#Dodgers Smirk at Inadequate, Arbitrary Suspensions

At LAT, "MLB suspensions are serious business, but Dodgers get a laugh":

PITTSBURGH — The Dodgers reacted with bemusement and amusement Friday after Major League Baseball issued eight suspensions to Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks personnel for their roles in a violent brawl during the teams' game Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.

Aside from a clear disdain for Arizona pitcher Ian Kennedy — whose 10-game suspension they viewed as insufficient after he struck rookie outfielder Yasiel Puig in the face with a fastball and nearly did the same to pitcher Zack Greinke — the Dodgers seemed to get a kick out of what they viewed as an arbitrary set of punishments.

How did Puig, who was seen throwing wild punches, escape with only a fine? Why was Dodgers utilityman Skip Schumaker, who was seen pulling players apart, suspended for two games? Why was Diamondbacks infielder Eric Hinske, who was described by the Dodgers as a "peacemaker" and "punching bag," hit with a five-game ban?

Those questions and others were a source of laughter for the Dodgers before and after their 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night at PNC Park.

Five Dodgers were suspended, but the penalties were relatively light. Schumaker, reliever J.P. Howell and hitting coach Mark McGwire received two-game suspensions, and Manager Don Mattingly and reliever Ronald Belisario received one-game suspensions.

Mattingly and Belisario served their suspensions Friday night and McGwire started to serve his. Schumaker and Howell are appealing their penalties, though Howell conceded that he might not have a case, as he was caught on camera nearly flipping a Diamondbacks coach into a camera well.

Greinke and Puig were fined, as were the Dodgers for allowing players on the disabled list to leave their bench.

Diamondbacks Manager Kirk Gibson received a one-game suspension. Kennedy and Hinske are appealing their suspensions. Catcher Miguel Montero and outfielder Gerardo Parra were fined but not suspended.

Hinske was in disbelief, saying his only crime was getting in the way of Puig's fist, which hit him in the back when he was doubled over.

"I didn't throw any punches and I had punches thrown at me by Puig," Hinske told reporters in San Diego. "He gets no games. I get five. You tell me what's right there."

More at the link.