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Explaining the complex unwritten rules about talking to the media

When Matt Harvey cursed at reporters on Wednesday in St. Louis, a day after refusing to discuss his first post-demotion relief appearance, he drew attention to an aspect of clubhouse culture that is easily misunderstood by the public: Which players are supposed to talk to the media, and when?

According to unwritten rules that are essentially the same for every team and beat, starting pitchers are obligated to submit to an interview after a game that they started. Relievers who blew a save or factored into a decision understand that they are supposed to talk. Position players who 1) have a game-winning hit; 2) make a game-deciding out or 3) make a significant error all know that they are supposed to talk.