Palmer didn’t travel to the game, but took his shot at Big Papi on Twitter after he jawed with home plate umpire John Tumpane. Then the three-time Cy Young winner took a jab at Ortiz’s Hall of Fame chances by bringing up the 2003 failed drug test Ortiz vehemently disputes.
FRANCHISE FOUR: American League | National League
Then Palmer went as far to call Ortiz’s behavior “indefensible" in an email to ESPN.
“Who needs a home plate umpire when David’s at the plate?" Palmer wrote. “He’s always complaining about close pitches. What I found objectionable was that the Red Sox are playing an important series — game tied, fifth inning — and his actions get him tossed.
“This game is about winning. What did he do yesterday to help the Sox win? Was there any redeeming or positive outcome from his actions? Only for the Orioles.
“How long would a pitcher last on the mound if he had the same histrionics as Ortiz had yesterday? I’m not his judge and jury. I was tweeting about his conduct yesterday, which, in my opinion, is indefensible."
When Ortiz was informed of Palmer’s criticism, he was as much shocked as displeased.
“That’s how he wants to get respect from us? Is that how he wants me to respect him? It’s not going to happen,” Ortiz said Monday, via FoxSports.com. “I thought that he was one of my guys … All of a sudden now he’s killing me, huh? I guess anybody who wants to get famous or make some noise comes to Papi, right?”
Palmer expectedly got some heat from Boston fans on Twitter for his attack on arguably the most beloved sports figure in Beantown, but he was a good sport about it and even had fun with a new hashtag.
