Posted on 05/26/2006 12:54:41 PM PDT by nikos1121
Michael Barrett was suspended for 10 games and fined on Friday for punching White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski during Saturday's Cubs-Sox game at U.S. Cellular Field.
Barrett immediately appealed the verdict from Major League Basbeall disciplinarian Bob Watson and was in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta.
Sox outfielder Brian Anderson received a five-game suspension and fine for his involvement in the brawl, and Sox coach Joey Cora received a two-game suspension and a fine for fighting.
Pierzynski received a fine but no suspension.
Barrett would not reveal why he believed he should receive a lesser punishment for punching Pierzynski and igniting a brawl.
"At this point, I'd really kind of just leave that to my agent and some other people in charge and focus on playing baseball," Barrett said.
Barrett does not know when the appeal will be heard.
Manager Dusty Baker said called the verdict a "little harsh."
"We knew it was going to be something," Baker said. "We were hoping it wouldn't be that many days. Michael is appealing it. It's going to be tough to be without Michael for that many days."
Baker said he was "kind of" surprised that Pierzynski wasn't suspended.
"Like I've said, whenever there's a cause, there's an effect," he said. "I guess the effect was Michael."
Joey Cora told WSCR-AM 670 that Ozzie Guillen will coach third base for the Sox in Toronto during his suspension.
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
That's okay Dusty. It balances out the dull and uninspiring manager you are.
Greatest punch in sports in quite a while.
While I have nothing against the White Sox, Pierzynski is recognized around the league as one of the biggest tools in the game. So, glad he got socked.
"tools" or "fools"?
Dusty and Hendly need to go, but it will never happen...
"tools," as in a supreme a--hole.
I think he and his team mates voted him as being the biggest "tool" in the game...
The problem with the Cubs is the poor and uninspired coaching.
They definitely have the talent, but they've passed up on some talent also.
I think with a new manager, they can turn their season around. They're only 8 games out.
It all starts at the top. And with Juan Pierre not getting on base and wreaking havoc, the offense has imploded.
The only time the Cubs have had a legitimate leadoff hitter in the past 15-20 years was the 3-4 months in 2003 they had Kenny Lofton. And it's no coincidence they almost went to the World Series that season. It seemed like he was on base all throughout the playoffs.
I hear Corey Patterson is doing well at Baltimore, No?
I saw that too, but he's not a leadoff hitter. Never was, never should be.
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