FORT MYERS, Fla. — While the Miami Marlins worked on their hitting, pitching and fielding, new manager Ozzie Guillen also practiced.
His arguing, that is.
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Guillen was ejected from a spring-training game for disputing a foul ball, then got a wave goodbye from Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine in Boston’s 5-3 victory in 10 innings Monday.
“A little excitement, set the tone, protecting my players. That’s it,” Guillen later.
Known for his volatile nature, Guillen was tossed by first-base umpire Tim Timmons in the sixth inning after a grounder down the line by Terry Tiffee of Miami was ruled foul.
The play came with one out, runners on second and third, and Boston ahead 3-2. Red Sox reliever Andrew Bailey had started into his set position for the next pitch when time was called.
“My first-base coach told me the ball was fair,” Guillen said. “I’ve got to believe him. We should be 3-3. That happens. Spring training for everyone.”
Guillen walked from the dugout, shouted and banged his hands together a few times. After about 20 seconds, Guillen exited across the diamond toward the visitor’s clubhouse in left field.
As he left, Guillen also had some words for third-base umpire Tim Tschida. Guillen got a send-off from Valentine, who waved a couple of times at Guillen.
Timmons declined comment on the ejection.
“The home plate ump (and I), we were, ‘What just happened?’ ” Tiffee said. “I don’t know what he said.”
Guillen said he’s been ejected from a few exhibition games.
“What’s the difference between spring training and during the season? I do my job. The umpires have to do their job. The players have to do their jobs. My job is to protect the players. I don’t see this game different than other games,” he said.
Asked if he’d ever been tossed from a spring-training game, Valentine said: “I certainly hope not. Probably.”
“It was lesson time,” Valentine said. “Ozzie was telling the first-base umpire it wasn’t his call because the ball was in front of the bag. And he didn’t want to hear that.”
Valentine’s message to Guillen on his way out?
“See ya,” Valentine said.
Guillen didn’t see Valentine wave to him.
If he had noticed, Guillen said he would have uttered an expletive in Valentine’s direction.
“That’s the way Ozzie Guillen is. I don’t mind getting ejected,” Guillen said. “That’s my job. If I don’t get ejected protecting my players, I can’t sleep at night.”
Added Tiffee: “He’s fiery and he wants to win. I like that.”
“If he doesn’t agree with something, he’s going to let you know. I don’t mind that in a manager. He’s got your back.”
Josh Beckett started for Boston and went four innings, allowing a run on a hit, two walks and two hit batters.
Ricky Nolasco started for the Marlins, giving up three runs and three hits in 31/3 innings.
Pedro Ciriaco hit a two-run homer in the 10th to win it.
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