The list of people and teams mad at ESPN is always growing and shrinking throughout the year. Today you can add the Cubbies, and more specifically Lou Pinella, to said list. Steve Phillips decided to call Lou out, by saying that he wasn’t patient enough when coaching rookie Kosuke Fukudome last season, and Pinella respectfully disagrees. Or rather vehemently disagrees….
“I don’t have much respect for Steve Phillips,” Piniella said after hearing the comment Monday. “Let him be around a little more and see what transpires before he makes assumptions. I’ve lost total respect for this guy. If he had something to say, let him say it to me.”
I’m actually surprised to hear that someone had respect for Phillips to begin with. Just kidding. In all seriousness though, it’s good that ESPN decided to move Phillips to the Sunday Night Baseball crew this season and add about 40 Cubs games in that slot. Good luck with that.
Lou Piniella outraged by ESPN analyst’s criticism (Chicago Tribune)