After Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster hit New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez with what was widely considered to be an intentional pitch, Dempsters’ teammate David Ortiz said he didn’t agree with what the pitcher did.
On Friday, according to ESPNBoston.com, Ortiz addressed rumors that his comments caused a rift between him and Dempster.
Ortiz explained Thursday, according to USA TODAY Sports, following the controversial game in which the Red Sox lost 9-6 how he felt about Dempster’s actions.
"I didn't like it. I don't think it was the right thing to do,'' Ortiz said referring to the A-Rod plunking. "But we don't all think alike, and the guy who did it, Dempster, is a great guy. It's not that I didn't think it was right because Alex and I are friends, because once you cross the white lines, everyone's on their own.
"But we've got Tampa right on our heels, and that pitch woke up a monster in the Yankees' team at that moment. You saw how the game ended up. CC [Sabathia] was throwing 91 (mph) and started throwing 96. Alex later hit one way out there. You're talking about a good team that you can't wake up. But we learn from our mistakes.''
Ortiz discussed Friday the speculation surrounding his comments.
"I don't give a flying f--- what anybody thinks," the Red Sox designated hitter said. "I don't care who hits who and who doesn't."
Ortiz reminded reporters he took issue with Dempster hitting Rodriguez because "it kind of woke them up."
"Did I lie about that?" he added. "I think that's what everybody saw."
Ortiz is probably right. Ever since the team from New York rallied to beat the Red Sox, they have gone won four of their last five. In addition the Bronx Bombers have rallied to get within 6 games of the Red Sox who are tied with the Tampa Rays for first place.
