Buck Showalter Rips Yankees' Jeter In Men's Journal Interview
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Buck Showalter was Derek Jeter's very first manager way back in 1995. Apparently the Yankees' former skipper isn't No. 2's biggest fan.
According to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times, Showalter, now managing the Baltimore Orioles, rips into Jeter in the April issue of Men's Journal.
Showalter's main point of contention? Jeter's exaggerated movements in the batter's box, which could make borderline strikes seem like balls.
"The first time we went to Yankee Stadium, I screamed at Derek Jeter from the dugout," Showalter said. "Our guys are thinking, 'Wow, he's screaming at Derek Jeter.' Well, he's always jumping back from balls just off the plate."
To Jeter's admirers, it's a savvy play. To his detractors, it's nothing but a cheap trick.
"I know how many calls that team gets - and yes, he (ticks) me off."
Showalter didn't focus all his ire on Jeter. Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein was also on the receiving end.
"I'd like to see how smart Theo Epstein is with the Tampa Bay payroll," Showalter said. "You got Carl Crawford because you paid more than anyone else, and that's what makes you smarter? That's why I like whipping their butt."
The Orioles have failed to make the postseason in recent years, often placing far below the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays in the AL East. Showalter sounds confident in his 2011 club.
"It's great, knowing those guys with the $205 million payroll are saying, 'How the hell are they beating us?'"
Sour grapes from Showalter? Add your comments to the fray below...
