Victorino expects suspension
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Victorino expects suspension
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
SAN FRANCISCO -- The repercussions from Friday's fight night may not come until Monday from the comissioner's office, but Shane Victorino is expecting a suspension for his actions.
A day after the scrum with the Giants, the Phillies were still laughing and talking about it in the clubhouse. Victorino eagerly read about himself in the newspaper and then rewatched the chaos on his iPad with a bunch of teammates.
Victorino said he clinched a suspension when he reentered the fracas and tackled Giants hitting coach Hensley Meulens. (By the way, Victorino said, he wasn't going after the 44-year-old coach on purpose. He said he saw Carlos Ruiz in danger and torpedoed in the catcher's general direction.)
But Victorino, just as he did Friday night, maintained that everything only escalated because of Giants catcher Eli Whiteside's actions.
"I had no intentions of going out there and charging the mound," Victorino said. "I just wanted to go get an answer. I did step forward and Eli, from looking at his reaction, thought I was going to go. Then [Placido] Polanco came in and he tackled Polanco. Everything escalated from there. I had no intention."
Giants manager Bruce Bochy defended his catcher Saturday.
"He's in a hard spot there," Bochy said. "He's got all kinds of sides to cover there. He's trying to protect the pitcher. If anybody knows Whitey, he's not a fighter -- but he's going to protect his pitchers. He saw a player come from the side there and went at his feet, but it wasn't like he was throwing punches or anything."
As for the pitcher, Ramon Ramirez, he has declined to make any comment about the incident. Whiteside claimed he called for a fastball inside, "but not that far inside."
The plunking came shortly after Jimmy Rollins stole second base in a six-run game, but Charlie Manuel disagreed that had any part in escalating tension. Rollins was being held on at first base, so nothing was conceded.
"I think us hitting them upset them," Manuel said.
Carlos Beltran had a different view of Rollins' steal.
"I wouldn’t have done it," Beltran said.
Either way, the rivalry between these two teams has only intensified.
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I think Victorino should get a minimum of five games; two for charging the mound, at least three for pushing an umpire. Five at a minimum, should probably be more— cybersport- A six run lead in the 6th is not insurmountable. By suggesting that it is, Rivera is basically saying, "My team can't win this game." 7th inning or later, 8 runs or more, then you stop stealing bases and start going station to station. Rollins did nothing wrong, and he didn't get Victorino suspended. Victorino did that himself when he went towards the mound instead of pulling an Utley and taking his base.— Scorekeeper
Not surprised at Beltran's comments...did you see his lack of effort in RF last night?? Makes me even happier that we signed Hunter Pence instead...Beltran will always be a Mutt...- I agree except the proper word is "except".— delcofan
- Issuemoment - Great point! You play to win no matter the scorem, and it wasn't a blow out. Who says you can't steal 2b? These modern players are so sensitive like everyone these days. Look at Verlander. A stud pitcher but a tool! He's throwing a now-hitter and he gets made because an opposing player tries to bunt against him?!?!— SBHAMILTON
- I love how Utley leaned in to that pitch after the incident and acted like it hit him. I'm surprised he didn't get drilled for that. You Phillies fans need to get over last year.— Sfgiants10
- sfgiants10. looks like giants fans have a little bit of insecurity.— starman76
- The giants have sold out every home game this year. Why would fans pay for over priced beer and $30 for parking if they were so insecure? Don't get to cocky, you guys will choke again the playoffs. — Sfgiants10
Comment removed.- the giant players should get double what shane gets...— truebluehen
- Last year was last year, right now is what counts. Bochy's problem is the D-backs.— Northcountry
Carlos Losertran....nothing but a greedy loser— jamarder- Philly_Mike,
I agree 100%. Beltran is a quitter!!!! Great post!!!!— MikeOct20 
The Giant fans should avoid Baseball and go and discuss that all important referendum in SF Ballot this Fall. Banning Circumcisions! almost as dumb as a SODA Tax— Kevinmac- You're wrong. I've watched every game that The Champs have played this year. They've sold out every single time. Can't wait for Timmy to shut you people up tomorrow. Go to bed, it's late.— Sfgiants10
