Magazine, Umpire Engel Revive Marshall-Guerrero Controversy

The controversy between Pedro Guerrero and Mike Marshall, stemming from comments that Marshall is exaggerating injuries, has been revived in the wake of published remarks Guerrero reportedly made to umpire Bob Engel in Houston.

In the July 6 issue of Sports Illustrated, Engel is quoted as saying that Guerrero was constantly talking about how Marshall had missed the game June 21 at Houston because of an illness.

“He was really upset,” Engel told the magazine. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they have an explosion there pretty soon.”

The story prompted a five-minute closed-door meeting before Friday night’s game here, involving Guerrero, Marshall, Manager Tom Lasorda and a copy of the magazine.

Guerrero said he would not comment on “that (bleep).”

Marshall, at first, would not comment. But asked later if his feud with Guerrero can be forgotten, Marshall said: “I don’t know. It just seems like when one thing is put to rest, another comes up. I’d like to put everything to rest, but it’s easier said than done.”

Marshall, who is believed to have requested a trade after earlier charges of malingering, was not in the starting lineup Friday night because of a strained muscle in his left thigh.

Lasorda emerged from the meeting angry with Engel. He also accused Engel of fabricating Guerrero’s comments.

“I talked to Pete, and he said he never talked to (Engel) about those things,” Lasorda said. “I don’t know what Engel is trying to do.”

In the Sports Illustrated story, Engel quoted Guerrero as saying, “Look at him (Marshall), sitting over there, that . . .” Marshall, however, had flown back to Los Angeles that morning and was not in the Dodger dugout during the game.

“That blows the credibility of the whole story,” Lasorda said. “Furthermore, (Engel) brought it up. He said to Pete, ‘Hey, where’s your buddy today?’ (Engel) started that (bleep). I don’t think Engel should be talking like that.

“Can’t we let this thing rest? That’s something that’s going to go on and on and on, no matter where either of them wind up. I can guarantee it won’t go a week without somebody bringing it up.”