A minor breach of etiquette caused Albert Belle to be ejected for the first time in his White Sox career Monday. He declined to discuss the incident, but Frank Thomas pledged to bite his tongue in the final two games of the series.
Thomas worries that umpire Ed Rapuano’s quick-trigger ejection of Belle was a form of payback against the Sox for comments Thomas made about National League umpires after a three-game sweep by the Pirates June 30-July 2 in Pittsburgh.
“Of course, they talk (to each other),” Thomas said. “They know we had a little incident in Pittsburgh. I’m going to be careful the whole series. I’m going to keep my mouth shut and play baseball. I’m not taking anything personal. This is not league against league.”
He complained bitterly about umpire Tom Hallion’s crew after the series in Pittsburgh, saying interleague play won’t work unless umpiring crews are split two-two between leagues. He said that NL players had told him their umps are “(jerks).”
Thomas’ opinion didn’t change after Rapuano ejected Belle because he would not pick up his bat and his batting helmet after a called third strike in the fifth inning. Belle appeared to turn toward the dugout without saying anything to Rapuano. He dropped his equipment on the edge of the dirt and continued directly to the dugout. He was almost to the dugout when Rapuano thumbed him.
“He left his bat by the plate, and when he walked away he flung his helmet,” Rapuano said. “To me, that’s showing me up. I called to him to come and take them back. That would have kept him in the game.”
Thomas didn’t buy the reasoning: “That’s the first time I’ve seen a player ejected without saying anything.”
No sale: General Manager Ron Schueler, who has traded eight veterans since May 18, said he turned down offers for some more before Sunday night’s deadline for postseason eligibility. Players being pursued included outfielder Dave Martinez and pitchers Doug Drabek and Chuck McElroy.
With the Sox now trailing Cleveland by only four games, Schueler did not believe other teams were offering enough to justify another deal.
“There were a few things in the works, but right now we’re positioned to win (the AL Central). This is a very important week. I felt what I was getting back wasn’t enough.”
New faces: Catcher Robert Machado was promoted from Triple-A Nashville Monday, joining the Sox in time for the game. Also promoted: outfielder Jeff Abbott, second to Magglio Ordonez in the American Association batting race; and pitchers Nelson Cruz, Tom Fordham and Alan Levine. They’ll report Tuesday.
Conspicuous by their absence are infielder Chris Snopek, who was optioned to Nashville Aug. 8, and reliever Carlos Castillo, who was optioned there Aug. 20.
Smiley sits: John Smiley, acquired by Cleveland July 31, was in line to start in both upcoming Sox series but will be skipped Friday because of a sore shoulder. Rookie Bartolo Colon, 2-6 with a 5.69 ERA in 14 starts, is the likely replacement. The Sox could also miss Orel Hershiser in both series.
Probable matchups for the series in Cleveland: Jason Bere (3-0) vs. Colon Friday, James Baldwin (11-13) vs. Charles Nagy (13-9) Saturday and Doug Drabek (10-9) vs. Chad Ogea (6-8) Sunday.
