Inside Pujols-Backe pregame spat
Posted: Thursday April 10, 2008 07:46AM ET
Add another chapter to the longstanding rivalry between the Astros and Cardinals. Astros pitcher Brandon Backe and Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols exchanged words on the field prior to Wednesday's game at Minute Maid Park and had to be separated by Astros manager Cecil Cooper. At issue was a play in the eighth inning of Tuesday's game, when Pujols collided with Astros rookie catcher J.R. Towles at home plate in a 5-3 victory over the Astros. Pujols called the Astros' clubhouse 30 minutes following the game to apologize to Towles. As the Astros were completing batting practice, Backe said Pujols approached him coming off the field. The two were seen near first base having an exchange before Cooper intervened. Backe said he did not have a problem with Pujols' apology, but took offense to being confronted on the field. According to Backe, Pujols was upset that he "kept pressing on" about the situation.





Comments (54)
I love the fire that Brandon has, but I think Pujols would have out it on him...They showed some highlights last night, and both guys looked like they were going to jump all over the other guy...I think that some of the guys still can't get over the bomb that Pujols sent out of the park on Lidge in the 05' NLCS..
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 07:58 AM
Report Offensive CommentWhy did he call to apologize? When did this sport become full of pu**ies? YOU ARE ALLOWED TO RUN OVER A CATCHER!
Hi, I'm Troy McClure | 04/10/08, 08:04 AM
Report Offensive CommentThe hit to JR was not clean....That is why he called in my opinion...He hit him, and essentially stayed on top of him after the ump made his call...
I have bad spelling this morning, so bare with me today..
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 08:15 AM
Report Offensive CommentThe hit to JR was not clean....That is why he called in my opinion...He hit him, and essentially stayed on top of him after the ump made his call...
I have bad spelling this morning, so bare with me today..
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 08:15 AM
Ok, I didn't see the hit, so I have no idea. I just think these players are a little too sensitive today.
Hi, I'm Troy McClure | 04/10/08, 08:18 AM
Report Offensive CommentLa Russa would have helped break up the fight but he couldn't manage to walk down the first base line without falling down.
marvel | 04/10/08, 08:29 AM
Report Offensive CommentHi, I'm Troy - I agree with your first post....These guys need to take a hit every now and then...This one did not look clean, but then again, Pujols does respect the game, so I would not put much stock in him trying to hurt JR....
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 08:31 AM
Report Offensive CommentPujols called to apologize because since the Yanks/Rays spring training debacle, it's suddenly become "politically incorrect" to mow down a catcher. Dumb.
whatever - Brandon and Poo don't like each other. Otherwise, the Astros and Cards have a classy rivalry. And Poo responded the right way - by hitting two dingers last night.
Beeotches Brew | 04/10/08, 08:32 AM
Report Offensive CommentBREW - Yeah he jacked a couple of good ones...I thought that he already had a couple for the year, but none-the-less he will have a good year anyways....
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 08:34 AM
Report Offensive CommentPujols called to apologize because since the Yanks/Rays spring training debacle, it's suddenly become "politically incorrect" to mow down a catcher. Dumb.
Exactly, the sport seems like it's being taken over by a bunch of women! No offense to the fairer sex.
Hi, I'm Troy McClure | 04/10/08, 08:42 AM
Report Offensive CommentHi I'm Troy - Your last sentence was the best....
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 09:07 AM
Report Offensive CommentBrandon Backe...MLB's enforcer!
E-Lib | 04/10/08, 09:59 AM
Report Offensive CommentI like what Backe said in the article:
"It's apparent that we don't like each other," Backe said Wednesday. "That's OK. There are plenty of other people I don't like in this game. The competition between he and I just escalated."
Dude, you got a long way to go to be halfway as competitive as Pujols is...
Jables and Rage | 04/10/08, 10:12 AM
Report Offensive CommentJables and Rage - You might want to rethink your last statement.....Competitive Attitude is a matter of opinion....
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 10:21 AM
Report Offensive CommentIn my opinion, the players aren't too sensitive its just that we have too much media trackign this stuff. I'm sure players have reached out to opposing players in teh past, but were able to do so b/c they weren't permanently hooked up to a microfone or on some webacm.
Calling to apologize isn't a senstive thing....I think it shows a sign of respect and is a classy act, especially if its a non clean hit. The media should just stay the hell out of this stuff b/c as with most everything else, they blow it way out of proportion.
Three years from now we'll still be talking about it. Everytime Pujols steps into Houston they'll refernece this event.
Me DUM DUM | 04/10/08, 10:39 AM
Report Offensive CommentPujols needs to work off some stress taking some more roids or maybe corking another bat. If not, maybe Oswalt can administer a calming fast ball off his big fat noggin.
madhatter | 04/10/08, 10:53 AM
Report Offensive CommentIt's called baseball the catcher was blocking the plate with his foot. Get for real people if you are in the way boom bang you get ran over. But the young players are a bunch of babys,
thunderdragon | 04/10/08, 10:54 AM
Report Offensive CommentClassy of Pujols to call the guy and see if he was ok but this is baseball. The catcher blocks the plate knowing full well they are about to get railroaded. It is one of the last hard nose plays left because they have taken away the bean ball and the spikes up slide into 2nd base. This game used to be played by real men who played the game the right way and had a 2nd job because baseball did not pay the bills. Now it is played by athletic celebrities where even the most rookie guy on the team is making over $350K a year and everyone is careful not to hurt the other guys feelings.
bcoltrinari | 04/10/08, 11:08 AM
Report Offensive CommentAlbert is first class on and off the field. Backe is a little baby who is upset because the Cards beat them.
c note - Hancock rules | 04/10/08, 11:29 AM
Report Offensive Commentcnote - Your statment has absolutely no merit...You might want to look at the play between Pujols and JR....Not clean, but still good baseball....Just attitudes flaring up, in my opinion...
#1astrosfan | 04/10/08, 11:34 AM
Report Offensive CommentI saw the play and maybe because I like the Cards I did not have a problem with it. Still Pujols did the right thing and Backe won't let it go.
c note - Hancock rules | 04/10/08, 11:39 AM
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