Rays manager Joe Maddon called the Red Sox coaches “weak” and “cowardly” after Friday’s plunking of Luke Scott, which sure looked intentional and led to both benches clearing. Bobby Valentine fired back Saturday, labelling Maddon and his crew “immature” and “out of control.”
With tensions running high, most assumed that Saturday’s home plate umpire Ed Rapuano would issue a pregame warning to both sides. But Rapuano apparently didn’t feel the need:
Crew chief Rapuano said NO warnings tonight. #RedSox #Rays
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 26, 2012
It’s not likely that the Rays and Red Sox — battling for victories in a wacky American League East — will engage in more drama Saturday night. But this isn’t the first time these two teams have expressed a dislike for each other. And Rapuano declined an opportunity to discourage the night’s pitchers from throwing inside.