Barrett's suspension

by user Demonboy

Well now it's official... Michael Barrett's 10 game suspension for punching A.J. Pierzynski was upheld. This is now the longest suspension to any Cubs player. The previous record was 8 games when Sammy Sosa got caught with a corked bat.

I don't mind the suspension. Even Barrett admits he was wrong... but, 10 games?? When Jason Varitek shoved a glove into Alex Rodriguez's face July 24, 2004 and a bench clearing brawl occured afterwards, Varitek only got 4 games.

June 2003, Kyle Farnsworth beaned pitcher Paul Wilson in retaliation to Wilson hitting Moises Alou. Wilson charged the mound, Farnsworth tackled Wilson and punched him (Wilson) in the face. Farnsworth was suspended only 3 games - Wilson got 5 for originally throwing at and hitting Alou.

Aug 29, 2000, Gerald Williams charged the mound after getting beaned and punched Pedro Martinez. Williams only got a 5 game suspension but was reduced to 3 games though appeal.

How can MacHale (VP for Admistration for the MLB) give Barrett a worse suspension than Williams, Farnsworth or Varitek?

Date

Mon 06/19/06, 1:15 pm EST

ChristofMVP

1262 days ago

Score 1

With how the CUbs have been playing this season, a 10 game suspension is NOT a punishment! :)

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ASwaffAll-American

1262 days ago

Score 2

The only situation where I think you have legitimate complaint is with Gerald Williams. All the other situations are totally different. Varitek shoved a glvoe into his face, he didn't punch him. And Alex Rodriguez was taking steps towards the mound when Varitek restrained him. He was defending a teammate. Farnsworth's punch was in self-defense, and as you said, there was a five game suspension for the instigator, who did not throw a punch. Even the situation with Gerald Williams was different. Nobody condones charging at the mound, but he was hit with a pitch. Barrett threw a punch with absolutely no physical provocation at all. I think this suspension is just right. But, it shouldn't be the longest in team history. Sosa got caught cheating, and he only got 8 games. That was a tragedy.

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JuTMSY4Legend

1262 days ago

Score 0

Barrett punched a guy in the face, even if it was AJ Pierzynski. Historically, I guess 10 games is a bit high, but it was certainly deserving of atleast 5 games. Really, it think 3+ series is high...maybe 6...max...

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ASwaffAll-American

1262 days ago

Score 1

I also can't help but wonder if this might be tied to the problems with the NBA playoffs. I wonder if MLB is trying to police violence preemptively by showing kind of a zero tolerance policy.

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All~In~ChicagoVarsity

1262 days ago

Score 1

All sports I think are trying to police the players and coaches more and more. 10 games fair? I'm not the one to say or to judge, and I don't want to start another debate on this fight. Final point is...He swung and hit him and it caused a situation that is considered unsportsmanlike conduct which can and did prokoke further reactions to his action. It's not like the Cubs are in a race for 1st but it is too bad for Barrett.

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ChachiOSUDraft Pick

1262 days ago

Score 0

I think the punishment was absolutely fair. He sucker punched A.J.. All the other instances the other player atleast saw them coming. Also, in the grand scheme of things he got suspended for 1/16th of the season. That amounts to 1 NFL game which I think we would all agree is fair if a guy did this on the football field.

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JuTMSY4Legend

1262 days ago

Score 0

That's a great point. To that end, wouldn't you sucker punch pierzynski? Regardless, I think the difference between the 2 games makes it more difficult. He did deserve to be suspended, but I think 10 games is still too high. However, you're right, he is going to pay he price and I think that making him pay is fair. Perhaps if this had be AJ punching barrett (I mean a player on team playing well) the susp would have been a little less.

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