Mike Rizzo, Washington Nationals general manager, called Joe Girardi “con artist” after Philly’s manager demanded that umpires check Max Scherzer for illegal drugs during Tuesday night’s game.
Rizzo stated Wednesday that it was embarrassing for Girardi and embarrassing for the Phillies. It’s also embarrassing for baseball.
After getting his gloves and hat checked by umpires, Scherzer stared down Girardi.
On Monday, major league umpires started a crackdown by inspecting pitchers for any tacky substances that could give them a better grip of the ball. Managers can also request a check. However, umps may deny it if it is not in good faith.
Girardi claimed that Scherzer was touching Scherzer’s hair more often than normal on the mound. Scherzer claimed he did this because he couldn’t grip the ball well and needed moisture in his fingers. Scherzer also stated that he became tired of the taste of rosin.
Rizzo called Girardi a con artist. “He has been doing this for years on TV.”
Dave Dombrowski, President of the Phillies, defended his manager after he fled the dugout when Scherzer looked him down.
He said, “That’s Joe Girardi.” “It is completely inappropriate for (Rizzo to say that.” Joe Girardi is far from a conman of anyone I know. He is a sincere person. He was within his right.”
Dombrowski said that he had called Commissioner Rob Manfred’s Office about the matter. MLB met with the umpires to determine that Girardi’s request was valid.
Since enforcement began, nearly 200 pitchers were checked across the majors.
Scherzer took off his belt when he was being examined for the third consecutive time. Alfonso Marquez, chief umpire crew, said that he instructed Scherzer to not unhitch his pants after he was examined for the third time.
“I immediately spoke to him and I told him, “Hey, don’t get mad at me over this. Marquez stated, “Let us just do what we have to do and then everything will be okay.”
Scherzer allowed one run and two hits over five innings while striking out eight.
Rizzo said that he loved Joe Girardi in his radio interview. “I have seen him play since he was in highschool at Peoria (Illinois), and scouted him at Northwestern. I am very familiar with him. However, I do know him well.”
