Tampa Bay Rays RHP Matt Garza stands up for teammate Evan Longoria

  Tampa Bay Rays RHP Matt Garza acknowledged it was more than coincidence than he hit Mark Teixeira the inning after Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain threw a pitch at the head of Evan Longoria, and noted the Yankees threw inside to Longoria and hit him Monday too.
   “I just kind of got tired of people brushing him back,’’ Garza said. “It’s about time someone made a statement. They did it on Monday night and we didn’t do anything, they didn’t do it too much (Tuesday) and (Chamberlain) did it again tonight.
   “I hate to be that guy, but someone had to take a stand and say, “You know, we’re tired of it.” You can go after our best guy, well, we’ll make some noise too, and that’s what happened.’’

Comments

[Rhino]

Spitting on TV like an Olive baboon is bad enough, Garza, talking like one is another story altogether.....

[DavidSassoon]

Bean balls are a Yankee tradition. In fact the Yankees had a big hand in the invention of the batting helmet. Remember Goose Gossage? He didn't just brush back pitchers, he'd try to send them to Bellevue Hospital. What's even more disgusting is the Yankees appeared to be in full control of the game. They certainly are a class act.

[McLovin]

This is madness!

This! Is! Garza!

I love it when pitchers hit a batter and then talk about how it was no accident. If I remember correctly, he also said he hit Pedroia on purpose in Game 7 of the ALCS.

[tbird]

Kudos to John romano for his article in todays St. Pete Times concerning Burrell. Finally we have the fans booing, the announcers suggesting he be benched and now a sports writer finally pointing out the obvious. Good writing John and it needed to be printed. Thanks

[anytime]

What does that tell you about the mentality of The New York Spank Me's
Theyr'e in first place and they to resort to playing dirty to stay there.
No wonder evreyone hates them!

[TriplePlay]

The Rays have let this go way too often so it was good to see Matt drill Tex - I would have preferred A-Rod or better yet Jeter - Jeter is way too hot. The bigger issue is Longoria needs to stand up when this happens and not get frustrated by it. All teams now know Pena and Burrell can't provide protection for any hitter in the lineup. Zobrist scares no one. If the Rays FRO can't land Martinez then they are making a bigger statement and that is the year is lost.

[DavidSassoon]

I really believe that Jaba's missile was directed from the dugout. But the guy to plunk in retaliation should be the Yankee captain. Incidentally, expect no less when playing the Red Sox. Makes you wonder just what the word champion really means.

[jim]

Hit Teixeira to get to ARod in a close game. I don't disagree with the sentiment; just the timing.

[JJ Jones]

Yuck the Fankees.

[SC-Carl]

Ty Cobb: You should write children's books.

Throw inside, yes. Hit someone in the face and maim them, no.

[Ty Cobb]

It's about time one of the pitcher stood up. Too bad Garza didn't hit Tiexiera in his fat face,then have him carried off on a stretcher!!

[willem]

Good job Matt I respect that and I know your team mates will, last year he got hit on the hand by putz and lost 2 months.

[tbird]

ATTA Boy Matt..Proud of ya and know Evan and the rest of the squad appreciate what you did. Maybe by publicly letting them know you have their back, they can get the message and start playing like they want to win instead of going through the motions--some of them....

[WTF]

If our batters can't hit, at least our pitchers can. I'm counting this as the 7th hit in the game for the Rays.