Price sorry for profanity, but believes media is too nosy
MILWAUKEE — Cincinnati manager Bryan Price is sorry for using foul language in a pre-game tirade. Everything in between the bad words remains fair game.
The Reds skipper stood firm on his stance that media shouldn’t report developments he thinks put his team at a competitive disadvantage.
“I think probably before we get started, it’s appropriate that I acknowledge the events of yesterday before the game,” Price told reporters before Tuesday night’s game at Milwaukee.
“I used a lot of bad language that I feel bad for in the aftermath. And I apologize for that. The content between the profanity is exactly how I felt and I won’t apologize for that under any circumstances,” he added. “What I said was exactly how I felt. So what was your question?”
Price apologized twice in the manager’s office, once in front of TV cameras and again when the cameras were off. He looked reporters in the eyes during his apologies, which echoed a similar sentiment to the first apology of the day posted on the team’s Twitter account.
“While I stand by the content of my message, I am sorry for the choice of words,” Price said on Twitter.
Price’s blow-up was out of character. The second-year manager is known for being gracious and respectful with reporters and rarely swears in their presence.
The daily pre-game meeting got a lot more heated before Monday’s 6-1 win against the Brewers.
Price was upset over a Cincinnati Enquirer report that catcher Devin Mesoraco wasn’t available to play during a game in St. Louis because of injury. The Reds confirmed on Monday that Mesoraco was in Cincinnati getting tested for a sore hip.
Price also was upset the Enquirer reporter tweeted that catcher Tucker Barnhart was on his flight to St. Louis for the series on Friday, an indication he was being called up from the minors.
“It’s nobody’s (expletive) business,” Price said.
The Enquirer counted 77 uses of a common vulgarity during Price’s 5-minute, 34-second diatribe.
Mesoraco, a power-hitting catcher, said Tuesday he was available to pinch hit if needed, though he wasn’t sure when he might be able to return to full-time duty behind the plate. He hasn’t played since April 12.
Asked if Price’s outburst could have any impact on the team, Mesoraco responded, “No, zero.”
The Reds had lost four straight and were scuffling through a 1-7 stretch going into the Milwaukee series.
“I think this is the major leagues. If you need any more emotion to play better, then you ain’t going to be here for long,” Mesoraco said.