Minor Leaguer Daniel Tuttle Needs to Pull Himself Together

Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer Daniel Tuttle has screwed up once again.

Just one year and ten months after being handed a 50-game suspension for his second offense under MLB's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the 22-year-old right-hander's consequences have doubled for a third drug abuse violation. His 100-game benching without pay is effective immediately. Idiot.

A little statistical background on Tuttle: Selected by the Reds right out of high school in the 5th round of the First-Year Player Draft in 2009, the Randleman, North Carolina native debuted that same year in the Gulf Coast League. He went on to play for three of the club's rookie teams over his first three seasons, including the Arizona League Reds and Billings Mustangs. He made his Class-A debut with the Dayton Dragons in 2011 and managed to make it until July 19 of that year before getting busted doing drugs for a second time. He was 1-3 with a 5.08 ERA for the Dragons last season. I'm sure they will miss him lots.

Turns out he isn't the only moron in the minor leagues, though. Tuttle's was the 19th suspension handed out so far this season. And it's only May. You'd think a young kid given the opportunity to make a living playing a game and possibly earn millions of dollars doing what he loves, would take the rules a bit more seriously. What are the odds he learns a lesson this time? Maybe the third time's the charm.

Or maybe he can turn to something less athletic that requires little to no drug testing... like fishing. Or poker. He will definitely have enough time on his hands to check out the Titan Online Poker Site!

Manny Seeks Reinstatement After Ban from Winter Ball

Manny Ramirez will not be allowed to play winter ball over in the Dominican Republic this offseason.

The reason? Mr. Cheaterpants never did serve a suspension, nor did he contest his positive drug test earlier this year. And with Major League Baseball's agreement with the Dominican League, they have all the power to stop him.

This according to a person speaking anonymously since the news hasn't been announced publicly: The Cibao Eagles, a Dominican winter league team Ramirez played with in 1993-94, claimed this week he was expected to start training with the club soon. However, MLB and the Players Association have decided he's ineligible.

Yadier Molina Argues Balls and Strikes, Gets Suspended

You'd think after spending over seven seasons in the big leagues and having two brothers in the game, Yadier Molina would know better than to ump bump.

The St. Louis Cardinals catcher has been suspended for five games after making contact with plate umpire Rob Drake several times during the 10th inning of his team's 8-7 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday night. Also, he was freaking out so bad after being called out on strikes, that he sprayed the poor guy (who was just doing his job) with spit while he yelled. Gross.

Jered Weaver Suspended Six Games for Near Beheading

Jered Weaver has been reprimanded for throwing a pitch in the vicinity of Alex Avila's head during Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

The Los Angeles Angels righty was suspended six games for the brushback and fined an undisclosed amount while his manager, Mike Scioscia has to sit out one game for losing his temper. The two were ejected in the bottom of the seventh inning after home plate umpire Henry Wendelstedt had issued warnings to both teams.

It all started right after Carlos Guillen showboated his second home run of the season. Good job on those two bombs, by the way. The next pitch Weaver tossed sailed just over Avila’s noggin.

Go to Your Room, Charlie Manuel

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has been suspended for one game after making contact with an umpire. Not only was he fined an undisclosed amount, he will not be present for tonight's game at Pittsburgh against the Pirates.

Manuel was tossed in the top of the 10th inning during his team's 9-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday for arguing balls and strikes: a big no-no. Home plate ump C.B. Bucknor was apparently none-to-pleased after the skipper bumped his forehead with the brim of his cap while ranting and raving.

Carlos Zambrano Flips the Hell Out

Carlos Zambrano has clearly lost his mind. The Chicago Cubs fired-up right-hander was suspended indefinitely by general manager Jim Hendry after going batshit crazy during a confrontation with teammate Derrek Lee in the dugout Friday afternoon.

Things got heated right away during his team's 6-0 loss to the cross-town White Sox, as Big Z threw a giant hissy in the middle of the first inning, never to return to the mound... or the stadium... or possibly the organization.

Sit Down Juan Pierre, Manny's Back

All you folks who have been hanging on for dear life to Manny Ramirez, waiting patiently for his return to your fantasy roster while the rest of your outfield struggled? You can breathe easy once again.

Those 50 games he was forced to sit out after testing positive for stupidity are finally over, as he'll start in the Los Angeles Dodgers outfield Friday against Chad Gaudin and the San Diego Padres. Manny is batting a career .455 (5-for-11) against the right-hander with two homers, three RBIs and 2 walks. Not bad.

Continue reading this story at Fantasy Pros 911. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! See ya Monday.

We Barely Had Time to Miss You, Manny

What with Manny Ramirez being in the news every couple days for saying something brilliant, we barely even had time to miss him. Has it really been almost 50 games? My, how the time flies.

The suspended Los Angeles Dodgers slugger played in his final minor league rehab game Monday night for the Class-A San Bernadino Inland Empire 66ers, going 1-for-3 with an infield single in the leadoff spot as designated hitter and striking out twice for the second game in a row.

Albuquerque Loves Manny

Los Angeles Dodgers troubled and possibly mentally-ill slugger Manny Ramirez, enjoying a 50-game suspension after failing at life, was welcomed back to baseball with open arms and loud cheers in Albuquerque this week.

Suiting up in #99 for the AAA Dodgers affiliate Isotopes on Tuesday, Manny went hitless in two at bats as they beat the Nashville Sounds, 1-0. Good news for the Isotopes however, as they saw a record crowd of 15,321, most coming to see the grounded outfielder and some even sporting fake dreads.

Tsk, Tsk, Josh Beckett

Boston Red Sox star pitcher Josh Beckett has been suspended for six games and fined by MLB, which came to the conclusion that he intentionally threw a pitch at the head of Los Angeles Angels’ outfielder Bobby Abreu last Sunday.

The right-hander was also reprimanded for "aggressive actions" during the bench-clearing dust-up. Beckett, who was "shocked" by the outcome immediately appealed his suspension, so any penalties will be delayed until after his hearing.

Who Hasn't Wanted to Choke Their Boss?

Houston Astros righty Shawn Chacon, demoted to the bullpen over the weekend, was suspended indefinitely after he went all Sprewell on Ed Wade Wednesday.

Before we go jumping to conclusions and whatnot, let's all reflect on our daily work-related tasks. When your boss goes ahead and has to ask you to come in on Saturday, the urge to choke him/her is sometimes provoked. It's only natural.

My favorite part of Chacon's explanation?

"Words were exchanged."

His ERA was over 5.00 anyhow.

Update: Totally put on waivers Thursday.

[ESPN] | [Chronicle] | [Walkoff Walk] | [Sports Justice] | [Bugs and Cranks]

Five Rocketless Games

New York Yankees' elder hurler Roger Clemens was suspended for five games along with manager Joe Torre (one game) after the Rocket smoked Toronto's Alex Rios with a pitch earlier this week.

During a tense three-game set where the Blue Jays attempted to start a rivalry, Jesse Litsch threw behind Alex Rodriguez in the opener on Monday.

Then, Josh Towers actually hit him on his calf in the third inning Tuesday. Oh, man.

Neifi Perez Is a Dumbass (With ADHD)

Detroit Tigers crappy infielder Neifi Perez was suspended for 80 games Friday after testing positive for the third time for continuing to take stimulants, finishing off his worthless season.

Perez was grounded for 25 games on July 6th when he failed a stimulants test for the second time, and was technically still under suspension until after tonight's game against the Chicago White Sox.

He has been the only player stupid enough to get caught three times since stimulants were banned before the 2006 season.

(Updated)
Perez will miss the final 54 games of the regular season and finish serving the suspension next year. That is, if some hard-up team is desperate enough to sign a troubled utility infielder who bats under .200.

The 34-year-old switch-hitter was hitting .172 with one home run and six RBIs in 64 at-bats for the defending AL Champs, with possibly his most memorable moment in a Detroit uni coming when he started a sweet double play to end the eighth inning of Justin Verlander's no-hitter earlier in the season.

He didn't always suck at life and baseball. Perez actually won a Gold Glove at shortstop in 2000 with the Colorado Rockies.

New information from ESPNdesportes this morning thanks to an irritated anonymous commenter: Perez said in an interview with ESPNdesportes that he has ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and was given a prescription for Adderall, an amphetamine. He claims he did not know his medication contained a banned substance and was unaware of the four failed stimulant tests he took this season.


[ESPNdesportes]

[Biz of Baseball]

Oh, Those Drugs Of Abuse

Arizona Diamondbacks minor leaguer, Donnie Sadler became the 20th player to be suspended this year under baseball's minor league program, the sixth for a "drug of abuse."

Sadler was handed a 50-game suspension Saturday after testing positive for an unspecified drug of abuse.

A 32-year-old utility infielder who is a midget stands at 5'6", Sadler has played for five different clubs over eight seasons.

He was 0-1 this season with the D'backs, who brought him up from the AAA Tucson Sidewinders in early May before sending him back down just six days later.

He was batting .214 in 52 games and 112 at-bats for Tucson this year with two home runs and 17 RBIs. Sadler has a career .202 big league average with six homers, 46 RBIs in 418 games.

Testing for drugs of abuse is not administered randomly, but on a basis of reasonable cause. The list of banned substances for drugs of abuse include marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, opiates, MDMA, GHB and Ephedra.

[USA Today]

Say It, Don't Spray It David Wells

San Diego Padres lefty David Wells was suspended for seven games and fined $3,000 Thursday for his "violent and aggressive" argument with umpire Ed Hickox last Saturday.

FYI: During the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves after a Jeff Francoeur two-run homer, Wells questioned Hickox's calling ability and asked if he planned on being fair to both teams. According to Hickox, this is about the time when Boomer began to "spray him with saliva."

Wells was promptly tossed, which only made matters worse. He was restrained by Pads manager Bud Black, two coaches and catcher Josh Bard, firing the ball at the backstop as he walked off the field.

Shocking conclusion: Boomer was ticked about the punishment given by MLB's disciplinarian, Bob Watson, who Wells referred to as a henchman and a yes man for Bud Selig.

"Pretty soon we'll all put skirts on and we're all going to play softball."

I resent that comment, but also find it hilarious. Therefore, it will not be stricken from the record.

Of course, the robust veteran appealed his suspension, so a penalty won't begin until after the hearing.

In Wells' defense, seven games (one start) is a ridiculous amount of time to spend away from the game, just for foaming at the mouth like a rabid rottweiler over balls and strikes.

[San Diego Union Tribune]

Actions Taken for Brawl at Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young were suspended for five games each today following the bench-clearing brawl they started last Saturday at Wrigley Field.

Now, I've heard all kinds of nonsense in my day, but hearing the rumor that the reason for the confrontation was because Young talked trash about D Lee's sick 3-year-old daughter is about the dumbest crap my ears have ever heard.

They're both great guys, great players and this was about nothing other than baseball.

Cubs hitting coach Gerald Perry was suspended for three games as well, for his role in the melee.

If for some reason you don't know, Lee was hit by a pitch from Young, walked to first, had words with the pitcher, then threw a punch. Young swung back and the benches emptied.

Both players along with Perry were also fined by baseball's vice president of discipline. In addition, San Diego's Brian Giles and Jake Peavy were fined.

[Gaslamp Ball] | [Bleed Cubbie Blue]

A.J. Pierzynski Suspended One Game

Controversial Chicago White Sox backstop, A.J. Pierzynski was given a one-game suspension and fined an undisclosed amount today for his ejection during Thursday's 10-3 loss to the New York Yankees.

With two out in the eighth inning and the tying run at the plate, A.J. was tossed by plate umpire Bob Davidson after a swinging third strike off closer Mariano Rivera.

The blowup was for nothing, as Pierzynski admitted after the fact that it wasn't Davidson's fault that he swung and missed.

[Chicago Sun Times]

Lance Berkman Suspended After Outburst

There's a reason players are not supposed to argue balls and strikes.

Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount by the commissioner's office today after being ejected during Tuesday's game against the Colorado Rockies.

Berkman unsuccessfully argued a called third strike in the eighth inning before angrily throwing his batting glove and an equipment bag onto the field from the dugout.

However, the reason he was suspended was for returning to the field in the ninth inning when the benches cleared after Rockies' reliever Manny Corpas hit Carlos Lee with a pitch.

Houston won 4-1.

[San Jose Mercury News]

The Crap Has Officially Hit The Fan

The Chicago Cubs' spazatron manager Lou Piniella was suspended indefinitely and fined an undisclosed amount by MLB today for his latest pointless fit of rage against an umpire.

Sweet Lou was ejected in the eighth inning of last night's 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves after Angel Pagan was thrown out trying to steal third. Piniella stormed out of the dugout and kicked dirt all over the place as he argued and tossed his cap repeatedly, leading to his first (and probably not his last) ejection of the season by third-base umpire Mark Wegner.

Officials also pointed out that Piniella made physical contact with Wegner during the outburst by kicking him, which Lou, of course denied.

Piniella began serving his suspension today, the length of which will be settled tomorrow after a meeting with the MLB Executive VP for Administration.

This marks Piniella's 60th lifetime ejection since his managing career began in 1986. Bench coach Alan Trammell will manage the team in his absence.

The 22-31 Cubs are absolutely reeling, having lost six straight entering today's series finale against the Braves, with the frustration continuing after Carlos Zambrano's beatdown of Michael Barrett on Friday in the dugout and clubhouse.

"It all starts with playing bad baseball," general manager Jim Hendry said. "When you play as poorly as we have now for a few weeks time, a lot of frustration sets in because you do have a lot of guys that care and a lot of guys that expect to win. Nobody's anything but extremely disappointed, frustrated with where we're at."

Things were not supposed to turn out this way! Chicago blew $300 million in the offseason to keep and sign new players, including the addition of free-agent superstar Alfonso Soriano. The one player that hasn't gotten paid? Big Z.

So far this season, it's been the same song to a different tune for the Cubbies, who haven't won a championship since 1908 and haven't appeared in a World Series since 1945.

[Chicago Sun Times] | [Bleed Cubbie Blue]

Matt Capps Suspended for Beaning Prince Fielder

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Matt Capps was fined and suspended four games Monday for nailing Milwaukee Brewers' first baseman Prince Fielder with a pitch during their 6-3 loss Saturday at Miller Park.

The penalty will start Tuesday unless Capps appeals.