Creating the Perfect Walk-Up Music for MLB's Most Polarizing Stars

If only the walk-up music used by polarizing MLB stars reflected their turbulent journeys rather than their melodic preferences. This article gives you a taste of that alternate universe.

The first step of this process was simple. Polarizing players can be instantly identified because those who follow baseball automatically attach a positive or negative connotation to their names. Public opinion is split (though not necessarily equally), fueling debate and leading these individuals to become about as prominent as anyone in the major leagues.

Only active players were considered (so no Manny Ramirez...yet).

The surprisingly tricky part was pairing each guy with a song from the world's vast library that represented him in both title and lyrics. Any relevant phrases used by the musical artists have been listed in slide captions.

Please respond through the comments section if you come up with more appropriate tunes for these players. 

Starlin Castro: 'The Lazy Song' (Bruno Mars)

There's no doubt that Starlin Castro has the tools to be an elite shortstop. At only 23 years old, he's already a two-time All-Star who led the National League in hits during the 2011 season.

The Chicago Cubs were so intrigued by his potential that they agreed to a seven-year, $60 million extension with him last summer.

Much to the team's frustration, however, Castro costs them on the field with an obvious lack of focus. He epitomizes laziness at shortstop, hence his MLB-worst 93 defensive errors since debuting.

Relevant lyrics

"I don't feel like doing anything."

"Nobody's gonna tell me I can't."

"I ain't going anywhere."

A.J. Pierzynski: 'A Boy Named Sue' (Johnny Cash)

The veteran backstop goes by A.J. Pierzynski rather than his given name, Anthony John. Whether or not that's the root of his attitude problem is unclear, but for whatever reason, he has always had troubling playing nice with others.

The San Francisco Giants famously released him in December 2004, despite coming off a productive season. Then there was that infamous fight he instigated with Michael Barrett in the Windy City.

In general, Pierzynski has a reputation as a lousy teammate and one of the most hated men in baseball.

Relevant lyrics

"...some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head."

"I grew up quick, and I grew up mean."

"...if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be tough."

Josh Hamilton: 'Crazy Train' (Ozzy Osbourne)

So far, Josh Hamilton has successfully avoided relapsing into addiction. Alcohol and tobacco, specifically, have affected him in previous years.

Still, he continues to suffer at the plate from an over-eager approach to hitting. As his athleticism begins to diminish at age 32, Hamilton finds himself mired in the worst slump of his professional career.

Many of us will always sympathize with the former AL MVP, who overcame great adversity to even reach the big leagues. His journey is certainly inspirational.

That said, we have just as much reason to detest him for insulting the Dallas-Fort Worth area that treated him so well and weakening the Los Angeles Angels in 2013 with his stubbornness regarding making adjustments.

Relevant lyrics

"Mental wounds not healing..."

"I'm goin' off the rails."

"The media sells it, and you live the role."

"I know that things are going wrong." 

Yasiel Puig: 'Every Chance I Get' (T.I.)

WARNING: The above video contains adult language

Every chance he gets, this dynamic athlete wants to reminds us just how talented he is.

Wednesday's afternoon game against the New York Yankees was a perfect example of that. Puig twice attempted to stretch base hits into doubles—failing the first time—and he even fired to Adrian Gonzalez following Thomas Neal's line drive, hoping to record the force out.

Overall, the outfielder's major league results have been outstanding (.474/.500/.789, 5 HR, 11 RBI). On the other hand, his aggressiveness during the June 11 brawl at Dodger Stadium and other less-publicized incidents raise questions about his maturity and character in general.

Relevant lyrics

"I'm so raw, and I'm so rich."

"Know that I'm gon' ball every chance I get."

"Got my homies out in Hollywood..."

"I'm exceedin' expectations."

"My records sell about a million, but s*** that just the beginnin'."

*All video links courtesy of MLB.com 

Bryce Harper: 'U Can't Touch This' (MC Hammer)

There's no true comparable to Bryce Harper in the major leagues. Fellow youngsters Manny Machado and Mike Trout have developed into superior all-around players, but neither possesses Harper's immense power-hitting potential or exudes the same "anything it takes to win" vibe.

His numerous collisions earlier this season led to a stint on the disabled list. While the 20-year-old's constant hustle is admirable (an example Starlin Castro could follow), there is a significant sect of fans who insist that he dial it down to avoid future injuries.

To match the song's "fresh new kicks" reference, Harper tweeted this personalized Under Armour logo, which appears on his cleats.

Relevant lyrics

"Oh my Lord, thank you for blessing me."

"Fresh new kicks..."

"Either work hard or you might as well quit."

Ryan Braun: 'The Times They Are a-Changin' (Bob Dylan)

The best days of Ryan Braun's career have seemingly passed him by.

His name, of course, showed up in documents from the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. After several months of stagnation in MLB's investigation, founder Tony Bosch and several key witnesses are cooperating. Braun figures to be one of about 20 players suspended for violating the league's drug policy.

Though a dip in his perennially outstanding offensive numbers isn't assured, he inevitably will lose respect around the world, particularly in Milwaukee. The possible 100-game suspension would hurt too. 

Relevant lyrics

"For the times they are a-changin'..."

"There's a battle outside, and it is ragin'."

"...beyond your command..."

Alex Rodriguez: 'What I've Done" (Linkin Park)

It's hard to believe that people like Alex Rodriguez exist in real life. His selfishness knows no bounds.

Even after televising a public apology in 2009 for past PED use, he couldn't stay away. ESPN reports that he went to Biogenesis for illegal solutions to his performance decline following an ugly showing during the 2012 playoffs. Through the years, A-Rod has been ripped for dirty tactics on the field as well.

However, he never genuinely tries to change.

As his rehab from hip surgery progresses, it's looking increasingly likely that he'll return to the New York Yankees lineup for the second half of the 2013 season. This Linkin Park hit would be a very fitting walk-up song to blast through the Yankee Stadium speakers...to drown out the chorus of boos.

Relevant lyrics

"...a thousand lies..."

"Put to rest what you thought of me."

"I’m forgiving what I’ve done."