White Sox catcher Pierzynski suspended 1 game

[June 11, 2007]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was suspended for one game Saturday by Major League Baseball for his conduct during a game against the New York Yankees earlier this week.

After striking out in the eighth inning Thursday, Pierzynski pounded the plate in disgust with his bat and then said something to home plate umpire Bob Davidson, who ejected him. Pierzynski then flipped his helmet back at the plate.

Pierzynski appealed the suspension and was in the lineup Saturday against the Houston Astros, but said he might sit out Sunday in the finale of the interleague series.

"I'm playing today. I have a funny feeling I probably won't play tomorrow," Pierzynski said. "I have a sneaking suspicion I might drop the appeal tomorrow and sit out tomorrow."

The White Sox are scheduled to face Houston lefty Wandy Rodriguez on Sunday, and Pierzynski would probably have not started the game.

At the time of his ejection, Pierzynski said he deserved to be kicked out by Davidson and his actions were the result of frustration from the White Sox's poor play the past two weeks.

Asked Saturday if the suspension was fair, he said: "I guess so. Yeah. Sure. I expected to get fined, and whatever happened happened. They thought it was one game; that's what they feel is right. They have the power, and we don't really have much say-so in the matter."

Pierzynski said he thinks MLB is trying to crack down "on guys getting ejected and guys losing their temper."

"They're trying to protect umpires and that's the right thing. So, I'll take it and move on from here."

[Associated Press]