Cubs' Lee, Padres' Young suspended     

[June 19, 2007]  NEW YORK (AP) -- On Monday, Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and San Diego pitcher Chris Young were suspended for five games each following a bench-clearing brawl last weekend.

Cubs hitting coach Gerald Perry was suspended for three games for his role in Saturday's fight at Wrigley Field.

Philadelphia third-base coach Steve Smith was suspended for three games and catcher Carlos Ruiz for one following an argument in Sunday's game against Detroit. The players' union appealed Ruiz's suspension, meaning it can't start until after the case is heard and decided.

Chicago and San Diego were off Monday, giving Lee time to decide whether to contest the discipline.

In Saturday's game at Wrigley, 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 also were fined by Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline. Perry was suspended and fined for "aggressive actions," Watson said.

San Diego's Brian Giles and Jake Peavy also were fined.

During Sunday's game in Philadelphia, Smith, Ruiz and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel were ejected by plate umpire Bill Welke. Manuel got angry when Welke didn't consult with first-base ump Laz Diaz on a check swing call.

Smith sprinted out of the dugout and had to be restrained by Manuel.

Ruiz was in the starting lineup and batting ninth as the Phillies opened a three-game series in Cleveland. Bench coach Jimy Williams, who last managed with Houston in 2003, is expected to replace Smith at third for the entire series.

[Associated Press]