Alfredo Aceves on The Wrong End of Epic Brawl Between Mexico and Canada At The WBC

Is it any surprise that when Mexico and Canada decided to get it on in the ninth inning of a 9-3 Canada beat down on Saturday that Alfredo Aceves was squarely in the middle of it?

Mar. 9, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Mexico outfielder Karim Garcia (right) collides with Canada catcher Chris Robinson in the fourth inning during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Garcia was out on the play. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In a game that included a number of hard slides and a collision at the plate, both teams appeared to have had enough of one another by the end of the game. And so the stage was set.

One of baseball’s unwritten rules is that you don’t disrespect your opponent by bunting to get aboard with a big lead. That’s exactly what happened when Canada’s Chris Robinson led off the ninth inning with a bunt with Canada ahead 9-3. Mexico pitcher Arnold Leon responded by throwing at but missing Canada’s Rene Tosoni. After both teams were warned by the umpire Leon drilled Tosoni in the back and the brawl was on.

Aceves, who was involved in a WWF-style wrestling match with Tyson Gillies, was reportedly either punched in the face or hit in the head.

"I’d be worried about Aceves’ condition if I thought the blow actually could make his psycho-physiological condition any worse."

Aceves was ejected from the game and most likely will face further discipline. This fan video gives you a taste of the non-baseball related action. This multi-shot video vignette depicts a more complete picture of the fracas.

Mar. 9, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Mexico players fight with Canada players in the ninth inning of the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, if you follow me, you know that this report breaks my long-standing boycott of World Baseball Classic reporting. I’m reporting it for two reasons. 1. It further underscores how this event endangers Major League Baseball players in an essentially meaningless competition, one of my primary caveats that would trigger a report. This qualifies in a big way. By they way, Puerto Rico and Venezuela are currently embroiled in a chippy game on the MLB Network; 2. It highlights what a head case Aceves is and how badly the Red Sox need to get rid of him.

Bud Selig, I hope you’re happy.

You gotta fight for your right to party
– You Gotta Fight For Your Right to Party, Beastie Boys