Cole shrugs off Martinez's comments that he has 'no respect' for Pirates

DETROIT — Gerrit Cole took a few minutes Wednesday to respond to Victor Martinez’s comments that he has “no respect” for Cole and the Pirates for retaliating after Justin Verlander hit Starling Marte by drilling Martinez with a 95 mph fastball.

Was the HBP intentional?

“Yeah, everybody knows that,” Martinez said afterward. “I’ve got no respect for anyone on that team, including Cole and their coaching staff. Because if they think Verlander hit Marte with a 1-2 count — he was battling in that at-bat and Verlander ended up hitting him — if they really think we did it on purpose, they’re playing the wrong sport. Nothing else to say.”

Asked about Martinez’s comments Wednesday, manager Clint Hurdle said, "I wasn't aware he was the voice of reason," and moved on.

Below is a transcription of Cole’s media session Tuesday. The questions have been paraphrased, but the answers are verbatim. Cole was bothered by the line of questioning of some media, particularly Detroit media, who he said were trying to make a story where there wasn’t one.

Did Victor Martinez's comments get back to you?

"That's his opinion, man."

What's the process like when players want to police these HBP situations themselves?

"It's just about owning the inner half of the plate. It's just about pitching aggressively."

Did you guys believe Justin Verlander hit Starling Marte on purpose?

"I mean, I don't know. It's a 1-2 count, he hit him on the wrist or forearm. Got him pretty good. I don't know."

Did you hit Victor on purpose?

"I let one go inside."

Are you guys more sensitive than usual, given Andrew McCutchen's HBP last week?

"There's no doubt our guys are getting attacked inside. It happened the rest of the night. I don't know. We got hit three times last night."

So, when you let one go inside on Victor, what does he say to you? Are you thinking you guys are going to go right there?

"He didn't say anything. Just took his base."

When he says he has no respect for you guys, do you laugh that off?

"That's his opinion, man. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I can't control who he respects and who he doesn't."

Do you respect him?

"Yeah. How can you not? He's been in the league for like 15 years. One of the best hitters in all of baseball."

Did his comments surprise you at all?

"I mean, I didn't expect it, but surprised? I don't know. People take exception to that kind of stuff. It's not uncommon."

Will you guys say anything to each other?

"No. I don't know when I'd have the opportunity."