By DavidKaye
New York Yankees skipper Joe Torre and right-handed reliever Scott Proctor were suspended by MLB Monday after Proctor purposely threw inside to Seattle shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.
After the Proctor-Betancourt incident, both benches cleared and members from both bullpens began to run onto the field. Fortunately, no punches were thrown, but because the umpires had already warned both teams, it was expected that the 30-year old reliever would have to pay for his actions. Not only will he have to serve a four-game suspension, but he will be mandated to pay a $1,500 fine.
As a result of Torre serving his one-game suspension Monday night in the series finale against the Mariners, bench coach Don Mattingly will receive his first opportunity at managing. There has been many rumors swirling around New York that when Joe decides to leave the Bronx Bombers Mattingly will step in as the new manager.
Roger Clemens might have signed with the Yankees at the perfect time because two current starters, Kei Igawa and Carl Pavano are both experiencing there own difficulties. Igawa, who was brought over in the off season from Japan for $46 million, was sent to the minors after going 2-1 with a 7.63 ERA in six games.
Pavano, who was the Yankees opening day starter at home, is once again injured and will now visit a fourth doctor this week to decide if he needs Tommy John surgery. He signed a four-year, $39.95 million contract before the '05 season and has been a bust so far in pinstripes.
While New York knew that they couldn't rely on Pavano in a big game situation, it was not expected that he would re-injure himself and possibly be sidelined for the next 12-18 months.
