I get why the Rays nailed Coco Crisp.

   The Rays can't back down. 

   And while those that don't understand baseball believe the eye-for-an-eye mentality is immature at best, there is nothing that can put spark into a pennant race -- even in June -- like a baseball fight.

   But the Rays have to be smart about it.

   They had nearly 24 hours to prepare for this matchup.  Is James Shields really the best choice in nailing Crisp?  At best, Shields will have to leave a game against your biggest rival.  And he'll have to serve a suspension and miss at least one start.

   At worst, Shields connects with the righthand haymaker and he's out for 6 weeks with a broken hand.  Didn't he see "Bull Durham?"  We all know Crash Davis told Nuke that pitchers should never use their pitching hand in a fight.

   And why do it in the 2nd inning?  I understand sending messages.  Why not the later innings if the game is not close?  Chances are Shields is out by then and you can handpick your sacrificial reliever. 

  Yes the Rays have added to their street-cred by brawling with Boston.  But, they will lose Shields and Jonny Gomes to suspensions.  As it is, they're now missing Troy Percival and Carlos Pena for the next two weeks because of injuries.  June is tough enough.  The Rangers, Angels, Marlins and Cubs will face the Rays over the next 12 games.  The Rays can't earn a playoff spot over this spree, but a long skid can put the bandwagon on blocks.  This team can't afford to lose its mojo either nationally or in the market.

  I love the passion.  Here's hoping the Rays are more calculating in their revenge.

  Al Keck