Rockies pitcher Francis and manager Hurdle suspended

Francis suspended for 5 games, Hurdle 1

March 16, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis and manager Clint Hurdle were suspended by the commissioner's office Friday for their roles in a dustup with the San Diego Padres this week.

Francis was suspended for five regular-season games for intentionally throwing at San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff on Tuesday after a warning had been issued earlier in the game. Hurdle was banned for one game, and both were fined an undisclosed amount.

The announcement was made by Bob Watson, baseball's chief disciplinarian.

Unless appealed, Francis' suspension is scheduled to begin April 2, when the Rockies open the season against Arizona. Hurdle is to serve his suspension the following day.

"I had no reason to expect anything," Hurdle said Friday in Scottsdale, Ariz., where the Rockies lost to San Francisco. "We'll see what course of action we can take next."

Francis and Hurdle were ejected Tuesday after the left-hander threw behind Kouzmanoff in a testy spring training game. Earlier in the game, Hurdle walked toward the mound and shouted at Doug Brocail after the Padres' reliever hit a Colorado batter with a pitch for the second time in four days.

When Brocail plunked All-Star Matt Holliday on the hand, Hurdle came out of the dugout and yelled at Brocail before players and umpires stepped between the two.

No punches were thrown, and the sides were quickly separated.

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