Young decision pending ...

People in and around the game have been throwing out their opinions on how long of a suspension Delmon Young should get for throwing his bat at an umpire last week. The suggestions range from the whole season to 50 games to a few weeks. Further ideas are welcome by commenting on this site. The incident certainly ranks among the most outrageous in baseball history at any level. The one opinion that matters is that of International League president Randy Mobley, and he said last week he expects to issue a decision by midweek. He plans to talk to Young as part of his information gathering process, and it would very interesting to hear how Young tries to explain his actions. He still has not commented beyond the apology released through his agent, Arn Tellem. The Rays say they will support any decision the IL makes, but you wonder is that will be true if Young is suspended for the remainder of the season.

The Rays have been making news on the field too, with their bullpen coming through in a big way Friday and then faltering in a big way on Saturday, as the Rays lost for the third time already this season after leading by four or more runs.

Sunday's game features an interesting aces-high matchup between Sox veteran Curt Schilling and Rays young gun Scott Kazmir. What makes it more interesting is Schilling's running commentary on the past problems between the teams and his opinions that Kazmir is a big reason behind it. Should be interesting to see what happens the first time one of them buzzes a pitch inside.

Manager Joe Maddon gave Travis Lee another day off on Sunday, no doubt because of his poor numbers against Schilling: 6-for-37 with 14 strikeouts. Jonny Gomes likely will be limited to DH duties for the near future due to a tight right shoulder.

Comments

[Jon Baxter]

Young should be fined heavily and suspended for the remainder of the season. If the incident had taken place anywhere else between non- athletes, formal charges could have been brought. If by the age of 20 you don't know you shouldn't throw a bat at someone you need less playing time and more therapy.

[Anonymous]

Therapy definetly sounds like a step in the right direction. He won't anything from a suspension.