I wouldn't want to have a glove shoved in my face by a guy as tough as Varitek, and if it happened i'd want the opportunity to punch him in a maskless face, especially if i were as strong as A-Rod. Nor would i want to have to duck what might have been a punch from someone as large as David Ortiz.<p>No, The Boys of Summer shouldn't misbehave in this way. There should be suspensions of players on both sides.<p>But to call this a fight or a brawl is a bit much. Who among us hasn't seen more damage done on a playground by 10-year-olds than occurred here? Of course, with guys this size, some of whom might be on steroids, the potential for injury is greater. As long as no one swings a bat in it, the typical baseball "fight" is more like square dancing than, say, a hockey fight.<p>But still, this is baseball, and this semi-brawl should be judged in the context of "The Game." If, say, a utility infielder for the Pirates gets shoved in the face by the backup catcher for the Brewers, no one pays much attention except for league officials; the punishment would be the same as what these players got.<p>But the context features the Yankees and BoSox, so we should consider that: 1. These teams hate each other -- perhaps more now than at any time in the 20th century. Their fans hate each other. The cities are near enough that plenty of fans travel to the away games. They play often, and the games tend to mean a lot. 2. These teams played last fall in one of the greatest playoff series. They're in the same division, with a rematch possible in a few months if one (most likely the Red Sox) earns entry as a wildcard. 3. If A-Rod didn't get drilled intentionally by the pitcher, then he at least had reason to suspect it. Some batters will rush pitchers simply for throwing near them. 4. Who said what, and when, along the first-base line? As stupid as it might seem, certain words, in players' minds, require and justify retaliation.<p>This sort of thing happens every week in a typical season. From the stands or couch it might appear that Varitek deserves a tougher punishment than A-Rod, but unless we know more about their conversation, we can't be certain.<p>As for the Red Sox in a sense getting off easier because Varitek doesn't play every game (he seldom catches when No. 3 starter Tim Wakefield pitches, for instance), baseball seldom takes position into consideration. For instance, pitchers might be suspended for four days and never miss a start.<p>No one got hurt, ESPN got to run the clip for more than the usual day, and there'll be added tension when the teams play again.<p>Play ball.<p>[almost forgot to disclose that i've been a Red Sox fan since I was 10.]<p>[ July 30, 2004: Message edited by: Wayne Countryman ]</p>
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