The Oakland A’s were fuming over Manny Machado’s disrespectful behavior during Sunday’s 11-1 win over the Orioles, and they voiced their opinions afterwards.
Machado, who already was involved in an incident with Josh Donaldson on Friday, threw his bat after being thrown at in the eighth inning of Sunday’s game.
Oakland catcher John Jaso, who served as the team’s DH Sunday, said Machado’s actions were “disrespectful to the game.” Derek Norris, who caught and was knocked out of the game after being hit by Machado’s backswing, said Machado’s actions were a “disgrace to baseball.”
“A guy with that kind of talent out there and he thinks he’s … like he’s got 10+ years in the big leagues,” said Jaso. “That doesn’t really fly well with me. I don’t think it flies well with a lot of players. Sometimes those guys need to be brought down a little bit so they play the game right. Because obviously there’s a few examples from the series where he isn’t playing the game right, and it’s kind of disrespectful to the game.”
Norris, who was tested for a concussion after leaving the game, had even harsher words.
“What he’s doing, it’s a disgrace to baseball, and I think it’s sad to see someone of his talent and national recognition have things like that stain your career,” said Norris via MLB.com. “I think it’s sad that a player needs to take things to a certain level. I don’t really understand it. Somewhere inside of him, he’s gotta know that he was in the wrong at some point. If you can’t leave here today thinking that you didn’t do anything wrong, something needs to happen, whether it happens internally over there or whatever.”
As I said before, I don’t understand why Machado was so upset over what appeared to be a standard tag Friday. And I don’t get why he hit Norris on his backswing or why he tossed his bat after being hit.
Norris didn’t like the way Machado reacted after hitting him with the bat.
“Usually most guys, it’s a, ‘You all right?’ Something,” said Norris via MLB.com. “But, if anything, I might’ve caught him smiling one time, which is kinda bizarre. Not really much [courtesy] coming from his side today. I don’t need a guy to ask me if I feel all right to feel good about a situation, but I think it is courteous for one ballplayer to another to ask if they’re all right. But yeah, nothing.”
Oftentimes I’d say the veterans need to chill and give a break to the youngster, but Machado really seemed out of line on all fronts. I seriously don’t get what’s up with him.
UPDATE: Machado admitted his wrongdoing and apologized Monday for his actions.
