Mark Kotsay says there was friction between Quentin and Greinke

Mighty 1090: Mark Kotsay interview with Darren Smith (MP3)

• Kotsay has been in three big brawls. The biggest one was a Spring Training game when he was a Padre between Ryan Klesko and Aaron Sele.
• Kotsay says there are no defined roles once a fight breaks out. You try to protect yourself and your teammates.
• Kotsay says he knows about the relationship between Carlos Quentin and Zack Greinke because he was teammates with both of them. "I was well aware of the situation." Kotsay says that as a hitter they don't have much in terms of self-defense.
  "When you've been hit numerous times in areas that can cause harm as an individual, there comes a time when you have to stand up and defend yourself." -Mark Kotsay
  
  
• There's been moments between the two players in the past that has caused tension between them and it boiled over last night.
• "Well, doesn't he have a good cover if there's no intent on a 3-2 pitch, to let one fly? Obviously somebody is pretty smart or somebody is pretty dumb."
• When Kotsay is asked if he thinks the pitch was meant to hit Carlos. "In my professional opinion I would say 'no'"
• Greinke has never apologized off the field for hitting Quentin so many times.
• "I know well enough that if I'm going to take on a 250 lb guy, I'm not going to lead with my front shoulder [laughs]."
• A.J. Ellis said that multiple Padres apologized for Quentin's behavior. Mark Kotsay says that no players apologized to his knowledge. Kotsay says it wouldn't make much of a difference if some Padres did apologize. He's ready to move forward.
• "I don't think anything bad is going to come from it." Besides of course Quentin's probable suspension.
• Kotsay won't even think about this fight when he steps in the batter's box. "Darren, I'm a professional."