Mariners Richie Sexson charged the mound after Texas Rangers pitcher Kason Gabbard threw a pitch at his eye level. Sexson is 6′8, so if you put a pitch that high, it is obviously on purpose. Sexson charged the mound, chucked his helmet at Gabbard, and tackled him but didn’t land any good punches. And the benches cleared and MIlton Bradley actually played peacemaker, pulling C Gerald Laird from the action. Sexson was initially suspended for six games. However, he appealed and had the suspension reduced to five games.

Sexson said he would have been a lot less angry if Gabbard threw at his body, which is taller than most people. A baseball to the buns or back is a lot safer than one to the noggin. But Gabbard went up top and headhunters get what they deserve.

I do not mind watching athletes get angry and I do not believe in suspensions for anyone who leaves the bench (ie. NBA David Stern crackdown on fun). Checks and balances apply to baseball as well as government, so batters must keep the opposing pitcher in check if he is throwing at guys. I do believe however, that people fighting need to observe proper etiquette, if you will, when it comes to baseball violence.

1. No kicking or other martial arts moves.
2. Don’t throw the helmet. Or for that matter, no weapons (we’re looking at you Juan Marichal).
3. Pitchers: don’t headhunt unless you’re Kyle Farnsworth and can defend yourself.
4. No spitting.
5. Leave Zimmer alone!

Sexson suspension to 5 games (Sports Illustrated)

So Barry Bonds is now just one home run away from being in sole possession of the all time home run crown in professional baseball. He his is 755th home run tonight to tie himself with Hank Aaron. On his way around the bases he was met with a mix of cheers and boos. Bud Selig just stood up and watched but didn’t do anything else. I think Barry will wait until he is back in San Fransisco to really make a push to break the record. All in all I think its turning out better than I feared, I mean, the sky didn’t come crashing down and we are all still here so apparently the world will go on. I still think that Bonds will only hold the record for the next ten years or so before A-Rod or someone else breaks it, fortunately.

Adam Jones was finally called up by the Mariners the other day and has now played in two games. He didn’t start tonight but came in as a pinch runner and stole second base in the bottom of the 9th to put himself in scoring position. The Mariners have to play him at least in a right/left platoon with Ibanez if not more than that even. Maybe he is still a little behind the ball in his offensive development and a little rough around the edges but as the guys over on the USS Mariner blog point out the defensive upgrade he provides over Ibanez more than makes up for any difference offensively.  And by now the Mariners have to admit that Ibanez is not going to turn things around.  They, thank heavens, finally appear to have given up on Sexon and have been benching him in favor of Ben Brussard, who has been raking this year.  I think if Bavasi by some horrible miracle is still around next year he has got to jettison Vidro and Sexon in the off season.  I wouldn’t mind keeping Guillen around in right field because I think he provides a steady, capable, run producing bat for the middle of the lineup and he seems to have his temper problems finally under control, not to mention the fact that at $9 million for next year he is rather reasonably priced.

All in all I think it is shaping up to be an exciting final two months for the Mariners, which is a nice change from the last few years.  They are just one game back in the wild card standings and look to have a shot at sneaking into the playoffs.  They are getting good attendance at games again and have looked like a legitimate team more than pretenders in the second half.  There are still some glaring deficiencies on the team, like a big middle of the order bat and a legitimate top of the rotation starter to go along with Felix.  It’s doubtful that either of those will be filled during the year though.  I think this is more of a preview of things to come than a team that will make a serious push this year.  I think if Bavasi made better acquisitions last off season then we would be in much better shape (say like going after Chuck James instead of Horacio ‘freaking’ Ramirez and the $8+ million he sunk into the black-hole that is the career of Jeff Weaver).  Anyway, I’ll definitely enjoy the remainder of this season and it should be exciting going forward toward next year and a return to true respectability.