By Rick Gano
The Associated Press

CHICAGO - Sandy Alderson's message was clear. Major league baseball is fed up with fan violence and will do everything in its power to eliminate the problem.

"We will spare no expenses," Alderson, a vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner's office, promised Wednesday.

"We will do whatever is necessary to maximize the consequences for those individuals who intrude on the field or assault or make any attempt to interact with umpires, players or coaches or fans in the stands."

Alderson and baseball security chief Kevin Hallinan met with players and officials of the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals and also local law enforcement, one day after umpire Laz Diaz was attacked at U.S. Cellular field.

It was the second episode of on-field violence on the same field in seven months, but Alderson said Chicago's status as host of this the All-Star game is not jeopardized.

"Given the fact it has happened twice are we concerned? Yes, as we have discussed with the White Sox," Alderson said.

"Sometimes preparation and execution can't eliminate these kinds of incidents. We are going to go cross the board throughout baseball to reduce the number, if not eliminate them."

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said he was extremely troubled and added that security at all parks will be reviewed.

"There is no place in baseball for such deplorable fan behavior," Selig said.

Last September, Kansas City coach Tom Gamboa was pummeled by a father and son just yards from where the fan ran onto the field and tried to tackle Diaz by grabbing him around the waist.

A 24-year-old Bolingbrook man identified in a police report as Eric Dybas was charged Wednesday with aggravated battery and criminal trespassing.

The White Sox had already increased security before Tuesday night's game because it was Gamboa's first at the park since he was assaulted.

Still, four fans ran onto the field during the game, prompting Royals general manager Allard Baird to consider not allowing his team to play Wednesday. He changed his mind after meeting with White sox general manager Kenny Williams and Hallinan.

The team implemented tougher security measures before Wednesday night's 4-3 win over the Royals; more security guards were added to patrol the field, bringing the total to 16; ushers were ordered to inspect ticket stubs more frequently to make sure fans in the right seats; and several announcements were made during the game to inform fans to stay off the field.

Alderson said once the investigation at U.S. Cellular Field is complete, the information will be sent to all clubs.

Across town at Wrigley Field, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he's satisfied with the security, and that no changes were made for Wednesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Still, he said there's only so much that can be done to keep fans from running onto the field during games.

"You still couldn't prevent a person, one lunatic or whatever you want to call it, from trying to get his 10 seconds of fame," Hendry said. "I don't think you could ever say you're going to prevent it completely in any stadium: football, basketball, baseball, whatever."

Wrigley was the site of a fan-player fight three years ago when members of the Los Angeles Dodgers went into the stands after a fan stole a player's cap.

Umpire Mark Hirschbeck said everyone on the field is vulnerable, but solutions are limited.

"You know, anybody can jump on the field and get to somebody, whether it be a player, coach or an umpire, and there's a lot of kooks out there," Hirschbeck said.

Luis Gonzalez of the Arizona Diamondbacks says he feels vulnerable because he is isolated in the outfield.

"I'm always very cautious of where the security guys are and things like that because you never know what's going to happen," he said.

Mets manager Art Howe said it's a different world than when he played.

"In the old days, you were always looking forward to Morganna running onto the field," he said. "It would be a shame if we had to do what they do in Japan, where everybody is screened in."