Samardzija responds to Williams, Gibson comments
D-backs third-base coach unhappy with sequence in Kennedy's at-bat Saturday
ANAHEIM -- Diamondbacks third-base coach Matt Williams and Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija exchanged some words during Saturday's game at Wrigley Field. On Sunday, Arizona manager Kirk Gibson complimented Samardzija, but he also suggested the pitcher stop talking and focus on pitching.
What happened?
"They weren't too happy I was throwing in on [Ian] Kennedy," Samardzija said Tuesday. "I don't know why I'd be trying to hit him. He's the pitcher. There's no reason for me to do that.
"I was losing the ball on the arm side for a while and they apparently didn't like that. I didn't think it was a big deal. ... I wasn't trying to show anyone up."
Samardzija figured Gibson and Williams would understand that sometimes players get caught up in the moment.
"Those guys played for a long time. You'd think they'd have a pretty good idea of what happens during games, and it gets a little heated and a little on edge out there," Samardzija said. "There's a lot of excitement and a lot of emotions. I don't think it was anything too serious."