Debate goes on as Piniella rages

Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella provided the only entertainment in a dull, 3-1 Red Sox loss to the Devil Rays Monday night at Fenway Park.

Piniella went ballistic when first base umpire Dana DeMuth changed a call after conferring with plate umpire Laz Diaz that cost the Devil Rays a run. Curt Schilling was pitching with two outs in the ninth when Julio Lugo hit a grounder to first baseman John Olerud, who flipped to Schilling covering first. DeMuth called Lugo safe, ruling Schilling missed the bag. But after checking with Diaz, who said Schilling did touch the base, he called Lugo out. Piniella then pitched a nutty, which included a classic hat toss, and Diaz threw him out of the game.

''I'll get fined," said Piniella yesterday. ''[ Major League Baseball disciplinarian] Bob Watson likes to fine me. He was my buddy when we played for the Yankees. Evidently, I didn't buy him enough dinners. He likes to stick the fork in me a little bit. I shouldn't be suspended. All I did was argue. I didn't do anything wrong. I'm just having a little bit of fun with this.

''I've got no complaints with the umpires. For the most part, I think they do a damn good job. I don't argue much with umpires. You guys have seen that. I'm perfectly comfortable with the umpiring, but [Monday night] I had to get involved. I think I've been getting my share of calls. I bet I argue less with umpires than 25 other managers in the majors, but if you asked, all the people would say that I argue the most. But I don't.

''I have the same thoughts on the play I had [Monday night]. Dana DeMuth is a good umpire. He was 6 feet from the play, and he called the play. Why didn't he see it? I don't see why the umpire at home plate has to interfere. The umpires shouldn't help the team that doesn't make the play. If the pitcher doesn't get there in time, why should the umpire give them the benefit of the doubt? Would the umpire at home plate bet his house that he touched first?"

Piniella was asked if the play was an argument for instant replay. He scoffed in reply.

''There's a lot of the human element in baseball," he said. ''In football, when that flag comes out on the field, and they drag out the decision, you want to go get a beer. If I had a red flag, I'd need a fishing line to reel it in, I'd be throwing it out there so much.

''But on that play at first, the home plate umpire's angle can't be perfect. Dana called it, and what he said, safe or out, it should have been his call and his call only. It wasn't the home plate umpire's call. This idea that you've got to get it right, it works in some instances, but not on a play like that. To call foul or fair homers is fine, but on the bases, it should only be used if the umpire, say, trips, and doesn't see the play. DeMuth was right there, with his head over the bag. If he can't see it, how can the home plate umpire see it?"

Piniella pointed out that he has been well behaved this season. He has not been suspended, and his only fine came after the Red Sox and Devil Rays had two bench-clearing incidents April 24 at Tampa.

''I only get in trouble against the Red Sox," he said with a chuckle. ''But, [Monday night], it was a big play, and I've got to protect my players. I knew I threw my hat. I could have kicked it when I left, but it wasn't there. Somebody picked it up. Somebody had my prop. You got to have a little fun once in awhile.

''That was a big run. My guys were hustling, and I have to go out and protect my guys. That's all. I hope Bob Watson doesn't mind what I've said. I'm just having a little fun."