Sometimes, teams fight like only families can.
Most teams probably fight more than meets the eye, but whenever an altercation erupts in the spotlight, it’s bound to make headlines. The idea of two players on the same team getting in each other’s face and having it out is downright crazy to most. But why?
After all, if teams are actually the families they claim to be, why is an altercation so unfathomable? Family members fight among themselves more than anyone, and usually tempers flare when there is even less at stake. So when teammates have to be separated following a squabble, it shouldn’t come as shocking, but should be expected from time to time.
During the Tampa Bay Rays’ 2-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, center fielder B.J. Upton and third baseman Evan Longoria had to be separated following a verbal altercation in the dugout. Upton appeared to run after a ball hit in the right-center-field gap in a rather leisurely fashion, which prompted Longoria to question the lethargic center fielder when the inning concluded. Upton responded angrily and had to be restrained.
Most athletes are, by nature, competitive. So when something transpires that can potentially impact the outcome of a game, it’s frustrating and often infuriating. Sometimes, the most effective resolution is to have it out, get it out of the way and then get back to the task at hand, winning.
If an issue, such as a lackadaisical effort by a teammate, is swept under the rug, the effects can be extensive and potentially worse than if someone took exception from the onset.
"It's a byproduct of a frustrated team," Longoria said of Sunday's incident. "We're trying to win games, and guys are going to have differences of opinion. I just wanted to know what was going through his head. The bottom line, we've talked about it, and it goes no further than today."
Coaches and fans talk about chemistry, intangibles and what it means to be a leader. Most coaches will tell you such values are priceless. So when a player like Longoria takes exception to a teammate’s lack of effort and calls him out on the spot, it is almost commendable.
According to TampaBay.com, Rays manager Joe Maddon called Longoria’s actions "a great example."
The Rays have been mired in a 12-19 slump since May 23, and a laissez-faire approach to such lethargy would only speed up the process of the team plummeting out of contention. In arguably the toughest division in baseball, such an approach simply won’t cut it.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was suspended indefinitely by the team for his temper tantrum during Friday’s game against the White Sox. Zambrano had to be restrained from teammate Derek Lee, after the two began to argue following a four-run White Sox first inning.
It was another instance of a teammate — in this case, Derek Lee — demanding success and, above all, effort.
If winning is the top priority for players, then ensuring that a player performs to the best of their ability is essential. Sometimes that calls for the airing of grievances – even if it is in the heat of the moment for the entire world to see, rather than behind closed doors.
