Johnson, Maddon still trading jabs over pine tar
Davey Johnson says Joe Maddon should “read the rule book.” Maddon says the rule book shouldn’t always apply in the “self-policing” world of big league baseball – and that if anyone was cheating, it was Johnson.
The managers of the Washington Nationals and Tampa Bay Rays weren’t playing kiss-and-make-up Wednesday after Johnson’s decision to challenge Tampa Bay reliever Joel Peralta’s glove in Washington’s 5-4 loss the night before.
The umpires found pine tar on Peralta’s glove. He was ejected from the game and likely faces a suspension from Major League Baseball. The league office said it was investigating the incident.
Maddon was furious after the game, calling Johnson’s actions “cowardly,” “bush” and “bogus.” Johnson knew about the pine tar, Maddon said, because he had inside information on Peralta, who pitched for the Nationals in 2010.
The two managers traded verbal jabs Wednesday.
Johnson: “Any time there’s a rule violation, as far as I’m concerned, it’s just a rule violation. My only comment to him is read the rule book. It’s simple.”
Maddon: “I totally understand that. Davey’s right. I’m incapable of reading the rule book, and there’s also reading between the lines in some situations that needs to be looked at, too. He’s been around long enough; he knows better than that.”
Johnson, on whether he has any intention of meeting with Maddon: “No, I don’t know him that well, but I thought he was a weird wuss anyway, so no. I understand where he’s coming from. His job as a manager is to protect the players, striking out at whoever is causing your players any grievance.”
It was pointed out to Maddon that his player broke a rule and got caught, yet he chose to deflect responsibility toward Johnson.
“To utilize information based on the fact that the guy played here?” Maddon said. “If you want to talk about – I don’t know if that’s a form of cheating or what – but that’s really kind of underhanded, I believe, to use that kind of information.”
SHORT HOPS
Roy Oswalt will make his debut Friday for the Rangers at home against the Rockies after starting four minor league games since signing with Texas on May 29. … Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will have surgery on his left groin area today and it’s unknown when he’ll return. … Angels right-hander Jerome Williams was placed on the 15-day disabled list two days after suffering an asthma attack. The move opened up a roster spot for ace Jered Weaver, who was activated from the DL to start against the Giants. Weaver had been sidelined for 19 games after his back went out on him against the Yankees on May 28. … Braves pitcher Brandon Beachy is going to have reconstructive surgery on his right elbow today, and will miss the rest of the season. Jair Jurrjens will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Friday in Boston. … Tigers closer Jose Valverde has a sprained right wrist, but the team is hopeful he won’t be out long. Detroit trainer Kevin Rand says Valverde will use a wrist immobilizer for the next two or three days.
