Saturday, May 3, 2014

MLB Instant Replay Review 211: Mark Carlson (03)

Instant Replay Review confirmed 3B Umpire Mark Carlson's safe call in the top of the 1st inning of the Mets-Rockies game. With two out and two on, Mets batter Lucas Duda hit a 0-1 fastball from Rockies pitcher Franklin Morales on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Charlie Blackmon, who threw to first baseman Ryan Wheeler to third baseman Nolan Arenado as Mets baserunner R1 Anthony Recker arrived at third base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Rockies Manager Walt Weiss, Carlson's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Mets were leading, 2-0. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 11-10.

This is Mark Carlson (6)'s third Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Mark Carlson is now 1/3 (.333 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Ted Barrett's crew is now 6/13 (.462 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 211th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Rockies Manager Walt Weiss is now 3/7 (.429 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 116/211 (.550 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies, 5/3/14
Video: Play confirmed; Mets' Recker goes first to third on a challenged play by Weiss (COL)

MLB Instant Replay Review 210: Hunter Wendelstedt (04)

Instant Replay Review confirmed 1B Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt's out call in the top of the 8th inning of the Brewers-Reds game. With two out and two on, Brewers batter Carlos Gomez hit a 2-0 fastball from Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto on the ground to second baseman Brandon Phillips, who threw to first baseman Joey Votto as Gomez arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke, Wendelstedt's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Reds were leading, 6-2. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Hunter Wendelstedt (21)'s fourth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Hunter Wendelstedt is now 3/4 (.750 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jerry Layne's crew is now 8/13 (.615 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 210th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke is now 2/4 (.500 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 115/210 (.548 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds, 5/3/14
Video: Play confirmed; Brewers retired in the 8th as close call at first is confirmed as correct (MIL)

MLB Instant Replay Review 208, 209: Greg Gibson (06, 07)

Instant Replay Review upheld 1B Umpire Greg Gibson's safe call in the top of the 4th inning and out call in the top of the 8th inning of the Pirates-Blue Jays game. In the 4th, with two out and none on, Blue Jays batter Josh Thole hit a 1-2 slider from Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano on the ground to second baseman Neil Walker, who threw to first baseman Gabby Sanchez as Thole arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle, Gibson's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Blue Jays were leading, 4-0.

In the 8th, with one out and one on, Pirates pitcher Bryan Morris threw to first baseman Ike Davis in an attempt to pick off Blue Jays baserunner R1 Chris Getz. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons, Gibson's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 6-6. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 8-6.

This is Greg Gibson (53)'s sixth, seventh Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Greg Gibson is now 6/7 (.857 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Bill Miller's crew is now 11/13 (.846 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 208th, 209th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle is now 5/10 (.500 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons is now 0/8 (.000 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 114/209 (.545 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/3/14
Video: Play stands; Clear and convincing fails to surface to confirm or reverse the original call (PIT)
Video: Play stands; Blue Jays lose a baserunner while Gibbons loses another challenge (TOR)

MLB Instant Replay Review 207: Chris Guccione (03)

Instant Replay Review upheld HP Umpire Chris Guccione's HBP call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the White Sox-Indians game. With two out and none on, Indians batter Asdrubal Cabrera took a 1-1 cutter from White Sox pitcher Scott Carroll high and off the inner edge of home plate for a ruled hit batsman. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by White Sox Manager Robin Ventura, Guccione's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Indians were leading, 2-0. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Chris Guccione (68)'s third Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Chris Guccione is now 3/3 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Tom Hallion's crew is now 4/5 (.800 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 207th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
White Sox Manager Robin Ventura is now 2/8 (.250 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 113/207 (.543 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians, 5/3/14
Video: Play stands; Hawk and Stone admit overturning a HBP call with Replay is difficult (CWS)

MLB Ejection 030: James Hoye (1; Lloyd McClendon)

HP Umpire James Hoye ejected Mariners Manager Lloyd McClendon for bench jockeying (Unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 7th inning of the Mariners-Astros game. With none out and two on, Mariners batter Brad Miller walked on a 3-2 slider from Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel for the third consecutive walk of the inning from Astros pitching. Replays indicate McClendon yelled from the dugout as Astros catcher Jason Castro visited pitcher Keuchel, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 2-1. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 9-8.

This is James Hoye (92)'s first ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
James Hoye now has 1 points in the UEFL (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 1).
Chief Bob Davidson now has 0 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (-1 Previous + 1 Irrecusable = 0).

This is the 30th ejection of 2014.
This is the 10th Manager ejection of 2014.
This is the Mariners' 2nd ejection of 2014, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, SEA, TEX 2; LAA, OAK 0).
This is Lloyd McClendon's first ejection since May 23, 2012 (Jerry Meals; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is James Hoye's first ejection since Sept 15, 2013 (Emilio Bonifacio; QOC = Y [Safe/Out]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros, 5/3/14
Video: Lloyd contends that Hoye didn't put a stop to Astros' stall tactics, "boy was he pissed!" (SEA)

MLB Instant Replay Review 206: Angel Hernandez (04)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Angel Hernandez's safe call in the top of the 5th inning of the Cardinals-Cubs game. With two out and none on, Cardinals batter Allen Craig hit a 0-1 slider from Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta on the ground to third baseman Mike Olt, who threw to first baseman Anthony Rizzo as Craig arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Rick Renteria, Hernandez's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Angel Hernandez (55)'s fourth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Angel Hernandez is now 1/4 (.250 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Larry Vanover's crew is now 3/11 (.273 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 206th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Cubs Manager Rick Renteria is now 6/15 (.400 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 111/206 (.539 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs, 5/3/14
Video: Play overturned; Cubs preserve the efficient tie through five on a groundout to third (CHC)

UEFL Introduces The Left Field Corner, a New E-Publication

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League introduced The Left Field Corner e-newsletter/publication, a quasi-monthly recap of recent rumblings in the UEFL officiating world.

The Corner takes its name from the old Umpire Ejection
Fantasy League niche blog on Livejournal (2007-10).
We begin with the May 2014 edition of The Left Field Corner, which is available online as a PDF document via, and can be downloaded from, the UEFL Portal care of Google Drive/Docs. This month's inaugural edition includes the following articles:
> For the Catch: Outcry Leads to Catch/Transfer Rule Interp. Change
> Boston Red Sox: Farrell, Replay Not Seeing Eye-to-Eye
> Ejections: 2014 April Heave-Ho Rate on Pace with 2013

And what will become routine and regular features of The LF Corner:
> Just the Stats: A glimpse at the UEFL Leaderboard
> From the Board: A look at Recent UEFL Appeals Board Cases

I sincerely hope you enjoy this new venture. If there is anything Close Call Sports/UEFL can do to tailor The LF Corner more to your interests or if you wish to provide any other feedback, please comment here or send an e-mail reply to info [at] closecallsports [dot] com.

The Left Field Corner will be accessible from the UEFL Portal's LF Corner page.

Friday, May 2, 2014

MLB Replays & Ejection: Eddings, O'Nora (03-04, 1|02)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Rays Manager Joe Maddon for arguing an Instant Replay Review that overturned 1B Umpire Doug Eddings' safe call in the top of the 13th, after Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Eddings' safe call in the bottom of the 9th and before Replay Review confirmed HP Umpire O'Nora's safe call in the top of the 14th inning of the Rays-Yankees game. In the 9th, with two out and one on, Rays pitcher Brandon Gomes threw to first baseman James Loney in an attempt to pick off Yankees baserunner R1 Jacoby Ellsbury. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Rays Manager Maddon, Eddings' ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 5-5.

In the 13th, with none out and one on, Rays batter Matt Joyce hit a 1-0 changeup from Yankees pitcher Adam Warren on the ground to third baseman Yangervis Solarte, who stepped on second base and threw to first baseman Mark Teixeira as Joyce arrived at first base, Rays baserunner R1 Brandon Guyer out at second. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, Eddings' ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. Replays indicate Teixeira maintained contact with first base and in doing so legally tagged the base while in possession of the baseball, O'Nora's call (ejection) was correct. At the time of the review and ejection, the contest was tied, 5-5.

In the 14th, with one out and one on, Rays batter Guyer hit a 0-1 fastball from Yankees pitcher Chris Leroux on the ground to center fielder Brett Gardner, who threw to catcher Brian McCann as Rays baserunner R2 Sean Rodriguez slid into home plate. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Yankees Manager Girardi, O'Nora's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Rays were leading, 8-5. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 10-5, in 14 innings.

This is Doug Eddings (88)'s third, fourth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s first ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Doug Eddings is now 0/4 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Brian O'Nora is now 1/2 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Brian O'Nora now has 3 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct [Crewmate] = 3).
Chief Brian O'Nora now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).
Chief Brian O'Nora's crew is now 3/7 (.429 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 203rd, 204th, 205th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 9th Manager ejection of 2014.
Rays Manager Joe Maddon is now 4/11 (.364 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Yankees Manager Joe Girardi is now 7/11 (.636 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
This is the Rays' 2nd ejection of 2014, T-1st in the AL East (BOS, NYY, TB 2; TOR 1; BAL 0).
This is Joe Maddon's first ejection since April 27, 2014 (Tim Timmons; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Brian O'Nora's first ejection since August 18, 2013 (Joe Girardi; QOC = U [Argued Warnings]).
Umpires are now 111/205 (.541 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees, 5/2/14
Video: Play overturned; Rays score a pickoff at first base on awkward retreat by Ellsbury (TB)
Video: Play overturned; Yanks get a double play as replay rules Tex kept his foot on the bag (NYY)
Video: Maddon is ejected for arguing the result of Replay Review, an automatic send-off (TB)
Video: Play confirmed; TB keeps the floodgates open on reviewed RBI single in the 14th (TB)

MLB Instant Replay Review 202: Dan Bellino (03)

Instant Replay Review confirmed 3B Umpire Dan Bellino's HR call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Athletics-Red Sox game. With one out and three on, Red Sox batter Dustin Pedroia hit a 0-2 slider from A's pitcher Ryan Cook on the fly to left field and near the top of the Green Monster outfield wall. Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Athletics Manager Bob Melvin and initiation by Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg, Bellino's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Red Sox were leading, 6-1. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 7-1.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s third Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Dan Bellino is now 3/3 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jeff Kellogg's crew is now 6/9 (.667 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 202nd Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Athletics Manager Bob Melvin is now 5/15 (.333 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 110/202 (.545 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox, 5/2/14
Video: Play confirmed; Pedroia's grand slam is reviewed and affirmed by replay in New York (BOS)

MLB Instant Replay Review 201: Mike Estabrook (02)

Instant Replay Review confirmed 3B Umpire Mike Estabrook's no HR (live ball) call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Brewers-Reds game. With none out and none on, Reds batter Joey Votto hit a 0-1 change up from Brewers pitcher Wily Peralta on a line drive to deep left field near the top of the outfield fence. Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Reds Manager Bryan Price and initiation by Crew Chief Jerry Layne, Estabrook's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Mike Estabrook (83)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Mike Estabrook is now 2/2 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jerry Layne's crew is now 7/12 (.583 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 201st Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Reds Manager Bryan Price is now 2/9 (.222 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 109/201 (.542 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds, 5/2/14
Video: Play confirmed; Joey Votto's hit to the wall stays in play for a fourth-inning double (CIN)

MLB Instant Replay Review 200: James Hoye (03)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire James Hoye's safe call in the top of the 10th inning of the Mariners-Astros game. With two out and none on, Mariners batter Robinson Cano hit a 2-2 fastball from Astros pitcher Anthony Bass on the ground to second baseman Jose Altuve, who threw to first baseman Jesus Guzman as Cano arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Astros Manager Bo Porter, Hoye's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 4-4. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 11 innings.

This is James Hoye (92)'s third Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
James Hoye is now 1/3 (.333 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Bob Davidson's crew is now 3/7 (.429 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 200th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Astros Manager Bo Porter is now 4/5 (.800 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 108/200 (.540 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros, 5/2/14
Video: Play overturned; Mariners go 1-2-3 in the 10th after Porter successfully challenges (HOU)

MLB Replay Reviews 198|199: CB Bucknor (04, 05)

Instant Replay Review overturned 2B Umpire CB Bucknor's safe call in the top of the 1st and out call in the top of the 8th inning of the Dodgers-Marlins game. In the 1st, with none out and one on, Dodgers baserunner R1 Dee Gordon attempted to steal second base off Marlins pitcher Tom Hoehler and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who threw to second baseman Derek Dietrich as Gordon slid into second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Marlins Manager Mike Redmond, Bucknor's ruling was overturned, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0.

In the 8th, with none out and one on, Dodgers baserunner R1 Yasiel Puig attempted to steal second base off Marlins pitcher Carlos Marmol and catcher Saltalamacchia, who threw to second baseman Dietrich as Puig slid into second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly, Bucknor's ruling was overturned, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Marlins were leading, 6-2. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is CB Bucknor (54)'s fourth, fifth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
CB Bucknor is now 1/5 (.200 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Dale Scott's crew is now 3/8 (.375 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 198th, 199th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Marlins Manager Mike Redmond is now 6/10 (.600 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly is now 4/8 (.500 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 108/199 (.543 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Miami Marlins, 5/2/14
Video: Play overturned; NL SB leader Dee Gordon is nabbed trying for another stolen base (MIA)
Video: Play overturned; Bucknor's second call of the game is overturned on a steal at second (LAD)

Returning to First: Rule 7.08(j) and the Overrun Provision

Rule 7.08(j) states a runner is out if he fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or oversliding that base. At the moment he touches first base, he is considered to have reached first base for the purposes of scoring and for any rule related to a batter-runner reaching first base, such as Rule 4.09(a) Exception 1, which states a run is not scored if a runner advances to home during a play in which the third out is made by the batter-runner before he touches first base.

The full text of Rule 7.08(j) specifies that the runner is out when—:
He fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or oversliding that base. If he attempts to run to second he is out when tagged. If, after overrunning or oversliding first base he starts toward the dugout, or toward his position, and fails to return to first base at once, he is out, on appeal, when he or the base is tagged;
Puig, Lopes question Welke's ruling of 'attempt.'
Yet what exactly constitutes "fails to return at once to first base?" The issue of a runner abandoning his effort to run the bases after reaching first base is covered by a different rule—7.08(a)(2) [out when— "after touching first base, he leaves the base path, obviously abandoning his effort to touch the next base"], so we are clearly dealing with a different concept a different rule and, thus, a different standard for declaring the runner out after this aforementioned failure.

Abandonment uses terms like "leaves" and "obviously"—it's not a call to be made lightly.

The overrun provision is much more stringent, using the phrase "return at once" and "attempts to run"—it is a call to be made, for lack of a better term, lightly—or at least more readily than abandonment. In the grand hierarchy of rules, though rules are worth the same, it appears Rule 7.08(j) failure to return trumps or at least holds more sway than Rule 7.08(a)(2) abandonment at first base. In other words, it is preferred.

On Thursday, Dodgers batter-runner Yasiel Puig was called out down the line from first base for his failure to return at once to first base, 1B Umpire Tim Welke ruling that Puig—well—what did he call?

Let's break down the rule.

Rule 7.08(j) contains three possibilities:
A runner fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or oversliding that base. This much is opaquely clear, as transparent as a brick wall can possibly be. If the runner fails to return at once to first base, the rules suggest that he can be guilty of one of three alternate actions. They are:
(1) He attempts to run to second. If he does this, he is out when tagged.
(2) He starts toward the dugout. If he does this, he is out when he or first base is tagged on appeal.
(3) He starts toward his position. Here, too, he is out when he or first base is tagged on appeal.

The Official Baseball Rules (OBR) suggest these—and only these three—possibilities. There is no concept of "he failed to return at once by dilly-dallying down the line and taking his time." No, either he attempted to run to second or started towards the dugout or his position. He didn't simply "stall."

Thus, it is clear Welke ruled Puig out for attempting to run to second base—Puig knew he was safe, the ball got away, so he didn't go back to the dugout and the inning was still alive so there was no third out to be had, no position to wander off to.

And here's where things get a bit wacky. OBR didn't bother to define the word "attempt," which left us with many loose ends in the rules book—a check or half swing, a play/attempted play and an attempt to go to a base, as we have in Rule 7.08(j). The Rules Committee also added 2014 wording to Rule 8.05(d) regarding a runner creating the impression that he is attempting to advance to a base, whether he is or not.

Was Puig's turn an attempt to advance?
Clearly there is a distinction between creating the impression and actually attempting to advance. Puig, in this situation, has no reason to create the impression of an attempt, so we are back to considering whether planting his foot and modifying his gait constitutes an attempt to run to second.

We know, via Rules 7.05(g) and 7.10, that an attempted play is interpreted as "a legitimate effort by a defensive player who has possession of the ball to actually retire a runner...A fake or a feint to throw shall not be deemed a play or an attempted play" (MLB Umpire Manual, 37-22).

Well, from here we can draw some sort of a parallel between defensive attempts, which are formally defined, and offensive ones, which are not. This uses transitivity and is not an approved interpretation.

Here, Puig's actions signify an attempt when: "He fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or oversliding that base and makes a legitimate effort to run to second."

Just as an attempted play may occur when a defensive ballcarrier—if only for an instant—makes a legitimate effort to retire a runner, it may occur when an offensive player—if only for an instant—makes a legitimate effort to run to second base or advance. He doesn't actually have to run.

Did Puig's actions, in beginning the "turn" as depicted in the image above—he clearly deviated from his natural path down the foul line—constitute a legitimate effort? The physical preparatory evidence was there, and thus, Welke ruled Puig out for attempting to run to second.

Video: Twins tag Puig after overrun of first base, successfully appealing a violation of Rule 7.08(j)

Thursday, May 1, 2014

MLB Instant Replay Review 197: Dan Iassogna (01)

Instant Replay Review upheld 2B Umpire Dan Iassogna's out call in the top of the 9th inning of the Rays-Red Sox game. With two out and one on, Rays baserunner R1 Desmond Jennings attempted to steal second base off Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara and catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who threw to second baseman Dustin Pedroia as Jennings slid into second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Rays Manager Joe Maddon, Iassogna's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Rays were leading, 6-5. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Dan Iassogna (58)'s first Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Dan Iassogna is now 1/1 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Dale Scott's crew is now 3/6 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 197th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Rays Manager Joe Maddon is now 3/10 (.300 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 108/197 (.548 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Video: Play stands; Iassogna's first test of the season sees a caught stealing call upheld (TB)

MLB Instant Replay Review 196: Jim Reynolds (06)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Jim Reynolds' out call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Braves-Marlins game. With none out and one on, Braves batter Jason Heyward hit a 3-1 fastball from Marlins pitcher Henderson Alvarez on the ground to first baseman Garrett Jones, who threw to Alvarez as Heyward slid into first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez, Reynolds' ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Marlins were leading, 2-0. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s sixth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Jim Reynolds is now 4/6 (.667 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Fieldin Culbreth's crew is now 9/11 (.818 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 196th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez is now 3/3 (1.000 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 107/196 (.546 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Video: Play overturned; Braves earn a second baserunner after successful second-inning challenge (ATL)

MLB Instant Replay Review 195: Pat Hoberg (02)

Instant Replay Review overturned HP Umpire Pat Hoberg's HBP call in the 2nd inning of the Pirates-Orioles game. With one out and one on, Pirates batter Tony Sanchez attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 fastball from Orioles pitcher Bud Norris as the ball deflected off the bat/knob/hand area near Sanchez's hand. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Orioles Manager Buck Showalter, Hoberg's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Pat Hoberg (31)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Pat Hoberg is now 0/2 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Eric Cooper's crew is now 0/1 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 195th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Orioles Manager Buck Showalter is now 2/2 (1.000 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 107/194 (.549 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Video: Play overturned; After further review, Sanchez called back to plate on a foul ball (BAL)

MLB Replay Review & Ejection: Toby Basner (4, 02)

1B Umpire Toby Basner ejected Red Sox 3B Coach Brian Butterfield for arguing a Replay Review decision that upheld Basner's out call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Rays-Red Sox game. With one out and one on, Red Sox batter David Ortiz hit a 1-0 fastball from Rays pitcher Jake McGee on a fly ball off the Green Monster outfield wall where it was fielded by left fielder Matt Joyce, who threw to shortstop Yunel Escobar to catcher Jose Molina as Red Sox baserunner R1 Dustin Pedroia slid into home plate. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Red Sox Manager John Farrell, Basner's ruling (tag play) was affirmed, the call was correct; Butterfield was ejected after Replay Review affirmed the out call. Replays indicate Molina tagged Pedroia's left leg while Pedroia was off his base and prior to initial contact with home plate, the call was correct. At the time of the review and ejection, the Rays were leading, 2-1. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Toby Basner (99)'s fourth ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is Toby Basner (99)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Toby Basner now has 18 points in the UEFL (13 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct = 18).
Toby Basner is now 1/2 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has 0 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (-1 + 1 = 0).
Chief Dale Scott's crew is now 2/5 (.400 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 28th ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 194th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is the Red Sox's 2nd ejection of 2014, T-1st in the AL East (BOS, NYY 2; TB, TOR 1; BAL 0).
This is Brian Butterfield's first ejection since September 3, 2011 (Phil Cuzzi; QOC = Y).
This is Toby Basner's first ejection since April 24, 2014 (Paul Clemens; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
Red Sox Manager John Farrell is now 2/7 (.286 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 107/194 (.552 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Video: Play stands; Butterfield tossed arguing Basner's call, which was affirmed by New York HQ (BOS)

MLB Instant Replays 192|193: Tim Welke (02, 03)

Instant Replay Review overturned 2B Umpire Tim Welke's safe call in the bottom of the 5th and Welke's out call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Dodgers-Twins game. In the 5th, with none out and two on, Twins batter Trevor Plouffe hit a 1-0 fastball from Dodgers pitcher Dan Haren on a line drive, caught by shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who threw to second baseman Dee Gordon as Twins baserunner R2 Brian Dozier returned to second base via a slide. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly, Welke's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Dodgers were leading, 5-4.

In the 8th, with one out and one on, Twins batter Josmil Pinto hit a 0-1 sinker from Dodgers pitcher JP Howell on the ground to Dodgers shortstop Ramirez, who threw to second baseman Gordon as Twins baserunner Jason Kubel slid into second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire, Welke's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Dodgers were leading, 8-4. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 9-4.

This is Tim Welke (3)'s second, third Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Tim Welke is now 0/3 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Tim Welke's crew is now 10/15 (.667 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 192nd, 193rd Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly is now 3/7 (.429 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire is now 2/3 (.667 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 106/193 (.549 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Video: Play overturned; Dodgers turn a key double play after review awards LA the out at second (LAD)
Video: Play overturned; Not to be outdone, Gardy fires a winning challenge in the Twins' eighth (MIN)

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

MLB Instant Replay Review 191: Joe West (04)

Instant Replay Review upheld 1B Umpire Joe West's out call in the top of the 9th inning of the Cubs-Reds game. With two out and two on, Cubs batter Ryan Sweeney hit a 3-2 fastball from Reds pitcher Logan Ondrusek on the ground to shortstop Zack Cozart, who threw to first baseman Joey Votto as Sweeney arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Rick Renteria, West's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Cubs were leading, 9-4. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 9-4.

This is Joe West (22)'s fourth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Joe West is now 2/4 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Joe West's crew is now 5/9 (.556 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 191th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Cubs Manager Rick Renteria is now 5/13 (.385 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 106/191 (.555 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4/30/14
Video: Play stands; Final Cubs out is upheld after Renteria challenges the Cowboy's call (CHC)

MLB Instant Replay Review 190: Mark Wegner (04)

Instant Replay Review confirmed HP Umpire Mark Wegner's Rule 7.13 violation no-call (out) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Blue Jays-Royals game. With one out and one on, Royals batter Alex Gordon hit a 1-0 change up from Blue Jays pitcher Drew Hutchison on the ground to shortstop Jose Reyes, who threw to catcher Dioner Navarro as Royals baserunner R3 Eric Hosmer arrived at home plate. Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Royals Manager Ned Yost and initiation by crew chief Bob Davidson (home-plate collision), Wegner's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Royals were leading, 2-0. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Mark Wegner (14)'s fourth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Mark Wegner is now 3/4 (.750 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Bob Davidson's crew is now 3/6 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 190th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Royals Manger Ned Yost is now 3/6 (.500 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 105/190 (.553 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals, 4/30/14
Video: Play confirmed; Blue Jays find an out at the plate when replay green lights Navarro's tag (KC)

MLB Instant Replay Review 189: Chris Segal (02)

Instant Replay Review upheld HP Umpire Chris Segal's safe call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Dodgers-Twins game. With two out and two on, Dodgers batter Hanley Ramirez hit a 1-0 fastball from Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson on a line drive to left fielder Jason Kubel, who threw to catcher Kurt Suzuki as Dodgers baserunner R2 Drew Butera arrived at home plate. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire, Segal's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Chris Segal (96)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Chris Segal is now 2/2 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Tim Welke's crew is now 10/13 (.769 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 189th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire is now 1/2 (.500 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 104/189 (.550 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Minnesota Twins, 4/30/14
Video: Play stands; LA gets a run on the board to tie the game on upheld play at the plate (MIN)

MLB Instant Replay Review 188: Jim Reynolds (05)

Instant Replay Review overturned 2B Umpire Jim Reynolds' out call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Braves-Marlins game. With two out and two on, Marlins batter Adeiny Hechavarria hit a 0-0 fastball from Braves pitcher David Hale on a ground ball to center fielder B.J. Upton, who threw to second baseman Dan Uggla as Hechavarria arrived at second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Marlins Manager Mike Redmond, Reynolds' ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Marlins were leading, 9-0. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 9-3.

This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s fifth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Jim Reynolds is now 4/5 (.800 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Fieldin Culbreth's crew is now 6/7 (.857 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 188th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Marlins Manager Mike Redmond is now 5/9 (.556 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 103/188 (.548 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins, 4/30/14
Video: Play overturned;  Hechavarria gets a hustle double after Redmond challenges the call (MIA)

MLB Instant Replay Review 187: Jerry Layne (04)

Instant Replay Review overturned 2B Umpire Jerry Layne's out call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Tigers-White Sox game. With one out and one on, White Sox batter Gordon Beckham hit a 0-1 fastball from Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson, who threw to second baseman Ian Kinsler as White Sox baserunner R1 Adam Eaton arrived at second base via a head-first slide. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by White Sox Manager Robin Ventura, Layne's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 5-1.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s fourth Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Jerry Layne is now 2/4 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jerry Layne's crew is now 6/11 (.545 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 187th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
White Sox Manager Robin Ventura is now 2/7 (.286 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 103/187 (.551 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox, 4/30/14
Video: Play overturned; White Sox pick up a baserunner after replay review changes the call (CWS)

MLB Instant Replay Review 186: Toby Basner (01)

Instant Replay Review overturned 2B Umpire Toby Basner's no HR (live ball) call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Brewers-Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Cardinals batter Allen Craig hit a 3-2 fastball from Brewers pitcher Wei-Chung Wang to deep left-center field near the top of the wall, where the ball caromed back onto the field of play. Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny and initiation by Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg, Basner's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Cardinals were leading, 8-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 9-3.

This is Toby Basner (99)'s first Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Toby Basner is now 0/1 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jeff Kellogg's crew is now 5/8 (.625 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 186th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny is now 1/3 (.333 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 103/186 (.554 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4/30/14
Video: Play overturned; After an initial triple, Craig is awarded 90 more feet for a home run (STL)

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

MLB Ejection 027: Alan Porter (2; Rick Renteria)

HP Umpire Alan Porter ejected Cubs Manager Rick Renteria for arguing a ball three call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Cubs-Reds game. With two out and two on, Reds batter Joey Votto took a 2-2 fastball from Cubs pitcher Zac Rosscup for a called third ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px -1.174, pz 2.707) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated (B1: px -1.737, B2: px -1.305), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 3-2. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s second ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Alan Porter now has 5 points in the UEFL (1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Chief Joe West now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Prev + 1 Correct = 1).

This is the 27th ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 8th Manager ejection of 2014.
This is the Cubs' 3rd ejection of 2014, 1st in the NL Central (CHC 3; CIN, MIL 2; PIT, STL 1).
This is Rick Renteria's first ejection since April 8, 2014 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = Y).
This is Alan Porter's first ejection since April 13, 2014 (Elvis Andrus; QOC = Y).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4/29/14
Video: Renteria contends a 2-2 pitch was on the outside corner; Porter issues the early exit (CHC)

MLB Instant Replay Review 185: Laz Diaz (01)

Instant Replay Review upheld 1B Umpire Laz Diaz's foul ball call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Athletics-Rangers game. With none out and two on, Rangers batter Elvis Andrus hit a 0-1 fastball from A's pitcher Scott Kazmir on a line drive past first base and near the foul line. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Rangers Manager Ron Washington, Diaz's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the A's were leading, 9-1. The A's ultimately won the contest, 9-3.

This is Laz Diaz (63)'s first Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Laz Diaz is now 1/1 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jeff Nelson's crew is now 5/8 (.625 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 185th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Rangers Manager Ron Washington is now 3/7 (.429 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 103/185 (.557 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Texas Rangers, 4/29/14
Video: Play stands; Rangers miss out on an RBI double by mere fractions of an inch (TEX)

MLB Replay Reviews 183|184: Gabe Morales (05, 06)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Gabe Morales' out call in the bottom of the 5th and upheld Morales' out call in the top of the 8th inning of the Indians-Angels game. In the 5th, with one out and two on, Angels batter J.B. Shuck hit a 3-1 sinker from Indians pitcher Corey Kluber on the ground to second baseman Mike Aviles, who threw to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to first baseman Carlos Santana as Shuck arrived at first base, Angels baserunner R1 Erick Aybar out at second. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Angels Manger Mike Scioscia, Morales' ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Angels were leading, 2-0.

In the 8th, with one out and one on, Indians batter Michael Bourn hit a 0-2 changeup from Angels pitcher Fernando Salas on the ground to shortstop Erick Aybar, who threw to second baseman Howie Kendrick to first baseman Albert Pujols as Bourn arrived at first base, Indians baserunner R1 David Murphy out at second. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Indians Manager Terry Francona, Morales' ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Angels were leading, 5-4. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Gabe Morales (47)'s fifth, sixth Replay Review of 2014.
Gabe Morales is now 4/6 (.667 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Brian Gorman's crew is now 4/6 (.667 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 183rd, 184th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Angels Manager Mike Scioscia is now 4/6 (.667 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Indians Manager Terry Francona is now 2/8 (.250 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 102/184 (.554 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Cleveland Indians vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 4/29/14
Video: Play overturned; Clear and convincing evidence deems Shuck was safe at first base (LAA)
Video: Play stands; Replay Review grants Angels the 6-4-3 double play in the 8th (LAA)

MLB Instant Replays 181|182: Mark Wegner (02, 03)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Mark Wegner's safe call in the top of the 2nd and upheld Wegner's foul ball call in the top of the 9th inning of the Blue Jays-Royals game. In the 2nd, with two out and two on, Blue Jays batter Chris Getz hit a 1-1 change up from Royals pitcher Jason Vargas on the ground to second baseman Omar Infante, who threw to first baseman Eric Hosmer as Getz arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Royals Manager Ned Yost, Wegner's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Blue Jays were leading, 1-0.

In the 9th, with one out and none on, Blue Jays batter Dioner Navarro hit a 1-1 slider from Royals pitcher Louis Coleman on the fly down the right field line and past the foul pole. Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons and initiation by Crew Chief Bob Davidson, Wegner's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Royals were leading, 10-7. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 10-7.

This is Mark Wegner (14)'s second Replay Review of 2014.
Mark Wegner is now 2/3 (.667 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Bob Davidson's crew is now 2/5 (.400 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 181st, 182nd Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Royals Manager Ned Yost is now 3/5 (.600 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons is now 0/7 (.000 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 101/182 (.555 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals, 4/29/14
Video: Play overturned; Yost fires successful challenge early to negate a potential Jays run (KC)
Video: Play stands; Evidence proves insufficient to confirm or overturn Navarro's corner drive (KC)

MLB Ejection 026 & Replay Review 180: Hamari, Miller

3B Umpire Adam Hamari ejected Mariners 1B Coach Andy Van Slyke for arguing a check swing (ball) call in the bottom of the 9th and Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Bill Miller's out call in the top of the 5th inning of the Mariners-Yankees game. In the 5th, with none out and none on, Mariners batter Mike Zunino hit a 1-2 sinker from Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia on the ground to second baseman Brian Roberts, who threw to first baseman Mark Teixeira as Zunino arrived at first base. Upon Instant Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Mariners Manager Lloyd McClendon, Miller's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Yankees were leading, 2-0.

In the 9th, with two out and two on, Yankees batter Brett Gardner attempted to check his swing on a 1-0 fastball by Mariners pitcher Fernando Rodney. Replays indicate Gardner did not attempt to strike the pitch, the call was correct.* At the time of the review, the Mariners were leading, 6-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s first Replay Review of 2014.
This is Adam Hamari (78)'s first ejection of 2014.
Bill Miller is now 0/1 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Bill Miller's crew is now 9/10 (.900 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
*The alluded to Robinson Cano at-bat is not admissible nor eligible for consideration as pertains to the Quality of Correctness for the Gardner call.

This is the 180th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Mariners Manager Lloyd McClendon is now 3/8 (.375 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 100/180 (.556 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees, 4/29/14
Video: Play overturned; Rainy replay review reverses ruling, keeps soaked Yankees on field (SEA)
Video: Van Slyke argues a 1-0 pitch in the eighth, producing his removal to the dry clubhouse (SEA)

Monday, April 28, 2014

MLB Instant Replays 178|179: Angel Hernandez (02|3)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Angel Hernandez's safe call in the top of the 3rd and out call in the top of the 4th inning of the Padres-Giants game. In the 3rd, with two out and none on, Padres batter Xavier Nady hit a 0-0 change up from Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner on the ground to shortstop Brandon Crawford, who threw to first baseman Brandon Belt as Nady arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Giants Manager Bruce Bochy, Hernandez's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0.

In the 4th, with one out and one on, Padres batter Tyson Ross hit a 0-1 slider from Giants pitcher Bumgarner on the ground to third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who threw to first baseman Belt as Ross arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Padres Manager Bud Black, Hernandez's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Padres were leading, 2-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Angel Hernandez (55)'s second, third Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Angel Hernandez is now 1/3 (.333 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Larry Vanover's crew is now 3/10 (.300 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 178th, 179th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy is now 4/5 (.800 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Padres Manager Bud Black is now 2/2 (1.000 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 100/179 (.559 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants, 4/28/14
Video: Play overturned; Giants successfully challenge a bang-bang play at first in the 3rd (SF)
Video: Play overturned; Padres even the score, challenging a Hernandez call of their own (SD)

MLB Instant Replay Review 177: DJ Reyburn (05)

Instant Replay Review upheld 1B Umpire DJ Reyburn's safe call in the top of the 6th inning of the Brewers-Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Brewers batter Yovani Gallardo hit a 0-1 change up from Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha on the ground to third baseman Matt Carpenter, who threw to first baseman Matt Adams as Gallardo arrived at first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny, Reyburn's call was affirmed. At the time of the review, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 5-3, in 12 innings.

This is DJ Reyburn (70)'s fifth Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
DJ Reyburn is now 4/5 (.800 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jeff Kellogg's crew is now 5/7 (.714 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 177th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny is now 0/2 (.000 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 100/177 (.565 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4/28/14
Video: Play stands; Matheny's challenge, Tim McCarver's analysis fall on an infield single (STL)

MLB Instant Replay Review 176: Tim Timmons (06)

Instant Replay Review upheld 2B Umpire Tim Timmons' safe call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Rays-White Sox game. With two out and none on, White Sox batter Alexei Ramirez hit a 1-0 fastball from Rays pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo on a fly ball to right fielder Wil Myers, who threw to shortstop Yunel Escobar as Ramirez slid into second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Rays Manager Joe Maddon, Timmons' ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the White Sox were leading, 6-3. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Tim Timmons (95)'s sixth Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Tim Timmons is now 5/6 (.833 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Tim Welke's crew is now 9/12 (.750 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 176th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Rays Manager Joe Maddon is now 3/9 (.333 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 99/176 (.563 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox, 4/28/14
Video: Play stands; The leaping Timmons' safe call is upheld following a Rays challenge (TB)

MLB Instant Replay Reviews 173-5: Pattillo, Nelson (2-3, 2)

Instant Replay Review overturned 1B Umpire Marcus Pattillo's safe call in the top of the 3rd, confirmed Pattillo's safe call and overturned HP Umpire Jeff Nelson's safe call in the top of the 8th inning of the Athletics-Rangers game. In the 3rd, with one out and three on, Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos attempted to pick off Athletics baserunner R1 Brandon Moss at first base on a throw to Prince Fielder. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Rangers Manager Ron Washington, Pattillo's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0.

In the 8th, with one out and one on, Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez attempted to pick off Athletics baserunner Josh Reddick on a throw to Fielder. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Rangers Manager Washington, Pattillo's ruling was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Athletics were leading, 4-0.

On the very next play, Athletics batter Daric Barton hit a 2-2 fastball from Martinez on the fly to center fielder Leonys Martin, who caught and threw to Fielder as Reddick returned to first base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a request by Rangers Manager Washington and initiation by Crew Chief Nelson, Nelson's ruling was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Athletics were leading, 4-0. The Athletics ultimately won the contest, 4-0.

This is Marcus Pattillo (18)'s second, third Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Marcus Pattillo is now 2/3 (.667 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Jeff Nelson is now 1/2 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Jeff Nelson's crew is now 4/7 (.571 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 173rd, 174th, 175th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Rangers Manager Ron Washington is now 3/6 (.500 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 98/175 (.560 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Texas Rangers, 4/28/14
Video: Play overturned; Rangers get second out of the inning on reviewed pickoff at first (TEX)
Video: Play confirmed; Pattillo's safe call is confirmed on challenge #2 in the 8th (TEX)
Video: Play overturned; Reddick is doubled off at first on third Rangers review of game (TEX)

Sunday, April 27, 2014

MLB Instant Replay Review Stats: Week 4 Sabermetrics

Instant Replay Review Statistics and Sabermetrics are now available for MLB Week 4. As the numbers and trends begin to form, Close Call Sports and the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League continues with the strategic statistics reporting, or what may be the first measure of umpire-centric sabermetrics in professional baseball. Visit Instant Replay Review Statistics 101: Week 1 Sabermetrics for an introduction to Replay Review definitions and terms, including Review Affirmation Percentage (RAP), also known as QOC (Quality of Correctness), Replay Percentage of Success (RPS), alternatively, 1.000 - RAP = RPS, and Manager's Challenge Success Percentage (CSP).

With Week 4 of the MLB Regular Season in the books, the UEFL recaps professional baseball's "this time it counts" living experiment with Instant Replay Reviews. Bearing in mind that with n=171, our sample size is still fairly small.

Key bullet points:
"Team Most Used" (Made use of Replay Review most often): Oakland Athletics - 14.
"Manager's Challenge Leaders" (Most challenges filed): R Renteria - 11.
"Most successful Manager" (Manager with highest CSP): F Gonzalez - 1.000 in 2/2.
"Least successful Manager" (Manager with lowest CSP): J Gibbons - .000 in 0/5.
"Umpire most questioned" (Ump with most Replay Reviews): Wolcott, Davidson - 6.
"Crew most questioned" (Crew Chief whose crew has most Reviews): Gerry Davis - 15.
"Most accurate umpire" (Umpire with greatest RAP): Reynolds, Carapazza - 1.000 in 4/4.
"Umpire of greatest overturn" (Umpire with lowest RAP): Gerry Davis - .000 in 0/3.
"Overall affirmation or QOC percentage" (Overall RAP): .567 (97/171 Affirmed Replay Reviews).
Team Status Pre-Review (Winning or Losing prior to review [Win-Loss-Tied]): 54-70-46.
Team Status Post-Review (Game Record [W-L]): 81-89. (Delta: 27-19; WPCT: .587).

Actual data:

MLB Instant Replay Review 172: Bill Welke (02)

Instant Replay Review overturned HP Umpire Bill Welke's HBP no-call (ball one) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Angels-Yankees game. With one out and one on, Yankees batter Brian McCann took a 2-2 fastball from Angels pitcher Nick Maronde inside and high. Upon Instant Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, Welke's ruling that the pitched ball did not contact McCann was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Yankees were leading, 3-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Bill Welke (52)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Bill Welke is now 0/2 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Dan Iassogna's crew is now 2/4 (.500 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 172nd Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Yankees Manager Joe Girardi is now 6/9 (.667 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 97/171* (.567 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. New York Yankees, 4/27/14
Video: Play reversed; Yanks get a baserunner and a new pitcher after replay review (ESPN)

MLB Instant Replay Review 170: Larry Vanover (02)

Instant Replay Review reversed 1B Umpire Larry Vanover's safe call in the top of the 7th inning of the Rockies-Dodgers game. With none out and none on, Rockies batter Brandon Barnes hit a 3-2 fastball from Dodgers pitcher Brandon League on the ground to second baseman Justin Turner, who threw to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez as Barnes arrived at first base. Upon Instant Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly, Vanover's ruling that Gonzalez did not catch the ball and tag first base ahead of Barnes' arrival was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Rockies were leading, 6-1. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

This is Larry Vanover (27)'s second Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Larry Vanover is now 0/2 (.000 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Chief Larry Vanover's crew is now 3/8 (.375 Affirmation Rate) in Replay Reviews in 2014.

This is the 170th Instant Replay Review of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly is now 2/6 (.333 Success) in Replay Reviews in 2014.
Umpires are now 97/170 (.571 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 4/27/14
Video: Play reversed; Dodgers get a seventh inning out on reversed call at first base (LAD)