Barrett Suspended 10 Games for Brawl

Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, right, is appealing his suspension for fighting. (By David Banks -- Associated Press)

Cubs C Michael Barrett was suspended for 10 games and White Sox OF Brian Anderson was suspended five games for a bench-clearing brawl that led to four ejections last week.

Barrett, who punched White Sox C A.J. Pierzynski to ignite the melee, and Anderson also were fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball.

Barrett immediately filed an appeal and was in the lineup for yesterday's 6-5 loss to the Braves at Wrigley Field. He said he hoped to have the number of games reduced.

"I didn't know what to expect. I've never really been in a situation like this," Barrett said. "I tried to prepare myself for the worst-case scenario and obviously hope for the best and just try at this point to take whatever comes next."

Barrett wasn't specific about the basis for his appeal, and said he didn't know a timetable for having it heard.

Cubs Manager Dusty Baker said Barrett's penalty was a "little harsh."

"We knew it would be something. We were hoping it wasn't going to be that many days," Baker said.

Was Baker surprised Pierzynski didn't get a suspension?

"Kinda. Yeah," Baker said. "Like I said, whenever there is a cause, there is an effect. The effect was Michael."

· CALL TO THE MINORS : The Giants called up two players from Class AA Connecticut to boost their depleted bullpen, and added an infielder with 1B Lance Niekro on the disabled list. IF Travis Ishikawa was in the starting lineup at first base last night. Niekro is expected to come back Tuesday in Florida. The Giants also purchased the contract of hard-throwing LHP Jonathan Sanchez from Connecticut.

-- From News Services