Saturday, April 9, 2016

MLB Ejection 003 - Paul Emmel (1; Brad Ausmus)

HP Umpire Paul Emmel ejected Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus for arguing a ball two call in the top of the 5th inning of the Yankees-Tigers game. With one out and none on, Yankees batter Starlin Castro took a 1-1 fastball from Tigers pitcher Buck Farmer for a called second ball. Replays indicate that of the two callable pitches ruled a ball and preceding ejection to Castro and to earlier batters Brian McCann (single) and Carlos Beltran (home run), all were properly officiated as balls (5/5, 100% Accuracy), including the call immediately preceding ejection, which was located off the inner edge of home plate and letter-high (px -1.272*, pz 3.369), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 8-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Paul Emmel (50)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Paul Emmel now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).
*Px would have to had been less than |.916| in order for the pitch to have been a strike.

This is the third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 2nd Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Tigers' 1st ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL Central (DET 1; CLE, CWS, KC, MIN 0).
This is Brad Ausmus' first ejection since August 21, 2015 (Ron Kulpa; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is Paul Emmel's first ejection since May 23, 2015 (Brian Matusz; QOC = U [Illegal Substance]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers (American League Baseball), 4/9/16
Video: Ausmus chirps too vehemently from dugout and is run from the game (DET, "Read more")

Friday, April 8, 2016

MLB Ejection 002 - Jeff Kellogg (1; Dave Roberts)

HP Umpire Jeff Kellogg ejected Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts for arguing a ball one call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Dodgers-Giants game. With one out and one on, Giants batter Trevor Brown took three consecutive pitches from Dodgers pitcher Chris Hatcher for called balls before hitting a home run on a 3-0 count; immediately thereafter, Ehire Adrianza walked on five pitches (four balls, one foul) and Denard Span took a first-pitch fastball for a called first ball. Replays indicate all eight callable pitches to Brown, Adrianza, and Span ruled as balls were located out of the strike zone (8/8; 100% Accuracy) with the pitch to Span located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px -1.136, pz 2.005), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 10 innings.

This is Jeff Kellogg (8)'s first ejection of 2016.
Jeff Kellogg now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*Px would have to had been less than |.916| in order for the pitch to Span to have been a strike.

This is the second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 1st Manager ejection of 2016.
This is the Dodgers' 1st ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL West (LAD 1; ARI, COL, SD, SF 0).
This is Dave Roberts' first career MLB ejection.
This is Jeff Kellogg's first ejection since August 24, 2015 (Erik Cordier; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants (National League Baseball), 4/8/16
Video: Having yanked his starter in the middle of a no-hitter bid, Roberts stung (LA, "Read more")

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Neighborhood Play No More - Tag Reviewed for 1st Time

The neighborhood play is officially dead as a replay review on a double play attempt at second base has resulted in an overturned call for the first time in regular season history, this ruling made possible after MLB eliminated from its Replay Review Regulations the V.D.3 exception that made so-called neighborhood plays (a fielder's tag of second base on a double play attempt) unreviewable. During the top of the 2nd inning of Thursday's Dodgers-Giants game, San Francisco appeared poised to turn an inning-ending double play to hold Los Angeles to a one-run lead. The 6-4-3 DP even appeared so routine that the Dodgers broadcast cut to commercial as any television feed would do at the end of an inning, similar to how a review was not immediately anticipated during two Opening Series in Atlanta and Tampa Bay (see: Bona Fide Slide Rule Applied for First Time).

Instead, freshman Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts challenged 2B Umpire Brian O'Nora's ruling that Giants 2B Joe Panik had tagged second base with his foot, resulting in a reversed call when replays revealed that Panik broke contact with the base prior to receiving SS Brandon Crawford's feed.

Unlike the overturned ruling in Florida that wiped out a Toronto lead and rewarded the Rays with a win, Thursday's reversed call in San Francisco had no apparent effect on the game's result: the Giants ultimately won the contest, 12-6.

You can submit close, controversial, or quirky plays to be featured as part of the UEFL Rules Review by sending a tweet to @UmpireEjections or @Gilimber on Twitter, or by posting a reply here or on the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League Facebook page. Video of the play after the 'read more' jump:

Injury - Kerwin Danley Hit in Helmet by 98 MPH Pitch

Kerwin Danley took a 98-mph fastball to the helmet during the first inning of Wednesday night's Tigers-Marlins game in Miami. With one out and none on in the top of the 1st, Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez threw a fastball over the inner half of home plate, missed entirely by catcher J.T. Realmuto and directly off the crown of Danley's hockey-style mask.

After a brief delay and evaluation by training staff, Danley remained in the game. With umpire Joe West's crew scheduled for a regular day off on Thursday, Danley will have an extra day to rest before his next potential game.

Danley's most recent injury behind home plate occurred on May 12, 2015 in Arizona, when he took a foul ball off a 94 mph pitch directly into the center of his HSM; Danley left the game as a result.
In the wake of a 2013 concussion, Danley took a bouncing ball to the facemask and left that game;
In 2009, Danley took a broken bat to the head and left the game on a stretcher after being concussed;
In 2008, Danley was knocked unconscious and removed by ambulance in Los Angeles after taking a 96 mph fastball directly to the jaw portion of his mask.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Running Lane Interference Only Applies to Fielder at First

The following analysis pertains to potential running lane interference in the Astros-Yankees game on April 5, 2016. It explains why HP Umpire Dana DeMuth's interference no-call was proper.

No Interference Between Home and First Base in New York (Video). In the top of the 8th inning of a tied Astros-Yankees game, Astros batter Carlos Correa hit a short ground ball up the first base line, where it was fielded by Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances, who attempted to throw to first baseman Mark Teixeira as Correa ran to first base. After Betances' wild throw sailed over Teixeira's head and into right field, causing a Houston run to score, Yankees Manager Joe Girardi argued with HP Umpire Dana DeMuth that Correa should be declared out for having run outside the batter-runner's lane on his way to first base. Though replays clearly indicate that Correa failed to run within the runner's lane and instead ran in fair territory the entire way down the first base line, DeMuth properly did not call B1 Correa out for runner's lane interference (RLI). Here's why:

OBR Rule 5.09(a)(11) states that a batter is out for runner's lane interference when, "In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, in which case the ball is dead." Wendelstedt interprets the rule relative to the "being fielded to first" action: "The determination is not whether the throw is true, but whether it could still reasonably retire the runner." Naturally, the whole thing is moot if the runner stays within the lane.

Under the written rule and its interpretation, RLI only occurs when the batter-runner interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base (in this case, it was first baseman Teixeira), NOT the fielder making the throw (in this case, pitcher Betances). Under Wendelstedt's interpretation, it is the thrower (Betances)'s responsibility to ensure his throw can reasonably retire the runner. If the throw cannot reasonably retire the runner, there cannot be runner's lane interference: the RLI rule is not designed to protect the player making the throw; it only protects the person taking it. Because Betances' wild throw could not have reasonably retired Correa, Correa could not have interfered and DeMuth's no call was correct.

SIDEBAR: The NCAA rule similarly states, "interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base," but unlike pro, has an approved ruling that would produce a different result for the Correa/Betances play, had it occurred in college. Under NCAA Rule 7-11-p A.R. 1, "If the batter-runner is running illegally to first base and his being outside the lane alters the throw of a fielder, hinders or alters a fielder’s opportunity to field the throw, or the batter-runner is hit by the throw that has been made in an attempt to make a play, it shall be called interference and the batter-runner is to be called out. Note: It is not runner’s lane interference if a fielder is not covering the base." So, under NCAA (and NFHS as well) rules, B1 Correa would be declared out if, in the umpire's judgment, his running illegally to first base caused F1 Betances to alter his throw.

For more information, refer to "Running Lane Interference and Advancing to First Base" (9/6/15).

You can submit close, controversial, or quirky plays to be featured as part of the UEFL Rules Review by sending a tweet to @UmpireEjections or @Gilimber on Twitter, or by posting a reply here or on the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League Facebook page.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

MLB Ejection 001 - Marvin Hudson (1; Tom Wilhelmsen)

HP Umpire Marvin Hudson ejected Rangers P Tom Wilhelmsen for throwing at Mariners batter Chris Iannetta in the top of the 8th inning of the Mariners-Rangers game. With none out and none on, Wilhelmsen surrendered a home run, double, double, and home run immediately preceding Iannetta's at bat before hitting Iannetta with a 0-0 fastball. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Iannetta on the back of the left thigh, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 8-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 10-2.

This is Marvin Hudson (51)'s first ejection of 2016.
Marvin Hudson now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 2).
Crew Chief Jim Joyce now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 2).

This is the first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
This is the 1st player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Wilhelmsen's line was 0.0 IP, 5 ER, HBP.
This is the Rangers' 1st ejection of 2016, 1st in the AL West (TEX 1; HOU, LAA, OAK, SEA 0).
This is Tom Wilhelmsen's first career MLB ejection.
This is Marvin Hudson's first ejection since September 7, 2015 (Dan Jennings; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers (American League), 4/6/15
Video: After four hits including two homers, Wilhelmsen hits Iannetta and is tossed (SEA, "Read more")

Monday, April 4, 2016

Bona Fide Force Play Slide Rule Applied for First Time

The force play slide 'Utley' rule was applied for the first time on Opening Day in Atlanta. The following photographic and rules analysis illustrates why this call was made.

Force Play Slide Rule at second in Atlanta (Video). With none out and a runner on first base, Braves batter Hector Olivera hit a ground ball to third base, resulting in a throw to second baseman Daniel Murphy ahead of baserunner R1 Nick Markakis and onto first base after B1 Olivera's arrival. 2B Umpire Paul Nauert ruled Markakis out at second base, and Olivera out at first base for the illegal actions of his teammate. This is the correct ruling. OBR Rule 6.01(j) states that, "If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01." There are four criteria to consider when judging whether a slide is "bona fide" (green/red coloring indicates whether Markakis satisfied or failed to satisfy the criterion):
1) The runner begins his slide and makes contact with the ground before reaching the base;
2) The runner is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;
3) The runner is able and attempts to remain on the base after completion of his slide; and,
4) The runner slides within reach without changing his path to initiate contact with a fielder.

To review, Markakis began his slide and contacted the ground prior to reaching second base. He was able and attempted to reach second base with his hand. He was unable to remain on the base after completing his slide. He slid within reach, but changed his path to initiate contact with the middle infielder. Therefore, this is not a bona fide slide and interference was properly called.

SIDEBAR: "Bona Fide Slide" is a reviewable play and Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez considered challenging the play, but ultimately decided not to after consulting with his video replay coordinator. Chase Utley himself, because of whom the rule is believed to have been crafted, violated the so-called "Buster Posey" rule regarding home plate collisions in San Diego during the Dodgers-Padres Opening Day game by initiating a roll-block on the catcher; however, he was tagged out and declared out for that reason.

For more information on the bona fide or force play slide rule, click here to visit the UEFL University's discussion and analysis of FPSR Rule 6.01(j).

You can submit close, controversial, or quirky plays to be featured as part of the UEFL Rules Review by sending a tweet to @UmpireEjections or @Gilimber on Twitter, or by posting a reply here or on the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League Facebook page.

Batter Prince Fielder's Illegal Action and Interference

The following is analysis of batter Prince Fielder's illegal action on Opening Day in Texas.

Batter's Illegal Action Interference in Texas (Video). With one out and a runner on first base in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Mariners-Rangers game, Rangers batter Prince Fielder took a 0-1 pitch inside as baserunner R1 Shin-Soo Choo attempted to steal second base and Mariners catcher Chris Iannetta threw to retire the runner. Replays indicate that in his attempt to avoid being hit by the inside pitch, the left-handed Fielder became off-balance and inadvertently stepped across home plate to prevent a fall. HP Umpire Jim Joyce ruled this act interfered with F2 Iannetta, resulting in Fielder being declared out and Choo returned to first base. This is the correct ruling. OBR Rule 6.03(a)(3) states that "a batter is out for illegal action when...he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base." It is irrelevant why Fielder stepped out of the batter's box; the mere fact he did step out of the batter's box and subsequently interfered with Iannetta sufficiently satisfies the criteria for Rule 6.03(a)(3) concerning batter illegal action.

SIDEBAR: One might note that after 2B Umpire James Hoye signaled baserunner Choo "safe," Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte motioned to his dugout as if to request a Manager's Challenge. Had the Mariners elected to challenge the play at second base (Q: Why?) and subsequently won the challenge with Choo being declared out, Fielder would no longer be out for an illegal action as the caught stealing play would stand and the interference disregarded (A: To eliminate the baserunner at the cost of keeping Fielder at bat). Had this sequence occurred on a third strike, both Fielder and Choo would have been out pursuant to 6.01(a)(5) (Fielder for the strikeout; Choo for the interference). Regardless, batter illegal action/interference is scored as a putout to the catcher (2 unassisted).

You can submit quirky plays to be featured as part of the UEFL Rules Review by sending a tweet to @UmpireEjections or @Gilimber on Twitter, or by posting on the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League Facebook page.

Dreckman to Disabled List - Replacement Draft

Umpire Bruce Dreckman is on the Disabled List to start the season, joining veteran Tim Welke whose own retirement will take effect at the conclusion of the 2016 season. This is the latest in a series of DL stints for Dreckman (1), who similarly missed the entire 2012 and 2014 seasons, and approximately one month of 2015, due to medical leave.

Dreckman is a member of Tom Hallion's crew, which includes Phil Cuzzi and Dan Bellino. His vacancy will be covered by a designated AAA call-up umpire.

UEFL participants who drafted Bruce Dreckman are eligible to select an emergency substitute pursuant to the Qualified Alteration of Drafted Umpires procedure (UEFL Rule 1-5-a), and have been notified.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Replay's First Wrinkle of 2016 - Ball and Runner

It didn't take long for 2016's first issue with Replay Review to arise. With one out and runners at the corners in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the Opening Day Cardinals-Pirates game—the first regular season game played across MLB by time of day—Pirates batter Francisco Liriano (yes, a pitcher had the first RBI of the 2016 season) slugged a strong grounder between first and second base as Pirates baserunner R1 Jordy Mercer attempted to jump over the bounding batted ball.

After 1B Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt signaled that no contact had occurred between ball and runner, Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny called over Crew Chief Jerry Layne for a second opinion and request for Replay Review. Upon brief consultation with New York Replay, the umpires determined the play was not reviewable and the call, accordingly stood.

Replays (which, by rule, were not consulted) appear to indicate the batted ball did not touch R1 Mercer, Wendelstedt's call (which, by rule, was not reviewed) was correct.

2016 UEFL Draft Results

The 2016 UEFL draft is complete; here are the results, and here is the 2016 standings page.

Crew Chief Draft: There were 17 different crew chiefs drafted (100% of those available, not including the injured Tim Welke): The most commonly drafted was Joe West, who was selected 21 times, followed by Jeff Nelson, who was selected 10 times. The least commonly drafted was Brian Gorman, who was drafted once, followed by Fieldin Culbreth, Larry Vanover, Dana DeMuth, and Gary Cederstrom, who were each drafted two times.

Primary Umpire Draft: 55 different umpires were drafted in the Primary, or 58.5% of the total field, not including T Welke (39 of 94 total umpires were not drafted in the Primary round). Dan Bellino was most commonly selected as a Primary Umpire (19 selections), followed by Joe West (13 times) and Angel Hernandez (12).

Secondary Umpire Draft: 59 different umpires were drafted as Secondaries, or 79.7% of the 74  Major League umpires available for the Secondary Draft. Vic Carapazza was the most drafted Secondary Umpire (15 selections), followed by Dan Bellino (12) and Joe West (11).

Undrafted Free Agents: Umpires not selected in any of the above drafts include Chris Conroy, Mike DiMuro, David Rackley, Tony Randazzo, and Bill Welke. Additionally, Dana DeMuth, Brian Gorman, and Larry Vanover were only drafted in the Crew Chief category.

For complete draft results, including interactive charts for the Crew Chief, Primary and Secondary Umpire drafts, click through to read more, and visit the 2016 Standings page on the UEFL Portal for updated standings information during the season.