"That's like asking if the death penalty is a deterrent to killing people," said Arroyo, who remains on schedule to start here tonight against the Texas Rangers, pending an appeal. "No, it's not. In a game like that, once it gets out of hand, it's out of hand. People don't care what the consequences are going to be, because it's out of respect for protecting your players."
The managers, the Sox' Terry Francona and the Devil Rays' Lou Piniella, were suspended three games apiece, those suspensions taking effect immediately in the absence of an appeal process for managers and coaches. Bench coach Brad Mills managed the Sox last night, while Tampa Bay bench coach John McLaren managed the Devil Rays in Baltimore. The managers also were fined $3,000 apiece, Piniella's fine reduced by $500 after he spoke with John McHale, Major League Baseball's director of administration.
In addition to Arroyo, Sox players punished were outfielder Trot Nixon, suspended two games and fined $3,000, and designated hitter David Ortiz, who was fined $500. Devil Rays players disciplined were pitchers Dewon Brazelton and Lance Carter, suspended five games each and fined $3,000 apiece, and outfielder Chris Singleton, fined $500. All the players announced that they will appeal their penalties through the players' union. McHale will hear their cases, and while no timetable was set, he could begin hearing the appeals as soon as next week.
Watson's actions come in the aftermath of last Sunday's game in Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., in which a series of hit batsmen and near misses, and two bench-clearing skirmishes led to six ejections. As coincidence would have it, baseball commissioner Bud Selig was watching on television, and it was evident by the severity of the penalties, especially those given the managers -- Watson said he has never suspended a manager more than a game in such circumstances -- that MLB is concerned with what has been a series of confrontations between the clubs.
