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Earlier today, when we had a live video chat in the MASNsports.com web studio with Adam Jones, I asked him about Matt Garza's comments.
Garza, who pitches for Tampa vs. the Orioles tonight, sounds still stung by the game on July 20 when he gave up seven runs and four homers vs. the O's.
Garza said of tonight's rematch:
"I owe them a lot of payback for the type of outing I had last time against them," he said. "They had back-to-back-to-back. So I'm going to make them feel really uncomfortable in the box. So they know, this (stuff) doesn't happen, so don't get used to it.
"I'm going to go in there, hair on fire, like I have been and go after them and say, 'Hey, you got me the first time, well I'm going to shove it down your throat this time."
Here is what Jones said about those comments during our live chat:
"Nice. I mean, you take it two ways. I take it really just one way. That's what a leader does for their team. They're in a playoff race and they are trying to win that division. He's supposed to say that. Now if he comes out and gives up a few bombs early and we get him out in the third or fourth inning, he will definitely have to answer some questions for that.
"If he throws a good game, like he is well capable of, then he is trying to back up his words. They're in a playoff race."
But didn't he provide motivation for the Orioles with those comments?
"Definitely. I know one guy that's angry is Luke. Wiggy is probably hot right now too."
Has Jones talked to them about Garza's comments?
"Just knowing Luke. Luke hears anything he doesn't like, he's got a grudge and he's trying to hit something, really, really hard off you.
"But that is fire, that's part of the game of baseball. These are must-win games for them if they want to keep up with the Yankees. He's free to say what he wants."
Does Jones interpret those comments to mean Garza might throw at an O's hitter tonight?
"No. If you watch him pitch, he comes after you. That's why I like facing this whole entire staff, they come after you. Look in their eyes, they'll give you everything they've got every pitch.
"He pounds the strike zone and you know what you are going to get. You are going to get 95, 96, two seamers running inside, sliders, curves, some change-ups to right-handers."
By the way, Jones, who will likely miss tonight's game due to the injury near his left shoulder in the upper back area, is 8 for 21 lifetime with two homers off Garza.
I like what he said about Luke and Wiggington. Is it a coincidence that they are the two veterans on the team? That is why it is important to have veteran guys mixed in with this team. We need guys who will get pissed off at these comments and put some fire under their butts to make Garza eat his words. Showalter said it himself, he wants the O's to lead this team, not him.
AJ is pretty relaxed about these kinds of things.
I'm not, however, and the first time (I'm really hoping it happens, more than once) that we get a homer or multiple RBI against Garza I'll be sitting there in my seat chanting "Down your throat! Down your throat!"
I think Garza's comments show poor sportsmanship and a lack of respect for both baseball and a personal code of conduct. I would hope the O's will stay on the high road and let their bats do the talking tonight.
If Garza comes close to somebody's head look out we will have some trouble. Baseball already had a major brawl this week with the Nats-Marlins, they dont want to see another.
Personally, Steve, I really like the fire in Luke's and Ty's eyes when something is said. I like the "shut the man- up attitude. And, we need to see more. In fact, I would not mind if something does happen....someone is hit and retaliation and retribution is involved in the part of the O's.
Steve, don't you think it's high time the team shows the fans and other MLB teams that we won't be patsies anymore to anyone......be it the Rays, Red Sox , Yankees or anyone else?
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Yes, but you don't do that with talk in the newspapers or clubhouse. You do that by beating those teams. - Steve.
Garza's attitude is terrible and his comments completely show that he's a hothead and has no respect for his oppenent. This is a guy that shows the opposite of good sportsmenship. If he holds a grudge against the O's, that's fine, but bashing our team with comments like that to the media, that is unacceptable. Also, if he starts trying to injure our players, then I wouldn't mind a guy like Luke drilling a ball right up his throat. His act shows a complete lack of maturity. It's the same thing with Manny Ramirez, and Papelbon(his abnoixus bandwagon Red Sox fan, too). Their all hot heads. This "oh, look at me, don't I look good" behavior should not be tolerated.
I hope we embarrases him. That would be funny to see what he says after the game.
I am glad Luke, and Ty are mad, and hopefully can use this for motivation to kick some but tonight. This team needs this kind of leadership from proven veterans, they need to set the example for thse kids. Good to hear. Go O's
What is Garza whining about? The O's hammered him the last time out. So what, Garza? I'd say the O's still owe you plenty of paybacks.
Steve,
Didn't Garza also have something derogatory to say about the O's young players? I didn't see it printed in the St. Pete article but Thorne mentioned something about it in the pre-game comments. Thanks.
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I had not heard anything about that, just what I saw in that article. I'll have to ask Gary about it. - Steve.