Hate at plate for Marlins' Cousins

June 3, 2011

Florida Marlins rookie Scott Cousins has been receiving death threats despite repeatedly apologies for a collision with Giants star Buster Posey.

The collision at home plate on May 25 left Posey with a broken bone in his lower left leg and three torn ligaments in his ankle. He's had surgery and is done for the season.

Giants general manager Brian Sabean criticized Cousins on his weekly radio show on KNBR this week, calling the play malicious and unnecessary. Sabean also said, "If I never hear from Cousins again, or he doesn't play another day in the big leagues, I think we'll all be happy.

"He chose to be a hero, in my mind," Sabean said. "If that's his flash of fame, that's as good as it's going to get, pal. We'll have a long memory."

Those comments got the attention of Major League Baseball, and executive vice president of baseball operations Joe Torre spoke with Sabean on Friday. The Giants also issued a statement saying Sabean's comments were made out of frustration, and the GM was trying to reach Cousins.

"We intend to move beyond conversations about last week's incident and focus our attention on Buster's full recovery and on defending our World Series title," the team said in the statement.

Cousins also issued a statement Friday and again apologized for the collision.

"I hope and believe that Mr. Sabean's comments were made in the heat of the moment and are based more on his fondness for Buster Posey than on any animosity towards me," Cousins said in the statement.

Cousins said he's tried to contact Posey but has been unsuccessful.

Red Sox 8, Athletics 6: Carl Crawford's go-ahead two-run single in the seventh helped host Boston end a four-game skid. The Red Sox placed Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 60-day disabled list amid reports he has decided to have reconstructive elbow surgery that could sideline him for at least 12 months.

Rangers 11, Indians 2: Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz homered and Alexi Ogando (6-0) allowed one run and struck out six in eight innings for visiting Texas.

Pirates 2, Phillies 1: Jose Tabata hit a walk-off single in the 12th for Pittsburgh.

Brewers 6, Marlins 5: Pinch hitter Ryan Braun's two-run home run in the top of the ninth lifted the Brewers.

Cardinals 6, Cubs 1: Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer and Albert Pujols had a two-run shot to back Jaime Garcia (6-1) in St. Louis.-- AP