Quick Hits

Quite a bit happening in Sox land today, so let’s just get down to the nitty gritty, eh!?
– Wade Miller is slated to start May 8th against Seattle. (Drat! Only one more day, and I could have been there!) He started in Pawtucket yesterday, when he tossed five innings, five hits, and no runs. Kelly Shoppach was the star of the game, blasting his 7th HR and throwing out a baserunner to close the game out.
– Tim Bausher is taking over Schilling’s spot as Schilling was put on the DL. Bausher figures to be sent down again Monday for a starter, presumably Jeremi Gonzalez. The Red Sox have to contend with the offense of the Rangers, so they might need an extra bullpen arm. Bausher (26) has posted ERAs in the threes and low fours in every stop he’s had, and this will be his major league debut. He’ll be fine as a stopgap and could evolve into a decent reliever.
– Suspensions galore! Courtesy of the Boston Globe here are the suspensions:

# Both Boston manager Terry Francona and Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella have been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for the inappropriate actions of their Clubs during the game.
# Boston pitcher Bronson Arroyo has been suspended for six games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing at a batter during the bottom of the seventh inning after warnings had been issued earlier in the inning.
# Tampa Bay pitcher Dewon Brazelton has been suspended for five games and fined an undisclosed amount for his aggressive actions in the bench-clearing incident during the top of the seventh inning.
# Tampa Bay pitcher Lance Carter has been suspended for five games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing at batters during the top of the seventh inning.
# Boston outfielder Trot Nixon has been suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount for his aggressive actions in the bench-clearing incident during the top of the seventh inning.
# Boston designated hitter David Ortiz has been fined an undisclosed amount for his aggressive actions during the top of the seventh inning.
# Tampa Bay outfielder Chris Singleton has been fined an undisclosed amount for his aggressive actions during the bottom of the seventh inning.

Not bad. I think this was done right, and very balanced. One may argue that Arroyo shouldn’t get six while Carter gets five, but Carter is a reliever and is out for five games. Arroyo is a starter, and is out for one start. (Two if they don’t do some rearranging, but they will) so I’m not too concerned about it.
Nixon’s was expected, and I thought it would be more, but it’s not, so it works out. Brazelton misses five games, and both Pinella and Francona miss three. Francona better watch out or Brad Mills is gonna swoop in and take his spot permanently!