After reading Dan's post, I thought to myself about how much I love players that hustle, show emotion, but don't rub it in the other teams face.
I used to love Francisco Cervelli, but his jumping and dancing around is getting old and just plain stupid. He's showing opponents up, and the more he does it, the more Yankees that will get plunked.
It's one thing to have energy, it's another to have too much energy. I'm not a fan of the clapping in opponents faces, the non-stop fist pumping after a strikeout, etc. Worst case scenario: it gives more motivation to the other team to show Cervelli who's boss, or the other team hits someone better than Cervelli, because, let's face it, Cervelli isn't exactly a premier player. Best case scenario: he just looks like an over-excited Gerard Butler.
I don't think the clap in Saltalamacchia's face was that bad, but I do see how that could be "rubbing it in." The Red Sox did not have to hit him. I'm completely against the whole hit-a-guy-as-retaliation thing. I prefer just winning the game.* It's the overall idea that a backup catcher is pumping his fist four to five times after every single win, even when it's a 10-0 win, for example.
This is why I love players like Brett Gardner. Other than the one time he went insane after striking out, he shows energy, he hustles, but not enough where it's going to get someone plunked. I like to think of Cervelli as a Jon Papelbon-hitter, with much less talent.
I know I'm in the minority here, but I would say to Cervelli that you can pump your fist once, smile, high-five your teammates, etc, and that's fine with me. Celebrate with your team, not against the other. Never, ever, though should a player rub it in the other teams face. Act like you belong.
*I really hope the Yankees don't plunk anyone as retaliation.*