By: Tyler Ward
I think we can say that the MLB as been more like WWE this week - with a brawl that reminded us the Pacers/Pistons fiasco, Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto was suspended for 7 games and both managers (Tony La Russa and Dusty Baker) were suspended for 2 games each. Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter and catcher Yadier Molina, along with Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips and infielder Russ Springer, were fined for their roles in the first-inning brawl.
So, there would be nothing eventful for the rest of the week, right? Wrong.
Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez reportedly got in a fight with his girlfriend's father, Carlos Pena (No, not the Rays' Carlos Pena). According to a police report, Rodriguez grabbed Pena from a Citi Field lounge, brought him into a tunnel, and punched him in the face numerous times before leaving the scene.
Rodriguez has been released from jail without bail earlier today. Since the case is ongoing, Rodriguez has been told to stay away from his girlfriend's father. He was also suspended two games by MLB for his actions Wednesday night and was placed on the restricted list by the Mets.
The pitcher appeared at a New York courthouse earlier today - he was charged with third-degree assault and second-degree harassment. However, this apparently isn't the only outburst Rodriguez has had.
Police are investigating cases in Venezuela and California, involving Rodriguez and his common-law wife, Daian Pena. During his case Thursday morning, an order of protection was issued to Rodriguez by his wife. There is also a restraining order between the two in Venezuela. Rodriguez will now have to somehow resolve the visitation problem since the couple welcomed twins on September 15, 2009. A restraining order was also issued by her father, who had gotten into the scuffle with Rodriguez. Her father lives in one of Rodriguez's homes, so as long as the order is intact, the Mets pitcher cannot go to that house.
Carlos Pena went to the hospital last night, suffering a scraped face and a bump on his head (Can we say dignity, too?) Complaints were filed by Daian and Carlos Pena. "The victim suffered bruising, swelling, abrasions and redness to the head and pain to his neck, and substantial pain, annoyance and alarm as a result of the defendant's alleged actions," the complaint says. Rodriguez's girlfriend said in her complaint, "she observed the defendant pin her father against a wall and punch her father multiple times in the face and head."
Rodriguez has to appear in court again on September 14, one day before his children's birthdays. He was denied $5,000 bail and released under his own recognizance. Rodriguez could face up to one year in jail if he is convicted of both charges.
Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said in a statement, "Ownership and the organization are very disappointed in Francisco's inappropriate behavior, and we take the matter very seriously.""We support him 100 percent. I'm just hoping to get him back as soon as possible," Mets ace Johan Santana said. "He means a lot to this ballclub."
The pitcher signed as an undrafted amateur free agent to the Angels in 1998. He made his major league debut in 2002 and soon became one of the best closers in baseball history. He spent his first 7 seasons with the Angels, before signing a 3-year/$37 million contract with the New York Mets prior to the 2009 season - Rodriguez's best season came in 2008 when he saved an MLB record 62 games for the Angels.
