TROUBLE IN PARADISE: Manny Acta vs. Elijah Dukes

"It was just a little misunderstanding in the dugout that I'm not going to elaborate on...We talked, and everything is fine."
(Manny Acta, via Washington Times, 6/11/2008)

Tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...just a little misunderstanding in the dugout...

Uh oh. See video above, via Baseball Tonight. Not a peep of this on the MASN broadcast locally for some reason, and not a word about it in Manny Acta's post-game press conference, but Manny and Elijah Dukes got into a screaming match (and had to be separated) in the dugout moments after Lastings Milledge's (game winning) ninth-inning HR. Worst of all, Dukes showed up his manager by faking the high-five and dropping his hand as he approached Acta in the post-game celebration on the field. Ugly. So, what the hell happened? Did Acta take offense to Dukes and Milledge celebrating mayyyybe a little too much after the HR?

Remember, these were Manny's exact words after umpire Doug Eddings got pissed off about Dukes' celebration last Thursday after his walkoff against the Cardinals (via Washington Times):

"We want to see emotions as long as you're not showing anybody up...He showed emotion, and I don't think he offended anybody."

What happened? Did Manny think Dukes crossed the line after Milledge's HR? And if the Pirates were offended, just let Ian Snell drill Dukes in the back tonight, and it's all over -- until Dukes charges the mound and hurts somebody -- unless Dukes finds himself benched for the next few games, which seems to be a likely scenario.

More from the Washington Times this morning:

As Dukes and Milledge crossed the plate, Dukes looked back at Capps (who blew his first save in 16 tries this season) in a move that could have been perceived as taunting the opposing pitcher.

(Picture of TV screen by the Nationals Enquirer. Crappy video stream by Red Lasso)

Comments

[ckstevenson]

Ok, if Dukes just looked at the pitcher, then that's not showing him up in a demonstrable way. The only way that simple of an offense could be relevant is if Manny behind closed doors chewed him out.

I think the real reason Manny is upset is because Dukes' shaved head looks cooler than Manny's.

Oh, and I see no video "up there". I bet Stan hacked your blog and deleted it....

[Brian B]

It seems Manny hasn't gotten upset during times his team needed the emotion from him. Now, after what turned out to be a game winning HR, he should have nothing to be upset about. Can't wait to hear more about what this issue involves.

[danielex]

Manny Acta has proven again the fucked up manager he is . If Dukes (or any) offend anyone , Manny has to support his player no matter what , in front of national tv . Then , he can bench him or whatever , showing discipline and earning respect .