MILWAUKEE – As expected, Cubs manager Joe Maddon heard from Major League Baseball about his we’re-not-gonna-take-it message for umpires everywhere.
“As of right now, nothing punitive,” Maddon said before Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Maddon got fined. Maddon spoke with Joe Torre, MLB’s executive vice president of baseball operations, about getting ejected from Wednesday’s win over the St. Louis Cardinals for arguing balls and strikes.
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“Joe and I talk at least once a year,” said Maddon, who managed the Tampa Bay Rays for nine seasons before moving to Chicago. “It happens at least once a year.”
Maddon didn’t mention home-plate umpire D.J. Reyburn by name, but he used his postgame media session to complain about unequal treatment for his young hitters, calling it “egregiously bad.”
“We just talked about that particular game and what went on,” Maddon said. “Of course, my comments postgame were discussed. But Joe’s not one to tell you to do this or not do that. That’s why he’s so good as a manager, too. We just talked about things and came to an agreement.”
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During that postgame purpose pitch, Maddon said “I had enough” at least three times, sticking up for rookies Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler and Addison Russell, feeling like the Cardinals were getting calls because of their veteran stature.
“Not going to put up with anything,” Maddon said that night. “We’re trying to get something done here. And I’m not going to permit our guys to get shortchanged based on the fact that they haven’t been here a long time.”