Martin learns lesson about umpires

ARLINGTON -- Leonys Martin got his first hit of the season on Saturday afternoon. He also had his first spat with an umpire and learned that veteran umpires generally don't like to hear from rookies.

Martin was batting with one out in the fifth against Angels pitcher Tommy Hanson. He was ahead 1-0 in the count and Hanson threw a slider toward the outside corner that Wally Bell called a strike.

Martin objected and Bell reacted. He took his mask off and started lecturing Martin.

"I understand I'm fairly new around here," Martin said. "I was just in disagreement with him. I'm just trying to do my job and help the team."

Manager Ron Washington came out and interceded before Martin got into worse trouble. Martin stayed in the game and grounded out. His first hit was a single in the seventh.

"I didn't want Martin to get thrown out," Washington said. "Wally was going at it and Martin was going at it. Martin is competing and he thought the pitch was a ball. I'm not going to stop him from competing but I didn't want him getting thrown out."