A pair of successive extra-inning defeats of Los Angeles has red hot Colorado within a mere two games of the NL West leading Dodgers, but aside from analyzing Joe Torre’s charges without using the word “choke”, ill-will stemming from Monday night’s 14 inning affair continues to generate discussion two days later. On a night both clubs made their feelings known about home plate umpire Jorge Campos’ quality of work, second base umpire Bill Miller is accused of verbally abusing Rockies C Yorvit Torreabla, a situation that has garnered the attention of MLB’s discipline chieftan Bob Watson. From the Denver Post’s Troy E. Renck :
Tensions began to escalate because, Torrealba said, Miller (above) insulted him, saying that he was out of line by showing up Campos during the game with his body language on questionable calls against Rockies pitchers. A witness to the incident said that Miller referred to his own experience as an umpire in explaining why he had the right to criticize Torrealba’s actions, though he wasn’t working the plate.
As Miller and Torrealba argued, Street yelled at first-base umpire Jim Joyce, telling him that Miller needed to stop badgering Torrealba. Joyce came over to the rail of the Rockies’ dugout and exchanged words with Street and pitching coach Bob Apodaca.
“I was defending my catcher, that’s all. It was an emotional night on both sides,” said Street, who apologized to the umpires after the game.
Following Ryan Spilborghs’ walk-off grand slam, the Rockies celebrated at home plate. As the players dispersed, Torrealba yelled at Miller. Torrealba said he is not worried about a potential suspension.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. You offend me and I will offend you back. You show me respect and I’ll show you respect,” Torrealba said.
Renck reports Colorado’s Troy Tulowitzki was chastised for making contact with teammate Spilborghs before the latter crossed home plate, which might be the most petty complaint this side of Great White saying their rider wasn’t contractually fulfilled.