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"In between, video showed players shoving and having to be restrained in the dugout. Jose Lopez and Russell Branyan appeared to be in the mix. Most appeared to be peacemakers. Branyan's hand can clearly be seen reaching around Lopez's throat at one point." (From the Seattle PI Mariners Blog)
Dr D: Regarding your bullet pts 6A, 7, and 9, it appears that your assessment is right on. Branyan has taken a leadership roll which is somewhat odd considering some of the reports after he left Cleveland which indicated he was not a beloved member of their clubhouse.
After saying all that, I believe it would be best for all if Lopez was DFA'd immediately.