Rays/MLB

It's Lou, Earl and Billy rolled into one fit

By TIMES WIRES
Published June 27, 2006

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Minor-league manager Joe Mikulik had a major-league tantrum Sunday night.

The manager of the Class A Asheville Tourists, the Rockies' South Atlantic League affiliate, turned Applebee's Park into a one-man show after a close call at second base in the fifth inning of a 5-2 loss to Lexington Legends.

A ruling on whether to discipline Mikulik is expected today.

Lexington's Koby Clemens, Roger's son, was leading off second when pitcher Brandon Durden tried to pick him off. Umpire Andy Russell called Clemens safe, sending Mikulik roaring out of the dugout.

After an animated argument, Russell threw Mikulik out of the game.

Things quickly escalated. Mikulik dived into second base, ripped up the bag and hurled it onto the infield dirt. He threw a rosin bag into the bullpen, covered home plate with dirt, then cleaned it with a water bottle, which he finally spiked onto the plate.

In the dugout, he tossed several bats onto the field. And in the clubhouse, Mikulik pushed a couple of water coolers, a chair and a batting practice screen in front of the umpires' locker room.

"I just wish the umpire's association would train their young men to have a personality," he said. "I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series."

TOP PICK ABOARD: The Nationals agreed to terms with outfielder Chris Marrero, their No. 1 pick out of high school in Opa Locka, on a $1.625-million signing bonus.

ALL-STAR COACHES: Indians manager Eric Wedge and Blue Jays manager John Gibbons will serve as AL coaches at the July 11 game in Pittsburgh.

[Last modified June 27, 2006, 06:31:03]