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**panoo** · 03-13-2008, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Rays, Yankees clear benches in Florida
The Canadian Press
3/12/2008 2:58:03 PM

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Both benches cleared during the second inning of a spring training game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, leading to the ejections of two players and two coaches.

The teams, meeting four days after Yankees manager Joe Girardi complained about Tampa Bay's aggressive play after a home-plate collision that injured catcher Francisco Cervellio, had been warned before the game that the umpires would have little tolerance for any further problems.

FULL STORY

Wait until the regular season starts anyway!!

I would imagine that there will be a few suspensions coming from this game?

**Domenic** · 03-13-2008, 02:11 PM

Both teams are in the wrong here, going back to Saturdays' incident.

Elliot Johnson should not have taken out catcher Francisco Cervelli in a meaningless Spring Training game. While it's true that the players should be hustling as they want to make the team, it is also true that there is a line that shouldn't be crossed - barreling over a catcher is such a line.

Heath Phillips beaning Evan Longoria did not, in my mind, seem to be retribution for the other day. Phillips had given up two runs on three hits and was ticked off - this sort of thing happens all the time. Shelley Duncan sliding spikes-high into Akinori Iwamura was a dirty play, but I think the ferocity of it was overstated. Duncan did not kick out his legs, or aim for the knees or higher. Moreover, it was a hustle play, similar to Johnson's. Jonny Gomes was entirely in the wrong, running all the way in from right to take a cheap shot at Duncan.

Overall, I don't think suspensions are necessary. Both teams had their fair share of cheap shots... if anyone should get suspended it should be Gomes - the other players should be in the clear.

**Kitty** · 03-13-2008, 05:47 PM

Regular season will be interesting. Two teams with bad blood between them=brawl every change they get. Joe G. brings a different style compared to Joe Torre and it shows.

**Kyle** · 03-13-2008, 07:02 PM

I loved the whole Jonny Gomes diving into Duncan's back, and not knocking him down

**BlueBaron** · 03-13-2008, 07:33 PM

That foot to the crotch slide was one of the most intentional things I've ever seen.

**panoo** · 03-14-2008, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueBaron

That foot to the crotch slide was one of the most intentional things I've ever seen.

You would think that alone would be cause for suspension? A play like that could injure a person for life, cup or no cup!!

**Domenic** · 03-14-2008, 10:49 AM

I feel that, if Duncan is suspended Gomes must be suspended. The two should be handcuffed in that sense. In fact, Gomes should probably be suspended longer - his falling, flailing shot at Duncan was more egregious, in my opinion. A middle infielder knows how to brace for an impact - true, Duncan's was a bit more then your standard impact, but it isn't as large an injury risk of tackling a man from behind.

**Kyle** · 03-14-2008, 03:46 PM

Gomes should definately be suspended... I don't think Duncan should though..

I love the look on Dunc's face after Gomes hit him.... It was like this:

**Domenic** · 03-14-2008, 05:57 PM

The scoop.

Duncan and Melky Cabrera (he apparently punched someone during the fracas) were suspended for three games, Gomes for two. The league really blew it on this one, methinks - Gomes' actions were worse than Duncan's, and everybody and their mother failed to see Cabrera throw a punch.

Thoughts?