Eight fined for Yanks-Red Sox fight

NEW YORK -- Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and Boston catcher Jason Varitek were suspended for four games apiece and fined $2,000 on Thursday, and six other players were punished for their roles in a brawl last week between New York and the Red Sox.

Yankees pitcher Tanyon Sturtze and Red Sox outfielders Gabe Kapler and Trot Nixon were suspended for three games and fined $1,000 by Bob Watson, major league baseball's vice president of on-field operations.

New York outfielder Kenny Lofton, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling and Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz were fined $500 each.

Rodriguez and Sturtze are appealing their suspensions. Varitek, Kapler and Nixon also plan to appeal, Red Sox spokesman Glenn Geffner said.

"I thought it was too much, four games," Rodriguez said before Thursday night's game against Baltimore. "I was surprised it was that harsh. I've seen some harsher actions over the last month and it's five games."