Suspension upheld for Rays' Iwamura, reduced for Red Sox's Crisp

Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura's appeal of his three-game suspension was denied by MLB, the Times has learned, and he will have to sit out starting Saturday. The Rays confirmed the news with an announcement at 3:15 p.m. The team also said that INF Ben Zobrist was optioned back to Triple-A to make room for 1B Carlos Pena to be activated from the DL.

The Red Sox, however, got some relief as OF Coco Crisp's suspension was reduced from seven games to five. Crisp will start serving on Saturday in Houston, meaning he -- conveniently -- will miss the three-game series between the teams at the Trop that starts Monday. Iwamura will miss the first game of the series.

Crisp, who started the June 5 brawl by charing the mound after being hit by a James Shields pitch, was given the longest suspension of the eight players disciplined, but now will serve less than James Shields (who got six games, but missed only one start) and the same as OF/DH Jonny Gomes.

With Zobrist sent down and Iwamura out, Willy Aybar is expected to play second base the next three games.

The Rays and Red Sox play Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Trop. The Rays say tickets are available for all three games, but advise fans to purchase in advance to avoid lines.

[AP Photo files]

Comments

[Papelbon]

My guess is "Bob" - he's getting hit this week.

[Brian]

Andy, I feel you brother.

[Bob]

Seriously, who just wants to see a great series this week?

[Unreal]

"Mom", you are completely wrong on both guesses. I just think that it is unbelieveable that people cannot just let people be fans of whoever you want to be. I would never sit here and dispute someone's loyalty to their teams. You have been a Rays fan since they started, great, good for you! You have been a Yankee fan your whole life, great, good for you! I have been a Sox fan my whole life, great, good for me. I do not think that people need to sit and rip people apart because of the team the root for and say, "Just move back to where you came from then." It is ridiculous. It is baseball! Rivalry makes the game what it is. These comments go so off topic it is crazy.

[Carl]

Does anyone else find sarasotasoxfan to be one of the more sillier human beings to ever exist? He probably wears glasses even though he has 20-20 vision, if you know what I mean.

[Papelbon]

I think Fredrays needs a history lesson. Things used to be worse. (Nolan Ryan, anyone?) I'm probably going to throw at him when I'm in town.

[Mom]

Unreal, either you are 9-year-old girl who just graduated from the 6-week morality training course at her church or you are a bald 1st grade substitute teacher. Which is it?

[Unreal]

I think that these comments are so rude. Can people just enjoy the game of baseball, allow people to be fans of who they want to be fans of and stop trying to tell people that they are not "die hard" fans or question their loyalty to their teams? It is so ridiculous! And there are crappy fans for every team out there. People need to think more about the kids that are around them at the games and maybe they will act better and have more respect. I am a Sox fan. I do get embarrassed by other Sox fans at games...but I also get embarrassed by Rays fans, Bucs fans, Lightning fans, Yankee fans...and so on.

[David]

Casey ur an idiot. of course you wouldn't be crying about it, your team got the better end of the suspensions and started the whole thing. there's nothing for u to cry about.

this is a joke, sternberg needs to send a strong message to MLB that unfairness will not be tolerated by owners.

[David]

most unfair decision ever.
crisp should've gotten 10 more games for the nerve of appealing the already generous suspension.

if there needs to be proof that baseball is fixed here it is.

[fredrays]

When did the retaliatory aspect of hockey find its way into Baseball? I dig the rays, but c'mon, baseball used to be the sport that rose above that payback crap. Never never NEVER should a pitcher throw at a batter.

[sarasotasoxfan]

I guess we can all agree that we hate bandwagon fans. In Boston, they're calling them "pink hats" now. I'm 43 so I'm in between the 60 yr olds and the obnoxious 20-30 crowd but I agree. I go to Sox - Rays games at the Trop and am embarassed by the behavior of many Sox fans. I don't really want to be associated with them either. I'm passionate about sports but at the end of the day, it's only sports!! I have friends that are Rays fans and even Yankee fans. Nothing better than a good sports debate but people go way overboard with their crass behavior. Good luck guys and hopefully it will be a great series next week and an even better pennant race.

[Spencer]

I find it interesting that there are "sucks" fans here in Florida. Don't like something up there, or you would still be there. If you loved it so much there, go back and stay. Otherwise, don't give us so much crud on how much you love your "sucks". If you did, you would live where you could see your "sucks" at "fenwipe." However, welcome to Florida. We love you in Florida anyway. No matter what you did up there that forced your move to better climes. LOL

[Ryan]

Good point Mike. The Rays give back to our community in so many ways and then show up to games and have mountains of people rooting against them. All of the "Die Hard" Sox and Yankee fans I know seem to be big fans of the Buccaneers and Lightning...go figure. I've also never understood why die hard Yankee fan doesn't show up to root against the Red Sox and vice versa. I have been going to the games, rooting for the home team since 1998, I say that, not to brag, but to point out that before 2004, there was nowhere near the "Die Hard" sox fans (you know, the ones who have been there through all the hard times) in the stands...wasn't even close. When the Yankees were winning 1998-2000 theor fans filled the stands.

Look, if you are over 60 and grew up in New England... I don't have a problem with that. It's doubtful you are the obnoxious ones. It's the loud 20-30 year olds that bring their 8 year old kid in with a "Papelbon" t-shirt that annoys me

[Jack]

Yea, I have nothin agienst BOSOx friends. Most of the Rays' fans that don't like the Sox are the bandwaggon fans that didn't care about the team in the past. Heck most of our second favorite team was the Red Sox -for the Rays' fans that have been true loyal Rays' fans- that is 'till we started to contend for the AL East

[Bud Selig]

Helo, my nam is Bud Selig. Sinse I druped out ov midle skool, I kno next to nothing. Richard Simmons coud make a beter baseball comish then me.
Now exkuse me, i hav to go and prey at mi church. AKA Fenway Park.

[Amanda]

REAL Sox Fans:
You guys have to understand, we're ok with you. We may not like your choice in baseball teams, but we respect it. Where the problem comes in is with all of the obnoxious post-2004 Red Sox fans that live here. For some reason, bandwagon fans feel the need to assert their fan status by being unbearable. Those guys are so loud and horrible, that's what we start to associate with Red Sox fans. I think this sums it up:http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/080620
So excuse our hostility and skepticism; a rotten few have soured our taste towards all of you.

[Casey]

I have to go back to all of the whining. It starts with Magrane and Staats, and continues down through the fans. I was in Boston the night Crisp charged the mound - there are more people crying on this page than I heard in Boston the whole night. It was no big deal. Get over it - it's Watson and the MLB office, and none of the suspensions are a surprise based on their history. This whole thing blew up in Tampa - nowhere else - because the Rays want respect. As I said earlier, just win. You need to finish what you started if you want the respect, otherwise you will continue to suffer as fans of other loosing franchises suffer.

[Andy]

I'm a native Floridian who now lives south of Boston, I don't hate the Sox but I'm a Rays fan and everyone I work or drink with knows it. The funny thing is how many Sox fans are on-board with the Rays - they love the new competition and almost everyone I talk to wishes the Rays well. I don't see this as a good thing, by the way - I want the Sox fans to hate us. (And yes, I still say "us" regarding the Rays even though I don't live in Tampa Bay anymore) - in fact I have a perverse desire to see "Tampa Bay Sucks" t-shirts for sale outside Fenway. Then I'll feel like we've arrived.

[Mike Cretyon]

I would like to point out that these people with the attitude that somehow Red Sox fans are born into it and can never support their community's team are going to be the reason we may lose our franshise one day. It is absurd. It is a privledge to have a MLB team. Hopefully, enough people will come to their senses and support this team. The attendance has been much better lately which is a good sign. I am just so sick of these people making our state look so bad by not supporting the Rays here and the Marlins in Miami. Its really not fair to the players. These guys give back to the community, redevelop little league parks, etc. and what do they get in return? Their neighbors showing up at the stadium to boo them and root against them. These people make our state look so bad and I am just over it. If you love where you are from so much, go back there. Let someone else live here that actually wants to be here, is proud to live here, and will be an active supporter of this community.

[What?]

Mike-No I am not against a new stadium. I do not know if the waterfront is the right place, but that isn't for me to decide. :) I think the Rays are doing awesome and all of you Rays fans should be so happy with the team you have this year! I think you guys deserve a new stadium so good luck!

[sarasotasoxfan]

You're right Brian. And if the Rays go on to win a few World Series in the next few years, there'll be fans coming out of the woodwork claiming that they've been following them from the beginning, while we all know that's not the case. Not to change the subject but I went to many many Patriot games in the 80's and 90's when they were one of the worst franchises in sports and played in a glorified high school stadium. When you support your team through times like that, it makes it so much more satisfying when they finally win.

[Mike]

Thats the problem with you transplant fans.. I as a native havent had baseball in my state all my life. I respect the fact your RABID SOX fans that live in Florida.. Problem is guys like me have to rely on guys like you to figure out if we can even vote on a new stadium. Let me guess You are against a new stadium right? Thought so..Good Luck in your continued success. Don't forget the Bambino checks are in a vault in Downtown St. Pete... LOL
Chowda heads !!

[SoxRTheNewYankees]

SoxRtNY, agreed. Please do us a favor and bring your largest cowbell to the game and scare away all of our bandwagoners. Then you can technically say that you're helping the local team. :)

[What?]

That is really funny because I see those guys everywhere! Haha! But I do see those people as all different fans, not just Sox. But I laugh at what you said because I have actually said the same thing! At least you realize what it is like to stay true to your roots. :) And I completely agree about the "bandwagon" jumpers. But I can say that my grandfather was a Sox fan, my Mother was a HUGE Sox fan that actually died within 10 days of the Sox winning the WS in 2004 so I can say that I was born into being a Sox fan. I am just looking forward to a great series!

[Brian]

"What?" Nope. Let's not pretend that there is a singular argument being made. I think it is wonderful to stay close to your roots and dignified to embrace the community of your new home. Take your pick. As a whole, I simply find the culture created by "Red Sox Nation" kinda funny. Have you ever seen the guy walking around with his chest out, maybe a tight shirt on, self absorbed, and everyone is laughing at him, but he never knows it? My main point is that there really weren't many Red Sox fans during the bad times, but many who claim to be.

[sarasotasoxfan]

Don't worry SoxRtNY, I got it. Can't I joke around a little too?? In all honesty, there's some truth to what you say. A lot of Sox fans are obnoxious. I especially don't care for all the bandwagoners who jumped aboard after 2004. Unfortunately, this is the nature of sports.

[Brent]

I hate the Red Sux and hope someone punches Pappeldoosh in the face... Plus Cocodoosh conveniently not playing this series, what a chicken sh@#... Selig you SUCK!!!

[What?]

So Brian, now that you live in New England...are you going to become a Red Sox fan?

[Brian]

Sarasotasoxfan. I am from Florida, now live in New England and I am a loyal Rays fan. As I am surrounded by the New England bandwagon phenomenon, I couldn't help but laugh at your 30 yr comment. Let me guess, the line that you omitted was, "Hey, I was there through the bad times." You guys are so silly. The Yankee envy of Red Sox fans is hilarious.

[What?]

Sarasotasoxfan-Don't waste your time trying to argue with these Rays fans. I am in the same boat as you. I have been a loyal Sox fan for 28 years. But just because I now live in FL, does not mean that I will quit being a Sox fan and jump on the Rays bandwagon. Sox fans are fans for life. I guess other teams do not understand that. Born into it for life. Honestly, no sense trying to defend yourself to these people. GO SOX!

[SoxRTheNewYankees]

sarasotasoxfan, you may need to read the comment again to get the sarcasm. Rays fans, he'll get it - wait for it, wait for it...

[mm]

I will be there mlm. Shields on the mound Moday and Kazmir on Wednesday.

[John]

Crisp is an idiot- that is why the Indians let him go/ Remember how he wanted out of Boston this Spring because he thought he would be sitting the bench. The commissioner of baseball is bowing to the Red Sox, the big money guys- shows you how fair he is!

[sarasotasoxfan]

By "you guys", I meant Rays fans. I've been here for almost 10 yrs but spent over 30 yrs before that following the Red Sox when I lived there. Most native New Englanders are parochial and fiercely loyal to their teams. Sorry but I don't agree that I have to lose all my previous allegiances because I choose to live in FL. There'll be plenty of other bandwagon fans jumping on the Rays ship over the next few years. I won't be one of them. There's something to be said for staying loyal, win or lose, as opposed to rooting for your local team only when they are good.

[Harold]

Sarasota Sox Fan? You guys? Last I checked Sarasota is less than 30 minutes from the Trop and definitely in the Tampa Bay market. I am so sick and tired of people living here yet somehow isolating themselves from area. "You guys" includes you. The Rays are YOUR home team. Not the Sox. We (including you) had poor ownership and sucked until now. This is the biggest problem with baseball in FL. Too many transplants are too stupid to realize the importance of not living in the past and refusing to be a part of this community and supporting our teams. It is so frustrating. I am a transplant too. The Rays are now my team. Not the team from the city I grew up rooting for in the city that I CHOSE TO LEAVE.

I am so sick of that attitude. Like it or not Mr. Sarasota, the Rays are YOUR team too. The sooner more people start realizing that, the better off we will all be. Unity in the community people.

[ShieldsRox]

I think the James Shields figurine should be the pose of him swinging at Coco and they should give it out at the Sox games (with the cowbells since they liked that so much earlier in the season). :)

[Brian]

I love being a Rays fan; it's us against the league, baby. See you in the stands, time to take it over!!!

[sarasotasoxfan]

No...........I see a B on mine. Maybe you should get your eyes checked.

[ShieldsRox]

I think the James Shields figurine should be the pose of him swinging at Coco and they should give it out at the Sox games (with the cowbells since they liked that so much earlier in the season). :)

[SoxRTheNewYankees]

Sox fans, when you look in the mirror do you see a big NY on your hat? Funny, cause I see one...

[sarasotasoxfan]

You guys have a great team now with a wealth of young talent but it's time to stop whining about how the commisioner and the powers that be in MLB have conspired to keep you down or that the games are fixed to support big market teams. Face the facts. You sucked until now because you had crappy ownership and management!!! How come the Marlins have been able to put together 2 World Series winning teams under the same constraints???? Enjoy the ride and look forward to having great rivalries with Boston & NY for the next 10 yrs!!!!

[CJ]

Most of you guys got the story right.

Coco slid into 2nd head first, Bartlett was covering with his knees down and coco hurt his little finger, then coco retaliated buy sliding into 2nd cleats up with Aki on the bag, moron didn't even retaliate against the right player, then he got mouthy with Maddon, he should have been ejected cause he threatened to do something.

So coco got a little wake up from Shields and the baby couldn't take it and charged the mound.

[Amanda]

Casey-
Charging the plate and sliding in spikes-high are not the same thing. But I agree with you that respect is earned, and hey, we're working on it. :)

[Spencer]

As time goes on and Boston continues to be the bullies of the Northeast, I have put them in the same category as the Yuckees. The Boston Red Sucks have, unfortunately, gotten the Yuckees' "big head" after having won two World Series. Before, they were beloved. Now, like their twins, the Yuckees, the Red Sucks are nothing more than bullies. Confidence is one thing, being bullies is another. Go Rays - everyday.

[Casey]

Wait one second - Crisp slides into second head first with Bartlet blocking the bag, and jambs his finger. Unwritten rule that you do not block the bag on head first slides, so Crips goes into second again, but goes in feet first and takes out Iwamura. Tough luck for Iwamura. Do Rays fans forget the Ray who took out the Yankee catcher in Spring Training - you can't have it both ways. If you want respect, win. Finish in first or take the wild card, otherwise quit whining.

[mlm]

Selig does suck, but Bob Watson hands out the punishments. How a guy who made two dangerous actions gets only 5 games is madness. (Remember, the silde was not spikes high. Crisp hit Aki with a forearm to the thigh/hip.)
All I know is that I'll be there Monday. Who's with me?

[johnkav]

The decision sucks but, so does the Comish. Worst Comish ever. Red Sox suck also

[Amanda]

1. Aki's suspension should have been upheld. At first it looked like he was the pure victim, but the reverse angle of the fight shows him getting some rib shots in on Coco.
2. Coco's suspension getting reduced is b.s. He instigated it the day before with the slide, and then the trash talking after the game. Dorchesta and Paul, try watching more than one game, or more than the videos on YouTube after you hear about what happened with a team you supposedly love and follow. "What?": At first, Coco did the same trash talking that Papelbon did. Difference is, Coco dropped it, while Papelbon wouldn't (won't?) let it go.

This should be an interesting series/season. I'm a Rays fan, St. Pete born-and-raised, but I do enjoy watching the Red Sox play, they're a fun team.

[bob graham]

god will smite all red sucks fans