yanks/red sox benches cleared

[Dave Hensley]

My thoughts in realtime were ejections of Ramirez and then Zimmer were no-brainer decisions. Ejecting Pedro for the pointing to the head antics would have been a ballsy move, but I knew that wasn't going to happen.

Fox Sports reports today that Pedro was fined $50,000, Ramirez $25,000, Garcia $10,000 and Zimmer $5,000. I'm surprised Garcia drew a fine for the takeout at 2B, and I think Zimmer's fine should have been higher; however, I think it's possible his fine was adjusted for "coach-dollars" rather than "megarich player dollars."

Having read the police report on the 9th inning incident in the Yankees bullpen, it seems pretty clear that Jeff Nelson and Karim Garcia were the aggressors, and accelerated the altercation from words to physical violence. The Yankees management's crocodile tears, complaining about the "aura of lawlessness" that was prevalent at the park disgusts me.

I'm encouraged by the heartfelt, emotional apology Zimmer made, and the conciliatory statements that have come from Red Sox management. Nevertheless, it's hard to put the genie back in the battle and I think there are likely still players on both sides who think they "owe" the other team further retaliation.