Brawl breaks out in Windy City
A.J. Pierzynski smacked the plate. Michael Barrett punched him in the face.
Just like that, the White Sox-Cubs rivalry took a heated turn at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.
Pierzynski barreled over Barrett, who got up, grabbed the White Sox catcher and punched him, starting a bench-clearing melee in the second inning that led to four ejections Saturday during the second inning of the White Sox’s 7-0 victory. Fines and suspensions likely will follow.
“I’m sorry it happened, but at the same time, it was kind of a cheap shot,” Pierzynski said.
Pierzynski knocked over Barrett just before the throw arrived and slapped the plate after the collision as the ball got away. Then, the Cubs catcher got up and grabbed Pierzynski before landing a right to the left side of his face.
“In my opinion, the way I look at it, I’m a grown man and I take care of things the way I feel they need to be taken care of,” Barrett said. “They are not always the best decisions in that situation. I don’t know how to say it. I mean, when you hit another grown man it’s never right, you know.”
The White Sox’s Scott Podsednik, who had been in the on-deck circle, wrestled Barrett to the ground. White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson, who hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to score Pierzynski, got into a fight with Cubs first baseman John Mabry.
Mabry injured his ribs in the commotion and was taken to a hospital for X-rays.
Pierzynski, Anderson, Mabry and Barrett were all ejected.
Angels release Alfonzo
The struggling Los Angeles Angels placed veteran infielder Edgardo Alfonzo on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release, and recalled right-hander Jason Bulger from Triple-A Salt Lake. Alfonzo batted .100 in 18 games for the Angels.
Pavano hopes to return this year
New York Yankees starter Carl Pavano still hopes to pitch in the majors this season despite needing surgery.
Pavano is scheduled to have surgery Thursday for a bone chip above his right elbow. Pavano left a rehab start for Double-A Trenton Wednesday after only nine pitches because of soreness.
DiMaggio’s uniform sold
A uniform worn by Joe DiMaggio in his final World Series (1951) sold for $195,500 during the second day of an auction of his memorabilia.
Also fetching top prices were items related to DiMaggio’s one-time wife, actress Marilyn Monroe.
Monroe’s 1954 U.S. passport sold for $115,000. A photograph of Monroe that she autographed with the words “I love you Joe, Marilyn” sold for $80,500. A Monroe-autographed handwritten letter sent to DiMaggio and dated March 1, 1954, sold for $51,750.
Clearing the bases
Reds pitcher Eric Milton was activated from the 15-day DL and Cincinnati designated left-hander Dave Williams for assignment. … Cleveland purchased the contract of catcher Tim Laker from Buffalo of the International League and optioned catcher Kelly Shoppach to the Triple-A team.