'Disrespectful.' The former Red Sox playoff hero has a falling out with a well-known villain

One of the most popular characters from the Boston Red Sox's 2004 World Series run has a problem with one of the most despised enemies of the 2018 World Series run.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts — a former Red Sox outfielder — publicly criticized San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado for an incident that occurred between innings during Sunday's NDLS Game 2.

Machado sent the Dodgers the wrong way when he threw a baseball toward the LA dugout between innings, leading to a heated exchange with pitcher Jack Flaherty. But after watching the video footage, Roberts said he believes the ball was aimed at him.

“It was disturbing,” Roberts said, via ESPN. “Obviously I’ve had a relationship with Manny for years. There was intention behind it. It didn't almost hit me because there was a net. And that was very annoying. If it was directed at me, I would be very – it would be pretty disrespectful,” he said.

“So I don’t know his intent,” Roberts added. “I don’t want to speak for him. But I saw the video. And the ball was pointed at me with something behind it. But I don’t know what led to it.”

Here are some angles to show what happened to the throw.

• BET: Check out ours MA Sports Betting Guidewhere you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.

Machado is one of the game's most controversial players. He is particularly unpopular in Boston – due to an incident in 2017 when he was with the Baltimore Orioles.

Machado drew heavy criticism for sliding too far into second base and seriously injuring Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia's knee. The play derailed Pedroia's career, which was never the same after Machado's relegation.

Machado renewed his rivalry with the Red Sox in 2018. He played for Roberts with the Dodgers and appeared in the World Series against Boston that year. He was taping the series finale and struck as he fell to one knee.

Now Machado has drawn the ire of Roberts, known for his exploits during the 2004 playoffs – particularly his base steal in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Yankees.

Machado is often viewed as a baseball villain in Boston. Apparently, Roberts believes Machado's entire team is adopting this identity.

“The team over there clearly likes the villain role and feeds off of it,” Roberts said, via The Athletic. “Whatever drives us, the motivation, individually and collectively, is to win a baseball game, to win a series.”

The Dodgers won Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, while the Padres won Game 2 on Sunday to even the series. The series now moves to San Diego, with Game 3 scheduled for Tuesday night at 9:08 p.m. EST