Report: Sale, Ventura Had Heated Argument After Drama Against Tigers
(CBS) White Sox manager Robin Ventura and ace left-hander Chris Sale got into a heated argument in the clubhouse last Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reported Monday night. The exchange stemmed from drama a day prior when Sale plunked Tigers slugger Victor Martinez and appeared to accuse the Tigers of stealing signs.
Sale was excused prior to Thursday's game against the Royals for personal reasons. Ventura confirmed Sunday that he and Sale had had a disagreement.
Here are a few details from the Tribune's Paul Sullivan:
The two got into an argument in Ventura's office Thursday afternoon while Paul Konerko was meeting with the media in the Sox dugout. Sale was originally upset with comments from Tigers manager Brad Ausmus, who called him "weak" for allegedly drilling Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez on purpose in Sale's final start Wednesday.
Avisail Garcia told Martinez the Sox believed he had someone stealing Sale's signs, which led to Ausmus' criticism of the left-hander.
Shortly after his argument with Sale, Ventura defended his pitcher to the media against Ausmus' comments, saying Sale "doesn't do weak things," and adding Ausmus "should probably worry about his own team and investigate a little more in his own team."
Ventura characterized it as an argument "that happens during the year." Sale later apologized to Ventura, the Tribune reported, and the manager said his relationship is good with the star pitcher.
