of comments from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, in which Gibbs expressed significant frustration with lefty professionals, has engendered significant confusion among this rarefied group. And while current professional lefties have thus far withheld comment, several former lefty professionals are beginning to speak out.
"I'm really not sure what I might have done to tick Gibbs off," said retired Dodger great Sandy Koufax. "I tend to lay pretty low. But I understand that Gibbs may be a Yankees fan, and I struck out fifteen Yankees in Game 1 of the 1963 Series. So maybe he's upset about that."
"Still, that's an awfully long time to hold a grudge," Koufax shrugs. "Was he even born yet?"
Randy Johnson echoes Koufax's supposition that Gibbs' criticism might be Yankee-related.
"I did have a good World Series in 2001," said Johnson. "But, I mean...that was my job. I'm not sure what's got Gibbs so upset now."
Steve Carlton stated that while he might understand Gibbs frustration, he's not sure why professional righties were seemingly immune from criticism.
"We southpaws were, and are, a minority in the league. Maybe that makes us an easier target," said Carlton.
Tom Glavine speculates that perhaps Gibbs had a rough time hitting against lefties in Little League.
"I haven't been able to come up with a better explanation (for Gibbs rancor)" he said. "Maybe now that he has the world's ear for a few minutes every day he's trying to work out that particular athletic failing. But it seems a little late to me."