Brewers' Fielder appeals suspension
MILWAUKEE -- Prince Fielder is appealing the three-game suspension that was handed down by the commissioner's office Wednesday, allowing him to remain in the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup until his appeal is heard.
Fielder, the National League homer leader with 37, was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount for "inappropriate and aggressive conduct" during a confrontation with plate umpire Wally Bell on Sunday, when the Brewers lost 6-4 at Houston. The first baseman was ejected after arguing a called third strike and had to be restrained by bench coach Dale Sveum.
Fielder, who played in Wednesday night's 8-3 loss to St. Louis and went 0-for-4, said he didn't think he made contact with Bell during the confrontation.
"We're both over 250 pounds, so if our stomachs touch, that's going to happen," Fielder said.
Brewers manager Ned Yost, who eventually stepped in to separate Fielder from the umpire on Sunday, said it was possible that Fielder might have shoved him into Bell as Fielder was arguing the call.
"I think that was part of it," Yost said. "But I don't remember it myself."
It is unclear when his appeal will be heard. Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said the appeal date depends on the availability of Major League Baseball executive vice president of administration John McHale, who hears player appeals, and officials with the MLB Players Association charged with preparing appeals. The team does not play an official role in the appeal, Ash said.
Fielder said that Bell's continuation of the argument after Fielder had turned to walk away might have set him off.
"I was kind of done talking and I was walking away," Fielder said. "Maybe him coming at me a little bit, maybe, I think that's what caused it most of all."
Fielder said the incident was out of character for him, as he rarely talks back to umpires.
"When I do it, it's nothing personal -- because I never argue with them, that's my point," Fielder said.
And when he does argue, Yost figures Fielder has a reason.
"If Prince is complaining about a call, I'm about 99 percent sure that (the umpire) missed it," Yost said.