Bench Brawl

Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pyrzinski ran over Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett on Saturday, in the Sox 7-0 victory over the Cubs. Barrett was blocking the plate on the play, when Pyrzinski tagged up from 3rd base on a fly out and knocked Barrett over on his backside before the ball got to him. Pyrzinski proceeded to slam his hand down on home plate and walked past Barrett, lightly nudging him in the process. Barrett grabbed hold of Pyrzinski and punched right in the jaw. Both benches cleared. Barrett and Pyrzinski were both ejected from the game and now there's discussion on suspensions.

Chicago columnist Jay Mariotti has blamed Pyrzinski for the scuffle, stating that the White Sox catcher is basically a pain in the backside to anybody other than his teammates. Others have blamed A.J. as well, mainly due to problems he's bumped into with former teams and teammates of his.

I don't know the guy, but who punched who here? When Mike Tyson bit part of Evander Holyfield's ear off, we weren't putting the blame on Holyfield because of something he said or did in his past, right? Tyson is the one who bit the ear. Michael Barrett punched A.J. Pyrzinski square in the jaw. Why Pyrzinski was even thrown out of the game on Saturday is beyond me. He shouldn't have been ejected from that game and should receive no suspension. Barrett did the deed and should pay a heavy price, both fine and suspension. I don't know how many games he'll miss, but I'd say around 20-25. I don't know what Pyrzinski said to Barrett, but that shouldn't matter. Barrett should be mature and adult enough not to throw a punch in that situation. The Cubs have been reeling. He, along with many of his teammates are probably frustrated, he was a grenade about ready to pop and that was the time he did so.

For Mariotti and others who blame Pyrzinksi, I suggest you watch the Tyson/Holyfield fight and say on the air, with a straight face, that Holyfield should've been penalized.