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Pirates' Sean Rodriguez challenged Phillies' Kevin Slowey to a fight
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies nearly came to blows Monday. While no punches were thrown, two coaches were ejected after benches emptied during the fifth inning. All of this happened during a spring training game where the results don't matter.
The entire incident began during the previous inning. After a strikeout, infielder Sean Rodriguez began shouting at pitcher Kevin Slowey while walking toward the dugout. Rodriguez had called for time during the at-bat, but it was not granted by the home plate umpire. Slowey threw his pitch, and eventually wound up picking up a strikeout at the end of the at-bat.
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Rodriguez continued yelling at Slowey at the start of the next inning, challenging him to a fight, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Slowey said he was surprised at the reaction.
"It surprises me to be that upset, and challenging somebody to a physical altercation hardly seems like the best way to resolve your frustrations," Slowey said. "I was kind of taken by surprise at his animosity after his at-bat. I know the kind of guy that he purports to be. That surprised me that that would be his choice of words and reaction. I guess I understand the frustration of a singular failure. It's a game of failures. But to react that way to me was very surprising."
Phillies first base coach Juan Samuel and Pirates third base coach Rick Sofield were ejected for their involvement in the altercation, but both Slowey and Rodriguez remained in the game. According to Samuel, Rodriguez said something resembling "if you want to take it out back, meet me in the parking lot" to Slowey during the shouting.
Even if you love a good brouhaha, there's something very elementary school-esque about "meet me in the parking lot." It's reminiscent of running to the flagpole at 3 p.m. to watch two of your friends duke it out after one stole the other's pudding cup at lunch.
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In elementary school, cooler heads typically prevailed, and that appears to be the case here. Slowey didn't take any pot-shots at Rodriguez after the game. While Rodriguez didn't comment on the situation, manager Clint Hurdle indicated that the matter was already in the past.
All in all, we learned a valuable lesson here. Fights are dumb, and we should all remain friends. Just like we did in school.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
