Appeal denied, Crawford sits to start suspension
By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published September 14, 2007
SEATTLE - Carl Crawford is used to calls not going his way.
So the All-Star leftfielder was not surprised when efforts to get his two-game suspension halved failed, forcing him to miss games Thursday and tonight.
"Usually when you appeal you get a day knocked off," Crawford said. "I guess they don't want me doing this no more either."
Crawford, suspended for his demonstrative reaction to a bad call in a Sept. 3 game, actually never got the chance to appeal. According to the Rays, conversations between MLB and players union officials made it clear there would be no reduction in the penalty besides his fine being trimmed from $1,000 to $750.
"I'm not surprised,' Crawford said. "I probably deserved it, so I can't really say too much about it."
Plus, the Rays and Crawford had been hoping he would serve whatever suspension during the final series of the season at Toronto, given that the Mariners are still in contention for a playoff spot. But they got a call Wednesday saying otherwise.
"Quite frankly, I was surprised," manager Joe Maddon said.
Crawford worked out with the team at Safeco Field, then planned to go back to his hotel room to watch the game.
NOT-SO-MINOR MATTERS: Class A Columbus (Ga.) swept to the South Atlantic League championship with a 6-0 victory over West Virginia (Brewers) on Thursday. Though starter Jeremy Hellickson left after three innings, the Catfish rallied, including a three-run homer by Ryan Royster, his 31st of the season. ...Triple-A Durham moved within a victory of the International League championship with a 2-1 win over Richmond (Braves). Jae Seo delivered a strong start, Chris Richard and Michel Hernandez had big hits and Shawn Camp pitched out of a one-out bases loaded jam. The Bulls lead the best-of-five series 2-1. ... Double-A Montgomery evened the Southern League final at a game each with a 2-1 win over Hunstsville (Brewers). Jake McGee went six strong innings; Chris Nowak and John Jaso homered.
DUKES UPDATE: The Rays are aware of a Monday hearing involving troubled OF Elijah Dukes in Tampa court, but as of Thursday had not been advised or ordered to participate. The lawyer for Dukes' estranged wife wants to see his medical records and a psychological evaluation; the Rays say they legally aren't allowed to release the records without Dukes' permission unless ordered by the court.
DIFFERENT LOOK: Maddon was understandably bleary eyed when filling out the lineup since the Rays didn't get to their Seattle hotel until about 4:30 local time (7:30 a.m. on their body clocks). But he had a purpose in starting Joel Guzman at third, Jorge Velandia at shortstop and Raul Casanova behind the plate, figuring he'd rest several regulars at the same time.
MISCELLANY: There is no TV coverage tonight or Saturday. ...Greg Norton batted second but Maddon said the 35-year-old veteran didn't have anything close to a green light on the bases: "Maybe a nice salmon, but there's no green in there." ... Thursday was the Rays' 800th road game; they were 278-521.