'Shocked' Beckett will appeal suspension.

BOGUS!!

Got to love the yanks friends in the front office.

This is wicked retarded! He should have been suspended for the whole year!

A fair punishment. Beckett's pitch looked like a punk move to me. If Lackey threw that at Papi, people here would be calling for Lackey's head (and rightfully so). Beckett deserves what he gets.

TOTAL B.S.

I hope he appeals. I have tickets for Saturday's game!

Suspension has nothing to do with Watson and his Yankee ties. Remy and Orsillo thought it was bush league too. Remy made several comments int the vein of "what was Beckett thinking." Ridiculous throw that could bring retaliation to our own guys. Not smart.

Looking at the replay over and over it is apparent that Beckett pitching arm was already moving forward when time out was called he wasn't able to stop his throwing motion and released the ball prematurely and that is why the pitch went high over Abreu's head

Besides Red Sox nation Beckett is viewed around baseball as a loud mouth punk who throws temper tantrums. He didn't help his case by coming off the mound and running his mouth to Abreu and the rest of the Angles.

An of course the Yankees friends in the front office had something to do with. That's the only reasonable excuse. Fransworth got the same amount of time for air mail a ball over Yooks head last year. Where were the Yankee friend then?

Don't they know Obama gave Beckett excplicit instructions to act if he felt the Red Sox were in danger

There was no remorse Mikey because he didnt throw at him deliberately. For one of the better managers in the AL, Mikey is being pretty stupid on this one.

Geesh, even the umps on the field realized it was not intentional. I'd love to know what the MLB officials "saw" on the tape that none of us saw at home.

Beckett is a hothead sometimes, I agree. But this was not one of those times. The A's overreacted to what was essentially an accident caused by a late time-out.

Everyone is so eager to beat down Boston given their recent success, and this was just an excuse to do so. What a raw deal.

What a joke. The umpiring crew should be fined and suspended as well.

Sorry, Red Sox Nation: If you didn't mean to do it, then act that way. If Beckett had actually given the nonverbal "sorry, dude!" sign, he wouldn't have been suspended and this wouldn't have been an issue. But to act like an insulted punk when challenged by a guy he nearly hit in the head "accidentally"?! Show that you acknowledge making a mistake, show your sorry, and all is well. Didn't happen here.

Um, yeah, Yankee friends in the front office... like George Mitchell?

Beckett has been and always will be a thug with a brittle temper. Next time, like Michael Wilbon said, someone has to Juan Marichal him.

NOT bogus

Got to love Beckett for remembering Abreu's former team.

How long this season do you think the Angels are going to trump the "sympathy card" because of Adenhart? Enough already!

once a punk, always a punk.

You're bogus. He should have been thrown out of that game, and that should have been the end of it.

Is Tom Verducci going to write an article about how Bob Watson's longtime association with the Yankees had nothing to do with the suspension? He wouldn't get any quotes or anything, just some third person accounts.

Beckett's a hot head. We all know it. But late time-outs are dangerous for a pitcher, and I can see why he might let one fly under the circumstances.

So MLB is slapping Joe West on the wrist. If the umpires didn't think he deserved to be thrown out, why would MLB? Mindboggling.

The angels sound like WOMEN!. The Chief Ump at the game even said he didn't think Becket threw at him!

Ahh a comment from an ignorant red sox fan, somehow relating this back to the yankees. Very typical.

It's a close call for weither he did or did not intend to hit Abreu but from looking at the video he appears to begin the delivery right at the same time as time is called, it could be a coincidence that the pitch just got away from him but he does not appear to be doing it intentionally. Still though let's assume he did throw it intentionally, 6 game suspension is only 1 start to a pitcher when theres a 5 man rotation. 1 Start is not a punshment for something like this, MLB should suspend pitchers with a higher degree of game suspensions due to the 5 day rest pitchers have inbetween starts. Regardless i believe he will win his appeal because the video shows he didn't intentionally throw at Abreu.

The Angels are emotionally charged right now. They should be following the tragedy that occurred last week. That is why they reacted to this situation the way they did. Should they have had four people ejected? No. Should MLB overreact to appease the emotionally raw Angels? No. Beckett is not known for this sort of behavior. MLB should enforce the rules, not emotions.

The Angels are an organization of class and distinction. Beckett will never wear their uniform. If you disagree with this ruling (on the basis that it's unfair to Beckett) you are not being honest with the facts that played out on VIDEO on national TV. The game of baseball offers integrity as its number one selling point, as evidence in its life long suspension of Pete Rose. Beckett clearing has none demonstrating that in his bald face lie and continuing indignation. How the home plate umpire saw things the way he did is confusing and only further illustrates how arrogant and inept they are.

LEGIT!!!

Gotta love the Red Sox homers on this website.

If Beckett is suspended six games (one start), Torri Hunter should be suspended ten for blowing up in the face of the umpire and Bobby Abreu ten for pushing Beckett on. I honestly think no one should be suspended but if Beckett is suspended some Angels players should as well.

Yanks friends? The guys who get owned by the Angels every year for the last decade? HA HA...

Joe West shoudl be fined - the whole thing was his fault.

There's no way Abreu should have been granted time out that late into Beckett's pitch. I fault the umpire on this. I don't blame Abreu for being upset either, a ball coming that close to his head. But how much control can a pitcher be expected to have when his throw is interrrupted that late into his delivery ? Beckett does not deserve this punishment.

Beckett definitely deserved to get suspended when it cost the Halos their manager, their hitting coach, their starting CF, and a relief pitcher.

When he saw time out was called, he couldn't ease up and throw a semi-pop fly to the catcher? Beckett deserves the suspension and so does Joe West.

God do I despise Mike Sioscia.

This is a major crock. The ump called time-out and Beckett rather than chance hurting himself threw the ball up and over. Abreu, although he has a big head, would never have been hit.

The ump called timeout after Beckett was in the act of pitching. The ball got away from him, that is all. Abreu was already bailing out when the ball was coming in. The unfortunate death of their young pitcher made the Angels overreact, quite frankly understandable. Beckett should accept the penalty and let it go, in the process saving face. It won't hurt the rotation anyway. Why would he react so aggressively? Certainly he isn't the squeaky clean guy he thinks he is. Putting a little fear in the hearts of opponents wouldn't hurt either.

I'm a huge Red Sox fan so under normal circumstances I'd be against the call but that pitch was a little too close for comfort. Jon Lester will throw the ball well over the heads of everyone when time is called. I think the Joba suspension was definitely called for when he threw at Youk's head. Beckett should've thrown the ball the same way Lester does.

I totally agree with you Mark. I think Chamberlain may have gotten suspended eventually...but he had to throw at Youk's head about 5 times before he got suspended. I don't recall Beckett ever throwing at someone's head, & I still haven't seen the clip, so I can't say that this one was intentional. But was it any different then the "purpose pitch" that was thrown Pedroia's way last week then sent him on his ass? Jeter stands right on the plate so if one is high and tight there could be more than one explanation. But Pedroia...you need shuttle service to get from him to the plate. He stand further off of it then anyone I can remember.
If someone knocks him down, then he was thrown at. Why is that guy not suspended??? Not even any talk of it. Beckett's might have been that bad and maybe not...and he is suspended???? Really????

I love it; Beckett throws one right at Abreu's head and Sox fans are blaming the Yankees! Talk about sick.

What's bogus are the results of that poll question! Sure, the time out was granted late in Beckett's wind up. Can you be serious in thinking that the chin-music he served Abreu was "just where the pitch wound up"? C'mon, people, a modicum of objectivity please...

Does Scioscia think Jack Clark should have showed some remorse too?

Total BS. If Beckett had been throwing at that girl Abreau, they would have been carrying him off the field on a stretcher.

He was sending a message by throwing over his head. Now, you can argue that Abreau's timeout was justified because of how long Beckett was taking to pitch but there is no way you can accuse him of throwing at his head.

Hey Bob Watson, you have always been and will always be, a clown

Bob Watson is an embarrassment to baseball. Would he have suspended one of the Yankees for this? Of course not! Bob Watson has hated the Red Sox organization ever since he was a Yankees Vice President and he does little to hide that hatred. Remember when he had one of his lackies interrupt a Red Sox game on August 27, 2007 to see if Terry Francona was wearing a uniform jersey instead of a pullover?

First, Beckett is good enough that he doesn't have to resort to the purported tactics of intimidation, etc. The umpires have to stop allowing time-outs so late in the windup. This was a classic example of a late time-out call and Beckett was right to let the ball go. Mike Schiosa is a whiner and is always looking for dramatics although he "maintains" his game face and is a good dramatist in covering his arrogance and emotional reaction to circumstances. The umpiring, in general, during the past several years, leaves a great deal to be desired. I was disappointed in Remy's comments because he implied that Beckett's throw was intentional. I don't expect Remy to unquestionably always defend the Red Sox but this situation was sufficiently ambiguous to warrant a balanced analysis which Remy did not provide.

Frankly given the Red Sox performance since the start of the season, there are larger questions to ponder and worry about.

Scott, come on...this is a Boston paper...of course you're not going to have objectivity. And the first guy who blames the Yankees for this...hilarious. Typical Boston fan...what is with their weird obsession with the Yankees?

its clearly obvious that beckett was throwing at abreu's head because bobby used to be a yankee and beckett doesn't have the courage to actually take on the yankees. the move was clearly low class. is sarah palin now president of red sox nation?

The Angels show their true colors every year in the playoffs. And their over reaction is just what you'd expect. It is irrevelent whether Beckett threw at Abreau or not. What is relevent is that umpires should not call time once the pitcher is into his move home. The umpires deserve to be thrown at when the do this or baseball should stop the umpires from calling timeout so late.

I think 6 games is WAY TOO SHORT of a suspension. I'm a Sox fan, but throwing at someone intentionally is inexcusable and he should be suspended for at least a month. That kind of penalty will cause a pitcher to think twice about trying to bean someone; six games won't cause that to happen.

MLB needs to crack down on benches emptying, not to mention bullpens which is just ridiculous. Granted the hitter is at a disadvantage because he has the pitcher, catcher and 4 infielders to contend with but there are also 4 umpires that should be able to control the situation. Anyone who leaves their position or starts a fight is automatically suspended for N number of games. Anyone who leaves the bench or bullpen is suspended N x 2 number of games. Granted this leaves little repercussion for pitchers throwing at hitters, especially in the AL but something has to be done.

Leave the fighting to the NHL! Go Bruins!

no way he shoud be suspended lets play ball

I was there at the game Beckett didn't mean to hit his head ..Abreu puffed out his chest and made a reaction .. the ball never came close to his head and it was a high pitch ... Abreu called time out too late in the moment when Beckett already started to set his pitch up ... and it was NOT INTENTIONAL... the tension after that was ll over the ball park and us RSN fans had stupid wanna be Angel fans throwing crap .. low class ...I've never been around such stupidity in my life ... the Angels such as Hunter and Speiers were the ones instigating to edge on a fight... they were the ones trying to push and shove and throw punches so they should be more than just fined .... well May 12, 13, and 14 will be something to look out for .... it doesn't matter during the season because WE OWN YOU ANGELS IN OCTOBER ... GO RED SOX !!!

Bob Watson is an embarrassment to baseball. Would he have suspended one of the Yankees for this? Of course not! Bob Watson has hated the Red Sox organization ever since he was a Yankees Vice President and he does little to hide that hatred. Remember when he had one of his lackies interrupt a Red Sox game on August 27, 2007 to see if Terry Francona was wearing a uniform jersey instead of a pullover?

becket = douche

david is a bold face liar, no way a real sox fan calls for one of their top pitchers to be suspended for a month for anything short of murder.

I agree with lucic rocks, why would the benches even empty there? the only reason it even became a situation is abreu couldnt accept the ball, he had to start jawing and pointing at beckett while beckett was just waiting to continue the game. the Angels escalated the situation, not Beckett. And I dont know if any of you have ever pitched before, especially with a windup like Beckett's but try to first see when time is called when you keep your head towards second or down to the ground, and then to stop your motion or even throw accurately when you do see time is called. Practically impossible I also have to laugh at obvious yankee fans coming on to a red sox blog and saying its pathetic that the fans are bringing the yankees into this.... its pathetic that you read a redsox blog

look at Becketts release point when time was called. When he began his pitching motion and than tried to hold up at the last minute we saw the result. I am not making excuses but the pitcher has got to be protected from arm injuries and granting time out at that point was too late. He had to continue his motion which screwed up his release point so blame the umpire on this one. Besides Beckett does not have a history of hitting batters and as far as his actions after the incident everyone knows he is a hot head. I just hope the next time Joba throws at Youkillis he get suspended as well.

1. He was in his windup so I don't blame him one bit for throwing that pitch.
2. If it was flagrant (which I don't think it was) the ump crew should have thrown him out during the game.
3. Mike Scoscia is easily the most overrated manager in MLB. Wins the weakest division in baseball every year only to get punked by the real powers in the playoffs. He needs to shut up and sit down already.
4. If MLB wants to suspend Beckett that's fine... but suspend Speier and Hunter too. They both "acted aggressively" during the situation and were actually ejected.
5. Yankees fans should stick to worrying about having to watch Nick Swisher pitch last night instead of running their mouths on a Sox comment board

Hey Linda,

Are you kidding me? How are the Angels playing the sympathy card? You should be ashamed of yourself. MLB made the decision to suspend and fine Mr. Baby Hothead Beckett. Can you imagine what Boston fans would be saying if an Angles pitcher had done the same thing? Get a life you typical Boston sports fan.

Beckett was on point all night. He threw high and tight because he can't find the plate, then covered it up by trying to be a tough guy. How do I know? My 2 year old does the same thing, except in a skirt. Hunter was upset because he's tired of Beckett walks, Becekett blowing the game and because it's hurting Hunter's average. High and tight Lackey for the future? We'll see. Then let's hear Boston Fans cry again!

Hey Beer Fairy ... you said the Angels have class ... were you even at that ball game .. the players and even their fake fans displayed what they called as "class" and were acting out of stupidity ... throwing crap and even shoving in the crowds .... as I left the game and walked to my car ..... those drunken fans got in their cars and drove off .... didn't they learn anything ... appearently NOT ... so please .. DON'T GET ALL HIGH AND MIGHTY WITH US .. and if you're BOSTON native ... if you don't like us .. LEAVE ... already ... I'll help you pack ...

wow Linda, that was classless but what do you expect from boston fans

About time. He deserves to be suspended longer.

How does Torii "Everett" Hunter NOT get suspended when he was bumping the umpire and making contact?

6 game is sad for nothing happening.

Bedkett threw 59% of his pitches for strikes proving that he had less than average control. The ump jumped out of position at the last split second and Abreu was still standing in the box ready to hit. How can a ball thrown 6 to 8 inches over his head be intentional. The ump did not think it was intentional so how can some desk jockey think it is. What a bunch of BS the MLB is laying on a pitcher that would never aim for someones head.

This is so rotten and unbelievable! First off, how many games did Joba Chamberlain get suspended for when he threw at Youk's head twice? Second, it was obvious to me that Remy and anyone else that plays BUT has never pitched is absolutely clueless as far as Beckett "throwing at Abreu". When you hold on to the ball too long or stop suddenly in motion the ball always rises and Beckett's throwing style naturally turns toward left-handed batters! Does the ball go straight into the ground when a QB is suddenly hit while in his throwing motion? No it rises! Why all of a sudden is MLB suspending players for NOT hitting batters anyways? What a joke!

What's a little chin music every now and then? Only bad thing is you set up your teammates for reprisal. Just put on extra pads. I like a good fight no matter what form of entertainment it appears at.

Never mind the Yanks. There is this ball club in Florida that ya'll better pay a little attention to. It appears that they are for real. should be a great race this year.

You act like a punk, you get treated like a punk. Beckett could have shown class and chose not to. Th red Sox might win a game he doesnt start.

"Sympathy card" Lynda you're an ass.

Throw at someone's head and you're asking for retaliation or suspention.

What a joke.....6 games!
ONE START.

Oh, the pain!!!!!

Go Tribe!!!!

If the intent of Beckett was to hit Abreu and cause harm, then why is Tori Hunter not being suspended an additional game for his outburst at trying to get at Beckett. As well as the middle fingers he was tossing up during the live telecast when his teammates had to hold him back. Plus, the umpires in the game didn't feel it was intentional. Questionable suspension at best.

Oh, Man, I have never seen so many "Waa, Waa" posts in my life... Beckett got what he deserved? Really? I thought that the umpires controlled the game and are responsible for making the proper calls when things heat up and there's potential for players & other MLB personnel to get hurt? If that's so, and they didn't throw Beckett out, why is it that Yankee-Bob can suspend Beckett for 6 games? I just don't get it..

Between Chone Figgins sending signals into Abreau from 2nd Base (while Beckett caught him doing as much and taking his time on the mound to try and pull an audible pitch - if you didn't notice, and couldn't figure out why Beckett was taking so much time with Chone on 2nd please go back and watch it again if you still have it on DVR/Tivo etc.) and Abreau doing his typical Busch League call time as the pitcher starts his wind up - The Angels knew EXACTLY what they were doing and they deserved to have a pitch thrown high and tight on purpose! But that didn't happen.. Abreau caused an accident and proceeded to cause a scene which then earned Beckett a suspension and a fine from Yankee Bob Watson...

Real Nice MLB! Way to go! Nothing like educating the people who watch the games or, better yet, the children (the most important people watching the games) on what happened and what to do and not do.. Does anyone have a sense of right and wrong anymore?

Spelling it out for you:

1. Abreau calls time while Beckett is already in his windup. That's not suppose to be allowed and Abreau, and the rest of MLB knows this just the same. Anyhow, Beckett almost hits Abreau with the pitch as a result.
2. Beckett was taking his time because he was watching Chone Figgins on 2nd (and I fully believe it was Figgins relaying pitch selection to Abreau) communicate w/Abreau. The time taken was to audible the pitch selection to fool Abreau. Again, the result was a poorly placed pitch that almost hit Abreau.
3. Abreau reacts by staring down Beckett and mouthing towards Beckett and Varitek. Who started the Fracas?
4. Beckett charges in to defend himself - watch the replay.. Then he gets peaved and I'm sure he said a few things in the heat of the moment. That Beckett could have tried to avoid - that's the only knock I'll give him (and it's not because of the Redsox blinders you'all think I'm wearing. I'm a fan of the sport first, Redsox 2nd...
5. The Umps knew it was unintentional (and even admitted to it in the media) and that's why Beckett was not Ejected.
6. Mike Scoicia, Bobby Abreau, Tori Hunter, Justin Speier and Mickey Hatcher wanted blood. They wanted someone to pay..
7. What was Tori Hunter doing there in the 1st place? And don't give me the "Defending his team mate line! I think Abreau can take care of himself! Hunter, Speier, Hatcher & Scoicia just wanted more exposure and air time.. They're just fat-heads!
8. Hunter, Scoicia, Hatcher & Speier got what they deserved for their little tantrums! We are all "Suppose to be CIVILIZED People" and we act like 5 year olds (and that may be putting down 5 year olds - not sure!).. Scoicia know, above anyone else, that Watson's crew would serve fines and suspensions for anything neglidgible and he still had to throw a tantrum... Nice Mike, Nice...
9. After the game one of the Umps goes on record to say he didn't believe it was an intentional pitch at the head of Abreau... ENOUGH SAID! Home Plate umpire said it and he was the closest person, with the best possible vantage point to see what happened! And you STILL THINK IT WAS INTENTIONAL?
10. I hope that MLB gets it's act together because this is disgusting.. And it's worse when you give more air time to these fevered egos like Scoicia where he has a platform to fully speak about an issue you should be dropping and getting past for the sake of the children!

But, it's all about the ratings and the money!

That's the true moral of this story! As long as there's money being made and the ratings go through the roof - to hell with the children, right MLB?

Some of you sound just like MEN! What a bunch of cry baby ignorant boys you are.
And maybe it is time for some of you to update your ideas about women and girls, rather than using the idea of being one as the ultimate put down/

Yankee Bob strikes again.

Wow, Chris. Based on your post, I think we might want to reconvene the Warren Commission to see if they can investigate this. This may be the greatest conspiracy of all time. Fortunately, your ten point exposition has pulled the cover off of this and the people can finally be enlightened. LOL. Geeeez.

...and Lynda.... words can't express how completely out of line your comment was. That was disgusting, at best.

The league is throwing the Angels a bone. First Adenhart, then this fracas where 4 Angels and no Sox were tossed. The pitch was a purpose pitch, which given the lateness of the timeout, was certainly thrown where it was intended to be. (half a foot away from Abreu's head). There's nothing dirty about it, and there's also nothing wrong with Abreu's angry reaction. These things happen. My guess is the penalty gets reduced on appeal. The Angels are sick of the Red Sox...who seem to end their season every time they meet in the playoffs. I like Scioscia, but he does come across as a self-righteous ass at times. If you don't like it , retaliate in kind......We'll see what happens from here on out when these 2 teams play

For this fan that says that the Angels are all class. Did you heard that one of their fans got killed outside their stadium the day before Adenhart died? So much class huh?

Beckett's a punk. Abreu would destroy the angry little white man given a chance. Problem is.. he's not as backward as the NRA selling pretty boy club in the RedSux bullpen so held back from knocking the cowboy-chew smirk off his face. Good luck cleaning your baby diapers again this year BoSox fans.

The umps who were on the field did not think it was intentional. Why are the league officials trying to second guess the field crew...arrogance or lack of confidence the crew’s ability? I think it is the first (arrogance). Let the umps do their job and leave it alone.

tonights lineup???

Did somebody write Baseball has INTEGRITY, give me break. Overpaid brats with their temper tantrums and multi-million dollar deals. The top hitter banned for life, the top homer run hitter soon to be on trial, asterisks next to records set by guys taking something that wasn't even illegal and teams blackmailing local governments into building them billion dollar monuments with our tax money. Let's not forget that is costs $200 to take the kids to that same ballpark. To hell with them, the obsessed sports reporters, ESPN and HGH. I'd rather go watch kids play little league anyday.

Mike Scoicia, Bobby Abreau, Tori Hunter, Justin Speier and Mickey Hatcher are
pussies. It really dosnt matter the Angels won't be there in October

Yankee Bob strikes again!!

Yankees suck, yankees suck, yankees suck, yankees suck...

Chris's conspiracy theory about Figgins stealing signals is hilarious. Look as a fan of baseball and certainly not the Red Sox because their fan base is a bunch of pompous ignoramuses, expecting some preferential treatment and when they are not afforded it the scream foul.

I invite any of you to look up on MLB.com the Gameday pitch sequence in the 6th inning. Kevin Youkilis is up to bat at stares at strike three that was pretty near dead center of the plate between the knees and waist. And yet, the umpire calls this a ball giving Youkilis a free pitch. This extends his at, the inning and the Red Sox chances of scoring. The trifecta of bought and paid for umpiring.

Every baseball fan not associated with the Yankees and Red Sox are sick and fed up with the biased umpiring that goes on every game when these teams play.

Even in the playoffs they cannot field 5 honest men to umpire a game as witnessed last year when again a play is incorrectly called in favor of the Red Sox in front of a packed stadium and a nation watching. The rule states the player must voluntarily release the ball for the out to be recorded but the fumble at third base was incorrectly called an out even after a meeting of the whole umpiring staff.

We, the fans of baseball are truly sick and tired of the Red Sox and Yankees fans, along with their ballclubs, whining about how unfairly treated they are when they are the recipients of so many calls that are by the rulebook against them.

In essence, shut up, take the suspension and quit being the whiner nation.

I think this whole situation will have a negative affect on the Angels and will be a positive for the Sox!

If that had been Bob Gibson pitching, He WOULD HAVE HIT ABREU in the head!!! What has MLB morphed into?. The batter calls time in the middle of a pitcher's windup and everyone is blaming the pitcher for throwing at the guy. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! That is what the pitcher is supposed to do and Scioscia knows it. Lolich, Gibson, Pedro..you don't think these guys would have done the same thing? Please!

Ridiculous! Probably because 4 Angels got thrown out of the game and no Red Sox players did so now they need to suspend Beckett.

Yankee Bob was born and raised in LA !!!!!! He, also, broke a shortstops jaw "running" into him to break up a double play in his playing days. Does anyone know if HE was suspended for this?

Ease up, gang. Don't lose perspective. It is ENTERTAINMENT, nothing more, nothing less. If you think the MLB offices don't get this, you need to relax a bit. The more controversy they create, the more people read the papers and talk about it at the water coolers. MLB front offices need this type of hype to keep interest in this otherwise boring game. Hockey allows fighting because 4 to 5 goals a game just doesn't cut it with the American public (look how popular soccer is!). Baseball need stuff like this to keep the interest. Just look at it like your favorite sitcom. New twist every week.

Is it fair to Beckett? Appears not, but ironically how else can you keep paying these grown-up juveniles millions of dollars without injecting some artificial excitement. SIt back and enjoy; don't get too stressed out. It is not controversial, it is contrived. It is ENTERTAINMENT!

The umps on the field don't believe there was any intent, didn't go beyond a warning to Beckett, and threw out 4 Angels players for their role in the matter.

I always believed that appealling these things was a stupid idea, but this is the first case where I actually believe the player has a legitimate shot at getting the punishment reversed. You may not like Joe West, but he's been around long enough to know what's going on in the field and to get it right. For an MLB official to watch some tape (or even if he was in the stands) and pronounce guilt is a slap in the face to the umpire crew and to the players.

Dumb.

What do you expect from a former Yankee (Bob Watson)? The Sox will always get the short end of the stick as long as he is MLB’s Dean of Discipline. Notice how none of the Angels involved in the incident were suspended. Furthermore, you are not a Sox’s fan if you fault Becket. Would you have wanted to him to stop in mid motion and ruin his arm? Abreu is a "has been" that should had stayed with the Phillies

I certainly hope that Yankee Bob's justice is this swift when fat punk Joba throws at Youkilis for the 1000th time this season.

Did any of you people actually see the pitch? If you were watching objectively, it was obviously unintentional. He got caught in the middle of his delivery and threw an errant pitch. Why would he throw at Abreu's head in that situation? He wouldn't. Are you folks blind, or do you just love the drama?

Old School Pitching, you have to respect it. Batters call time to screw with the timing of the pitcher, and pitcher was giving his revenge. Do i think he threw at him, NO. Was it close, YES. But, i must say if you have worn the pinstripes, you probably deserved it. But anyway, no one got hurt, no problem. ENDGAME.

p.s. Beckett would drop abreu!

Just because Abreu was a Yankee, then he deserved it?

This shows how outrageous boston fans are. Pathetic.

Beckett was absolutely intentional, and for no reason. He should be suspended for 12 games.

Although i am Yanks Fan, Beckett shouldn't be punished for 6 games. Maybe 3 but, from the look of things, it looks like he threw the ball with no intention of hitting Bobby Abreu, but apparently Beckett has great control, Even ESPN said " Beckett who has great control, he threw it up and in, hes got great velocity. Even though Bobby called time, and beckett was going to release it while time is called, varitek's glove was aimed for a fast ball NOT intentional except, he threw the ball towards the Head... It was not even close to where Varitek wanted the pitch. So my judgement is that the punishment is unfair and it should be reduced.
And the person who said "If MLB wants to suspend Beckett that's fine... but suspend Speier and Hunter too. They both "acted aggressively" during the situation and were actually ejected." Sure, but Hunter was pissed off because the Umps told him to stay back. I mean really, if somebody tried to throw 90+ fastball that almost hit your best friend's head, your not just going to sit there on your bench. Your going to try to protect him. However there was no fighting!, just Yelling! If your saying "yelling is Aggressively", you haven't watch baseball a lot.
Also the person who said "What was Tori Hunter doing there in the 1st place? And don't give me the "Defending his team mate line! I think Abreau can take care of himself! Hunter, Speier, Hatcher & Scoicia just wanted more exposure and air time.. They're just fat-heads!" If it was Papi out there who almost got killed in the head, One player would leave out of the Red Sox bench quick.

In a nutshell, Hunter shouldn't be punished, beckett Punishment should be reduced, or none at all. But you gotta look at both sides of the argument. (Personally, its full of thrash how Beckett got 6 game suspension.)

Beckett didn't throw the ball at Abreu's head on purpose, it was an accident, but the way he acted was completly unnesessary, and made things worse than they needed to be.

Okay really, Its the Yanks fault he got Suspended, Thats 100% sad
Secondly to those Yanks fan that says that Beckett's suspension was legit, Thats 110% Sad

Really? Yanks had nothing to do with the Decision, Beckett's punishment was way too much. 3 games would be proper but i mean a shot to face like that could end your career.

-done, no more Yank fans and Sox fans give some damn random reason

and just because you're not a Red Sox fan it was intensional? Who's pathetic??

Okay really, Its the Yanks fault he got Suspended, Thats 100% sad
Secondly to those Yanks fan that says that Beckett's suspension was legit, Thats 110% Sad

Really? Yanks had nothing to do with the Decision, Beckett's punishment was way too much. 3 games would be proper but i mean a shot to face like that could end your career.

-done, no more Yank fans and Sox fans give some damn random reason

Beckett's appeal should be upheld and the suspension overturned.
The umpire clearly screwed up in stopping play while Beckett was winding up. Hopefully the powers that be will clarify that off-line. Selig should overrule Watson if Watson cannot get it done.
Accidents happen. Cut everyone some slack and don't mess with the outcome of the season by costing Beckett a start.

to micheal who said
"and just because you're not a Red Sox fan it was intensional? Who's pathetic??"

Please read carefully if you were trying to comment on my comment
"NOT intentional except, he threw the ball towards the Head... It was not even close to where Varitek wanted the pitch. So my judgement is that the punishment is unfair and it should be reduced."

- earlier posting
Yeah ESPN said it like 9 times, He himself said it, I being a Yanks Fan said not intentional, i mean its kinda both faults. Bobby called the time when he was going to pitch(thats crap) Then Beckett could have thrown anywhere, some how it almost hits his head. So yes punishment, Not 6 games suspension!
-done

ehh sorry Micheal lol, just realized you were talking to someone else haha

Good Riddance!

Even the umpire said he didn't think Beckett was throwing at Abreu. How can someone who was not thrown out of the game, be suspended a days later???

Scioscia needs to grow a set. And MLB needs to get a clue. No one got hit and the only ones who acted overly aggressive seemed to be the Angels. Beckett did nothing wrong and has nothing to apologize for. Abreu started barking at Beckett, I hate to say it, but I think MLB bought into Scioscia's excuse of "emotions running high" after what they had dealt with. Its no excuse for continually arguing like Scioscia and Hatcher did, trying to start a fight like Speier did, or charging at an ump like Hunter did.

Also Kilgore need to get spell check.

Beckett should be held accountable for nearly hitting Abreu in the head with a fastball, and for charging the plate afterwards instead of letting things move ahead. That was a dangerous pitch and his loss of temper afterwards is what really started all the trouble. Grow up, guys -- he's lucky he didn't hit Abreu, because then he'd be in much deeper dogdoo.

Ya Beckett may not have ment to throw it there and the angels aren't mad he did. They're mad because he didn't even show any remorse and then started to get into it with Abreu. Then he came up behind the ump and started arguing with Scioscia and probably starting crap. Unless you're an a-hole you probably apologize when you accidently almost hit someone in the head. Beckett desrves what he got for showing no sportsmanship.

It is very clear common sense has none. Beckett was the one who approached the plate. Beckett and "common sence" need to go a set. I bet Common sence is a girl and can"t. Or at least a spelling teacher.

so in light of this and Daisuke's short outing tonight...who here thinks it's CLAY BUCHHOLZ TIME?!?!?!

To the greatest fans of baseball – Bosox fans, Josh Beckett deserves the suspension and more. I had sent video footage to the LA Times......and OC Register to "beef" to the MLB in public. Rightfully, Bob Watson, Yankee lover or not, Bosox fans, whom I feel best fans of their own team should accept this and be cool about it:
1. Beckett, from the footage, he threw at the Bobby Abreu. Simple!
2. In this situation, Beckett with top notch pitching tools should have just thrown to Jason Varietk.
3. Varitek was calling a pitch - low and outside, pls find the footage where Jason Varitek is situated within this sequence. You can visit MLB.COM for the footage.
4. Beckett should have just turned his back or touch cap to show remorse and professional as Abreu, he would have accepted this, or if he were to show hostile reaction, I am sure home plate umpire must have taken care of him. But, Beckett actually charged toward Bobby Abreu. Simple!
5. Beckett should have been found to be deserving more than 6 games suspension – he circled the mound from the first base side to the third base side of infield to give his “beef” to the Angels Manager.
6. Now, what players in the world of sports are going to accept this action? Bosox fans chit chat about emotional state of Angels; and I am distracted and disappointed at “some” of Bosox fans. If Angels players were truly to take an action due to accidental death of Adenhart, they would have done more damage. Justin Spier and Tori Hunter’s reactions – geeze, c’mon………Bosox players would have done more.
7. Great fans of Bosox, watch Jason Varitek’s reaction after the sailing pitch! Just watch him the whole time……….his body language will tell you what’s on his mind.
8. Just think of what would have inspired if Lackey had done the same to Ortiz? Knowing some of tough and well bonded Bosox players, much more!
9. And, baseball fans, no players from any sports from Pop Warner/T-ball to NFL/MLB will never ever accept an opposing player mouthing off to your manager. Simple!
10. Joe West and his crew: As far as I know and this is what is on my mind that Joe West and his crew should be the penalized for their inability to control this incident and escalated to fracas situation.
11. And, to damage it more, Joe West mouth off to OC Register writer: “West said he didn't think Beckett tried to hit Angels slugger Bobby Abreu with the wild first-inning pitch that ignited the bench-clearing incident, telling Scioscia the ball didn't come that close. "And Joe said he had a good view from second base. Additionally, West had said that Angels were the aggressor. Wow, where was he? At the Disneyland?
12. Anyhow, we have a great rival relationship between Bosox and Angels………..yes, I do admit that Angels do have problem facing Bosox when the calendar hits October. But, this incident was “dogged” by Beckett and he deserves the suspension and Joe West should be publicly penalized for being “STUPID, inadvertent or not!”
13. Fan of Angels whom have seen Donnie Moore pull a gun on himself to Aybar’s missed bunts….more power to the Bosox fans. Again, utter most respect to the Bosox fans and great team of Bosox. Can’t wait to see Bosox and Angels 2009 Playoff!

#104 Great, Great, Great point , putting all the true facts straight. To me and many "BASE BALL" fans Beckett showed his true colors. And by the way, the Sox won't be playing in October.

Looks like the Boston faithful were boozing it up while posting their angry comments on this suspension.

Why weren't the umps fined for calling the game wrong? If they truly thought it was an intentional head shot then they should have acted accordingly. The umpires must be fined even stricter than the pitcher if that is the case. It is their job to ensure the safety of the players and to enforce the rules. It seems the umpires are standing by their call though. I am sticking by the story that it was unintentional and a result of a late timeout. Now those who reacted inappropriately are the ones that must be punished. I have not seen the incident but I can tell you what is fair just from reading this article. It doesn't matter whether Becket is a known trouble maker or not. This incident is an isolated situation. It is unfortunate but past history does work for or against you at times.

I think the suspension of beckett was a little much. I also believe the drama that ensued on sunday regarding the wild late pitch was completely driven by emotional high anxiety. Ya, it was close to his head, but he didn't do it intentionally. This entire scenerio was blown way out of control. I feel bad for both the angels and the red sox, that they had to play at an almost inappropriate time, just after the unexpected tragic loss of a young talented pitcher. Now some how the red sox will be with out theirs temporarily for six games too. Justice served I don't think so. I believe all things involved should have been thought out in depth prior to coming to such punishments. Shame on MLB for making these teams play so close to a fellow mlb tragic death. Death effects all, not just specific team members relating to the lost party. I am really sure the family of the deceased appreciated this display of stupidity on all sides. people need to just be quiet about this one, and allow the teams emotions to become more under control. let this one goooo away, quietly.

Ok first off i seen pitchers get alot closer and get less supndeded games second. hunter is fine for threating to fight? but i guess thats ok sosa can get to another player and mouth off?

give me a break waston is a joke. Jake what does it matter remy thinks? it DOSENT MAKE HIM RIGHT. hell even baseball tonigth said it was a joke give me a break. Jason- jus cause a catcher set up low and away. dosent make the pitch going to go there. nor does it mean he cant be while your joking yourself.

Be an umpire first.

Hey lynda, yoou stupid boston fan! why are u guys so rude... no wonder your team sucks. GO ANGELS!!! the heck is wrong with u. you're so rude talking bad bout adenhart! HUH! the heck!? how would u like it if someone talked crap bout u after u died? think about it! but I do llike your celtics. I hate lakers.

I was watching that game; there was NoWay J.B. could have stopped what he was doing. Did the ump. what to injure himself; I would like to see the ump pitch and Beckett yell for time out. The ump may have fallen to the ground or pull a back muscle. What do you all think!