Some folks in the baseball realm have been bashing Joel Zumaya for the recent photos that have surfaced on the internet that show the rehabbing flame thrower at what appears to be a house party doing a “kegstand”

The shoulder looks to be holding up well Joel!

Perhaps I’m in the minority here, but I give this one a big ol’

“SO WHAT!!!???”

Zumaya has proven that he is going to play by his own rules since joining the league.

Whether it’s playing Guitar Hero, adding to his arsenal of tattoos, or doing kegstands at house parties - people need to keep in mind…

He’s a 23 year old guy!

He’s not breaking the law, and heck there isn’t even proof when these pictures were taken? It could have been a year ago?

Even if it was last week - Who really cares?

Sure, I understand when you see an athlete who is suppose to be rehabbing a bum shoulder doing a kegstand at a party you may question his integrity, and his conviction to getting back to playing.

But, I’m sorry, a couple of photos of a guy having a little fun isn’t reason to throw Zoom Zoom under the bus.

He’s not scheduled to pitch. 

He’s not doing illegal drugs.

He’s not behind the wheel of a vehicle.

And I re-iterate…  

He’s 23 years old!

So, whether I see Kyle Orton parading around with an entire bottle of Jack Daniels in hand or Matt Leinart letting loose with Nick Lachey…or whoever out partying and having what appears to be a little too much of a good time, I don’t sweat it too much.

As a fan I’d encourage anyone overly concerned to realize, these are ALL very young men just letting loose a bit.

Sometimes, like any other red blooded alpha male, they go a bit overboard. But I think many of us can attest that back in the day, most of us have had one of these kinds of nights.

Prior to the internet, and every human on earth carrying a digital camera, we missed a lot of these precious “Kodak moments”

But trust me.

Young professional sports figures have not just recently begun tipping the elbow. Just nowadays, with the advent of continuous media scrutiny, these sorts of pictures seem to surface more and more.

And don’t give me the “athletes should be role models for your kids” thing. They still can be.

Zumaya is not shown here at a function signing autographs for your sons and daughters while downing a flask in between signatures.

He’s at a house party.

Oh, and did I mention …..he’s 23!?

I’m willing to bet that many of these guys are involved with plenty of charity work.

In fact, they probably do more good for their community than both you and I combined, and are in all liklihood pretty down to earth individuals who are just out to have a little fun now and then.

They do, however all have one thing in common. They are all VERY YOUNG.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go pour myself a beer, and enjoy the game.