League to Announce Park’s Punishment Today

The National League is expected to announce disciplinary action today against pitcher Chan Ho Park for hitting and kicking Angel pitcher Tim Belcher during the Dodgers’ 7-4 interleague victory Saturday.

Park shoved his left forearm into Belcher’s face and kicked him because he felt Belcher tagged him uncommonly hard on his chest and made disrespectful comments after a sacrifice bunt. Park was ejected after the fifth-inning, bench-clearing incident.

NL President Leonard Coleman rules on suspensions and fines for fighting after reviewing videotapes and umpires’ reports.

Park was reluctant to discuss the matter Monday because of Coleman’s pending decision. However, his agent said Park is remorseful and plans to contact Belcher to apologize.

“Yeah, he feels real bad about everything that happened,” Steve Kim said. “He has a lot of respect for Belcher, especially because he’s a former Dodger [1987-91] and everything he did for the team.

“I think Chan Ho was probably a little frustrated about giving up the grand slam [to Matt Walbeck in the fourth inning]. He’s going to talk to him [Belcher] because he wants him to know how he feels. It’s [nothing personal]. It’s just something that happened in the heat of battle.”