Guillen takes a side in Pierzynski-Walker flap

Considering how far the once-mighty White Sox have fallen this season - try last place in the AL Central - the frustration level is running high on the South Side.

That was apparent Sunday, when the White Sox were taking yet another beating from the Boston Red Sox and a dugout argument blew up between a White Sox player and the team's hitting coach.

After grounding out against relief pitcher Manny Delcarmen in the seventh inning, White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski returned to the dugout and exchanged words with hitting coach Greg Walker.

According to manager Ozzie Guillen, Pierzynski was upset with Walker because Delcarmen was throwing cut fastballs, and that pitch was not in the standard scouting report.

Guillen sided with Walker in the dispute.

"(Pierzynski) didn't know Delcarmen was throwing cutters," Guillen said. "That's the 20th time we've faced Delcarmen since I've been managing. If he doesn't know what (Delcarmen) has, don't make excuses. That's a bad excuse. You put the coach on the spot to listen to that.

"I'm not protecting Greg Walker, but I think Greg Walker was right. I'm sorry about A.J. I love him, but he was wrong and has to admit he was wrong. When someone is right, I will let him know he's right."

Pierzynski said the incident was "no big deal" several times.

"If you think this is the first time Walker and I have gotten into a shouting match, then you're going to be wrong," Pierzynski said. "It's no big deal. It was just the heat of the moment. Walk and I have gotten into it before and today we're fine. It's no big deal, just a frustrating weekend."

Walker declined to comment on Monday.