Varitek: ‘Orioles can kiss my rear end'

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By Jessica Camerato
CSNNE.comFollow @JCameratoNBA
BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox want to move on.

After a four-game series that included hit batters, a brawl, and eight ejections, the Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles went their separate ways on Sunday night and left Fenway Park.

The Sox hope the tension ensued over the weekend stays behind as well. That means all the questions of possible jealousy over them, too.

When asked about Orioles pitcher Kevin Greggs comments on Friday regarding the Red Sox payroll, Jason Varitek responded, We have some youth too, so they can literally kiss my rear end.

Following Friday nights brawl, in which Gregg scuffled with David Ortiz, Gregg referenced the Red Sox payroll when noting the differences between the two teams.

You get tired of going out there and getting your butt kicked when you come in here you have to stick up for what is ours, he said on Friday. I think we showed them we are not backing down. We are not scared of them and their 180 million dollar payroll. We're here to play the game, and we have every right to play the game and do everything we can to win.

According to ESPN, the Red Sox 2011 team salary is roughly 160 million, third in MLB, while the Orioles team salary is roughly 85 million.

The Sox are atop of the American League East standings at 54-35 while the O's are 17 games back with a record of 36-51.

While the Sox roster is stacked with star power, especially after signing players like Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford in the offseason, they have called up young prospects such as Josh Reddick, Yamaico Navarro, and Sundays starting pitcher Kyle Weiland, from Triple-A Pawtucket this season.

David Ortiz expanded on the topic. While he attributed Greggs comments to the heat of the moment, he doesnt think Gregg would mind playing in their situation either.

I dont think hes jealous. Its just the moment, he said of Gregg. Thats why I didnt want to talk to the media after Friday night's incident, because I dont want to be saying anything stupid. Everybodys fired up and when youre fired up, your reaction is pretty much not the right one. But I think it was all the momentum and I guess thats why he got caught into it. Im pretty sure he would love to play for a team like this, guaranteed.

Jessica Camerato is on Twitter at http:twitter.com!JCameratoNBA

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