My first reaction to MLB’s announcement that Shane Victorino received a three-game suspension for his role in Friday night’s brawl was the penalty was fair. Honestly, he fought his way back into the pile and made contact with umpires in the process. Three-to-five games would have been within the realm of possibility. He got the low end.

Shane Victorino is scheduled to take a three-game vacation thanks to his part in Friday's Brawl by the Bay.

However, the fact that nobody else was suspended is unfair. This writer’s valid opinion remains that the entire episode wouldn’t have occurred had Eli Whiteside not whiffed on tackling Placido Polanco like the NFC East will on the Eagles offense this year.

Whiteside was jumping like a complete moron flexing his beer muscles. He was looking for some action. No suspension? Please.

You can also make the argument that Polly himself could have been suspended. Had he not run in from second, does Whiteside display his flag football tackling abilities? Of course, Polly ran in to protect Shane.

Then there is Ramon Ramirez whose plunking of Shane started everything. He gave Shane no choice but to step out a few steps and make his opinions known.

Pat Burrell also left the bench area, usually an automatic suspension for a player on the DL.

Victorino’s actions once the incident started were most egregious but he didn’t deserve to be the only one suspended. He is appealing and, honestly, MLB should reduce his suspension to a game since nobody else will miss time.