Manuel continued to field questions about second baseman Roberto Alomar's annoyance at a perceived lack of response to a beaning at the hands of Detroit's Willie Blair last Sunday. Alomar criticized Manuel and the Cleveland coaching staff for not ordering retribution, even though the Indians could ill afford the suspensions such an action might attract. Tuesday, Alomar said the subject was closed. He went 1 for 4 in the game and short-circuited two apparent hits with backhand stabs. Outfielder Jolbert Cabrera, who shifted to right from centerfield to replace Justice, contributed several key running catches.
Defense is a big part of the game.
We kept the White Sox out on the bases. Manuel wouldn't comment on what he told Alomar in private about the incident, but he didn't mind reminiscing about the two purpose pitches he took in the face over the course of his career, one in the minors and one in the midst of a strong season at Japan's Kinetsu club in 1980. That blow shattered his jaw in 10 places, broke his nose and cheekbone, knocked out half a dozen teeth and required dentists to drill a few more out of his gums. Manuel was sidelined for three weeks. Don't miss a minute of Chicago sports news.