Could The Rays and Red Sox Be Cancelling One Another Out?

Ah, here's some of the fall-out from Fight Night a few days ago between the Rays and Red Sox...

Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields and six other players were suspended yesterday after a brawl at Fenway Park.

Three Red Sox were suspended: Crisp for seven games, pitcher Jon Lester for five games and first baseman Sean Casey for three games.

Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson penalized five Rays: Shields for six games, designated hitter-outfielder Jonny Gomes and pitcher Edwin Jackson for five games, outfielder Carl Crawford for four games and second baseman Akinori Iwamura for three games.

In Boston's win Thursday, Crisp was hit by a pitch from Shields during his first at-bat and charged the mound. Mayhem soon followed.

This might be a great opportunity for the O's, Blue Jays and Yankees to gain ground. It was literally stupid for the Rays -- as much like as like them -- to engage in such a thing. They have lost five - yes - five players (although their suspensions will most likely be staggered).

Tampa paid a big price for trying to be brave and make a point...