Tensions flared between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks over pitch tipping, but the matter was resolved by Tuesday night. The incident peaked during the fifth inning of the Cubs’ 7-0 victory on Monday. Diamondbacks were upset with Cubs third base coach Quintin Berry, who was passing pitch information to hitters based on cues from Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly.
The Cubs had analyzed video before the series, which Berry utilized from his position in the third-base coach’s box during the game. Tensions rose to verbal confrontations between coaches. Bench coaches Jeff Bannister from the Diamondbacks and Ryan Flaherty from the Cubs were central to the dispute. Kelly displayed frustration towards Berry after being pulled from the game in the sixth inning.
Kelly expressed disapproval, labeling Berry’s actions as “bush league,” while Cubs manager Craig Counsell regarded it as common league gamesmanship. Kelly noted, “Inside the lines is one thing. I think guys standing outside the lines, it’s a little bush league.” Emotions had mellowed by Tuesday’s pre-game warm-up.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo later apologized to Counsell for their team’s reaction, with the league confirming Berry’s actions were legal. Bannister and Berry reconciled during Diamondbacks batting practice, ending with a handshake and a hug. Berry affirmed his commitment to supporting his hitters, stating, “It’s pure emotional competition.” He emphasized the significance of identifying and leveraging any cues for a competitive edge.
The implementation of PitchCom has reduced the potential for such strategic actions, but Berry finds studying and adapting vital. He stated, “It requires a lot of studying, no doubt.” He highlighted the importance of teams identifying potential weaknesses to avoid future problems.
This event reflects the Cubs’ perspective that finding an on-field advantage is routine, echoing experiences with pitch tipping against their players. Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner mentioned, “Sometimes there’s a gray area,” acknowledging the norm of utilizing in-game intelligence while adhering to league guidelines.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy emphasized responsibility for preventing opponents from exploiting pitching cues. “They’re doing what they can to get a competitive advantage,” Hottovy explained. He detailed the Cubs’ focus since spring training on avoiding predictability and pitch tipping.
Ensuring no team leverages these details against the Cubs is prioritized. Hottovy cautioned pitchers early in the season to be ready for consultations on potential pitch tipping. Monday’s events spotlight the tiny margins teams strive to adjust in their favor.
Preventing pitch tipping serves as another strategic layer for the Cubs, with Hottovy stating, “And that’s our job as pitching coaches, to make sure that we’re on top of what our guys are doing.” This reflects the ongoing quest for competitive advantage in baseball.