June 06, 2008
Lots of Suspensions
Bob Watson suspended a number of Red Sox and Rays based on last night's game:
Three Red Sox were suspended: Crisp for seven games, pitcher Jon Lester for five games and first baseman Sean Casey for three games.
Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson penalized five Rays: Shields for six games, DH-outfielder Jonny Gomes and pitcher Edwin Jackson for five games, outfielder Carl Crawford for four games and second baseman Akinori Iwamura for three games.
All eight players also were fined undisclosed amounts. The Red Sox and Rays have often clashed in the past, and a bench-clearing brawl in Boston's 7-1 win Thursday night was their latest outburst.
I find it interesting that Lester was suspended. He hit a batter later in the game but was not tossed for that.
Lester should not have been suspended. If he intentionally hit a batter then the ump would have tossed him right then and there as there was a warning to both benches. Gomes and Crawford are a couple of real classless guys. Tough guys hitting a player that is pinned down by 3 other guys. What a couple of losers.
Wow! Five games for Lester. I suppose they wanted to send a message. Then again, if they really wanted to send a message, they could have banned them from ever playing baseball again. Yeah, that'd show them!
Gotta agree with emains... it really didn't appear that Lester was throwing with intent. I assume he'll appeal and win.
To further comment on Andrew's comment... Starters typically get 5-6 games for their suspensions (1 start), Relief pitchers 3-5 (an appearance or two), and Position Players 1-3 (1 to 3 starts).
Lester is starting his suspension tonight because the Red Sox have an off day on Monday anyway.
The umpire should have tossed Lester after he threw behind a batter and then hit another after having good control throughout the game. Bob Watson fixed what the ump blew. The Red Sox coach who body slamed Shields onto his pitching shoulder should have been suspended also(SEE BILL LEE)Sox fans should remember!!!
Neil S., off days don't count in the suspension. It's counted in games, not days, so there's no particular reason to start serving right before an off day.
James, the reason for letting the suspension run over an off-day is that Lester's turn in the rotation can be pushed back a day while keeping the other starters on regular rest. Basically, Colon and Lester trade places next week; no big deal.
Geo I don'tt hink anybody thought Lester threw at Aybar except Bob Watson. WTF is with Joe Maddon? He's proud of what his team did? Even Edwin Jackson's got more sense than he has.