Dodgers third baseman accused Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly of cheating yesterday in the Cubs' 1-0 win. Blake accused Lilly of pitching from in front of the rubber, even calling on the first base umpire to take action.
"I know he doesn't have an overpowering fastball," Blake said. "I know he's trying to get as much of an edge as he can. But he moved in...That's cheating. You've got to stay on the rubber."
Lilly, who told reporters that a pitcher loses some of his momentum by not pitching from the rubber, did not hesitate in responding to the allegations.
"Sometimes a batter will get in the box and he'll step out, and behind the box, and on the lines," Lilly said. "I don't think he's trying to cheat. It might not be intentional."
Blake, known for being a pretty mild-mannered guy, has not avoided controversy over the past couple seasons since joining L.A. He mocked Giants closer Brian Wilson after a home run in the ninth inning, a gesture Wilson does to honor his late father. Blake called it a misunderstanding, but that doesn't take anything away from his actions.