Tucson – For Jeff Francis to remain a candidate to start opening day, he must make his case – and appeal his case.
The Rockies’ left-hander was suspended for five regular-season games Friday after Bob Watson, MLB’s discipline czar, determined that Francis intentionally threw at the Padres’ Kevin Kouzmanoff after warnings had been issued to both dugouts.
“All I can say is that we treated this incident just as we would have treated an incident during the season,” Watson said.
Manager Clint Hurdle was also suspended for one game, which he will serve on April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the day after the home opener. Francis will appeal the decision next week, according to his agent Jim Lindell.
Under terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, Francis chose to have his case heard in person, which players have the right to do within 30 days of their appeal if they travel to New York. The Rockies play at the Mets April 23-25, which is when Francis’ hearing is expected to take place.
The incident that produced the suspensions occurred after tempers flared because of Padres reliever Doug Brocail. Brocail hit Matt Holliday on the left forearm in the fourth inning just three days after plunking shortstop Troy Tulowitzki on the wrist. Brocail exchanged words with the Rockies’ bench and Hurdle as Hurdle went onto the field to check on Holliday’s condition.
Warnings were immediately issued to both dugouts. With two outs in the fifth, Francis threw a pitch behind Kouzmanoff. He was ejected along with Hurdle. Francis has not commented on the incident, only to say he had never been tossed from a game before in his life.
