[Cyclopean Squid]

No, he used the kid as a cat's paw because he was afraid that a veteran pitcher would get suspended. The kid was getting sent to the minors the next day anyway because of a recent trade. This was not a chance for the kid to become part of the team at all. He was a patsy. And Guillen's antics were embarrassing, or should have been. "Discussions" like that should take place behind closed doors, not on national TV.

[misterrob]

I'm not so sure of the timing of the trade as the Red Sox were pushed to do something after having no LHPs available to face the Twins. Riske was the guy he traded for and within days of being there plunked a St. Louis batter in retaliation for Fat Boy Ponson hitting a teammate.

Ozzie's antics in the dugout left a bit to be desired though....