Saturday, July 23, 2011

Ejections: Sam Holbrook (2)

HP Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Giants Bench Coach Ron Wotus for arguing a ball one call in the top of the 4th inning of the Brewers-Giants game. With one out and none on, Brewers batter Richie Weeks took a 0-1 fastball from Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong for a ball. Replays indicate the pitch was thigh high, but off the outside corner of the plate, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 1-0. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Sam Holbrook (34)'s second ejection of 2011.
Sam Holbrook now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Sam Holbrook is owned as a Secondary Umpire by HIGHSCHOOLUMP, who is now tied for 15th place in the UEFL with 10 points.

This is the 127th ejection of 2011.
This is Ron Wotus' first ejection of 2011.
This is Sam Holbrook's first ejection with Joe West's crew.

Wrap: Brewers at Giants Wrap 7/23/11
Video: Holbrook Ejects Wotus

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Polls: Ejection Rate

A quiet week: Umpire fantasy or simply par for the course? Since Ejections: Chad Fairchild (3, 4)Ejections: Eric Cooper (1) & Ejections: Mike Muchlinski (3) last Sunday, we haven't seen any ejections at the MLB level. *EDIT: No sooner did we post this poll, we noticed a late ejection addition in last night's A's-Yankees contest. The ejection of A's Batting Coach Gerald Perry by HP Umpire Marty Foster was not listed in the box score as of 5am this morning... it since has been added and our write-up will follow shortly.* That makes 32 33 ejections since July 1 (remember the news outlets' predictions for July ejections topping 70? The UEFL still stands by our prediction in the 42 range). Still, a week without ejections allows us to visit discussions and put out a case play. It also coincides nicely with the end of our most recent poll regarding your All-Star Umpiring Crews. This week, we'll ask about your own personal ejection rate.

Previous Poll (All-Star Umpiring Crew) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: All-Star Umpires, asked who you would place on your personal All-Star crew. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we see a mix of popular umpires making appearances. Based solely on vote count, here is the UEFL All-Star Umpiring Crew as decided by you (Total Votes: 333):
  • HP: Jim Joyce -cc - 45% - Joyce has a good reputation as honorable & decent around these parts; that surely helped him secure the top spot.
  • 1B: Jim Wolf - 42% - Wolf has surely grown popular through his work ethic, calm demeanor, and dedication to the job.
  • 2B: Tim McClelland - 35% - The reliable veteran, McClelland has persisted in baseball as a quiet umpire who simply goes to work and gets the job done.
  • 3B: Ted Barrett - 26% - The personable Barrett is admired and revered for his conduct and attitude on the field; he is often seen as a peacemaker.
  • LF: Tim Tschida - 25% - Tschida has been there, done that throughout his career, and maintains his respect through the present day.
  • RF: Dale Scott - 25% - Scott, like Joyce, had a late surge of voting contribute to his placement on this crew; perhaps his real-life All-Star performance reminded some voters of his ability. 
Also receiving votes, and named as alternates, were: HP: Jeff Nelson (21%), 1B: Alfonso Marquez (21%), 2B: Gerry Davis (20%), 3B: Dan Iassogna (19%), LF: Mark Wegner (18%), RF: Tom Hallion (18%). Second alternates were: HP: John Hirschbeck (16%), 1B: Ed Hickox (15%), 2B: Joe West (15%), 3B: Brian O'Nora (15%), LF: Angel Hernandez (12%), RF: Dana DeMuth (11%)

Current Poll: In your best estimation, what is your personal ejection rate? Open for discussion: is there a trend to eject more/less in a certain level of ball? Is there a trend to eject more/less during a certain part of one's umpiring career?

When you umpire, what is your average ejection rate?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Ejections: Marty Foster (5)

HP Umpire Marty Foster ejected A's Batting Coach Gerald Perry for arguing a strike two call in top of the 4th inning of the A's-Yankees game. With none out and one on, A's batter Josh Willingham took a 1-1 fastball for strike two from Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes. Replays indicate the pitch was located below the midpoint between the batter's shoulders and top of uniform pants and over home plate, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 14-5. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 17-7.

This is Marty Foster (60)'s fifth ejection of 2011.
Marty Foster now has 20 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (16 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 20).
Marty Foster was not drafted in 2011.

This is the 126th ejection of 2011.
This ejection was not originally listed in the box score, but was added shortly before Saturday's A's-Yankees game.
This is Gerald Perry's first ejection of 2011 and first ejection since being re-hired in June as Batting Coach for the A's.

Wrap: A's at Yankees 7/22/11
Video: N/A

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Case Plays: Right of Way

This Case Play has been completed. Congratulations to UEFL League Members cyclone14, RichMSN, clement30, and kickersrule, and new UEFL'ers UIC FGF and Bluecoral5, for correctly answering at least one part of the posted scenario. The correct response is:

(a) B1, R1, and R2 are each awarded two bases from the time of the pitch. This results in R2 scoring, R1 being awarded 3B and B1 being awarded 2B. The score is 7-4 with 2 outs. Rule 7.05(g).
(b-1) Bases are awarded as in (a). Once the appeal is properly made, B1 may be declared out, which ends the top half of the inning and negates the run. The score is 6-4 in the middle of the 11th inning. Rules 7.10(b), 7.12, 7.05(i) Comment, and 4.09(a)(2).
(b-2) It is possible to declare obstruction if one judges the fielder is no longer in the act of fielding when contact is made. If obstruction has been declared, it is Rule 7.06(a) ("Type A") Obstruction because the batter-runner has not yet touched first base at the time of obstruction. The ball is immediately dead, and most likely, bases are awarded as in (a). Once the appeal is properly made, B1 may be declared out, which carries the same result as in (b-1). If the umpire judges the obstruction as particularly violent or flagrant, B1 may also be declared safe and the appeal denied, under Rule 9.01(c). Rules 2.00 (Obstruction) Comment, 7.06(a), 7.06(a) Comment, 9.01(c).

3 Point Added to:
cyclone14, who is now tied for 7th place in the UEFL with 17 points. (a, b-1, c)
RichMSN, who is now tied for 7th place in the UEFL with 17 points. (a, b-1, c)
UIC FGF, who is now tied for 28th place in the UEFL with 3 points. (a, b-1, c)
Bluecoral5, who is now tied for 28th place in the UEFL with 3 points. (a, b-1, c)
Anonymous 2 (a, b-2, c)

2 points Added to:
kickersrule, who is now tied for 5th place in the UEFL with 18 points. (a, b-1)
clement30, who is now in 27th place in the UEFL with 4 points. (a, c)

1 point Added to:
Anonymous 1 (b-2)

Thank you for participating in this Case Play and congratulations to all participants, who responded with at least partial correctness. Stay tuned for further Case Plays. The original Case Play post has been reproduced below.

Pursuant to UEFL Rule 4.f., this Case Play is open for 48 hours from the time of this post (7/19/11 at 11:15AM). During this time, all Case Play responses will remain in moderation (screened or invisible) until the 48 hour submission period is closed. To receive full point(s) credit, you must answer the following scenario correctly, including any relevant MLB Rule(s) and all relevant results of the play after applying said rule(s).

Video: Collision at 1st Base

Using the Official Baseball Rules (OBR), please answer the following scenario:

As in the video above, with the visiting team leading 6-4, there are two out and two on in the top of the 11th inning. B1 hits a slow roller to F1, who turns and throws high to F3, who must jump in an attempt to catch the ball. The throw is too high for the leaping F3 and the ball sails over his head as B1 collides with the airborne fielder at the first base bag. (Per the video, consider if we have an interference/obstruction call to make.) Next is where this Case Play differs from the video: the ball bounces into the spectator area behind the first base dugout. Assuming B1 never touches the first base bag during this sequence, answer the following... (a) How shall play resume (if applicable), assuming the defense doesn't notice B1 missed first base? How many outs are there, what is the score, and where are the runners (if applicable)? (b) How shall play resume (if applicable), assuming the defense does notice B1 missed first base and acts appropriately (is this even necessary?)? How many outs are there, what is the score, and where are the runners (if applicable)? (c) Cite your rules for both parts a & b. You may cite your rules directly within your (a) and (b) responses or separately in (c). (1 pt for [a], 1 pt for [b], 1 pt for [c])

Consult the UEFL Rulesbook for further information regarding Rule 4.f and Case Plays.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Discussions: Unsportsmanlike Conduct

In the baseball world and in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League, "tension" has become a trending topic. Indeed, after Umpire Odds & Ends: All-Star & July Ejections and Umpire Odds & Ends: West & Hernandez; Say it Ain't So, Joe, this is our third thread with related overtones. This time, we exclusively examine the issues of fighting and throwing at batters in baseball. Since 2008 and through July 17, 2011, there have been a total of 699 ejections in baseball. Of these, 80 ejections (or 11.4%) have been because of fighting or throwing at a batter. At the UEFL, these two Unsporting ejections under Rule 6.b.ii.e. are our bread & butter. As their incidence appears to increase, stay tuned for our end of the year Rules Summit to see if Rule 6.b.ii.e. is tweaked just a little.

One of our commenters recently asked "Why is it that the Red Sox have been involved in so many fights and unsporting acts and plays in the past season?" Another UEFL'er responded, "[I] think you are a bit biased on that, not saying the Red Sox havn't had their share of incidences, can't say it's a whole lot more than others though." Well, as we often do, let's take a look at the numbers, shall we?

Regarding Fighting/Throwing At incidents this season (there have been 17 such ejections):
Fighting: 2 BOS / 2 BAL
Throwing At: 3 BAL / 2 BOS / 2 AZ / 2 HOU / 2 WSH / 1 CLE / 1 FL

Regarding Fighting/Throwing At incidents last season (21 ejections):
Fighting: 1 BOS / 1 CIN / 1 FL / 1 SD / 1 STL / 1 WSH
Throwing At: 3 LAD / 3 WSH / 2 ATL / 2 FL / 2 MIL / 1 BAL / 1 BOS / 1 CLE / 1 SEA

Regarding Fighting/Throwing At incidents in 2009 (15 ejections):
Fighting: 1 BOS / 1 DET / 1 NYY / 1 TOR
Throwing At: 2 CLE / 2 DET / 2 FL / 2 LAA / 1 BOS / 1 LAD / 1 PIT

Regarding Fighting/Throwing At incidents in 2008 (27 ejections):
Fighting: 2 CLE / 2 CWS / 2 DET / 2 TB / 1 BOS / 1 COL / 1 KC / 1 LAA / 1 LAD / 1 NYY / 1 SEA
Throwing At: 2 KC / 2 NYY / 2 STL / 1 ATL / 1 BAL / 1 BOS / 1 MIL / 1 MIN / 1 TOR

Totals (2008-Present):
Boston Red Sox - 10 Ejections
Baltimore Orioles - 7 Ejections
Cleveland Indians - 6 Ejections
Florida Marlins - 6 Ejections
Washington Nationals - 6 Ejections
Detroit Tigers - 5 Ejections
Los Angeles Dodgers - 4 Ejections
New York Yankees - 4 Ejections

The Red Sox undoubtedly lead all teams in Fighting/Throwing At ejections since 2008, and the Red Sox are the only team that have been active in both the Fighting & Throwing At reasons for ejection every season since 2008; however, with 12.5% of all fighting/throwing at ejections involving the dismissal of Red Sox personnel, does this mean they are significantly more unsportsmanlike than other teams (if all 30 teams were represented equally, the figure should be 3.3%; the #2 team, the Orioles, make up 8.8% of these ejections... is 3.7% significant?)? Are the American League 
East and Central more prone to unsporting competition (AL East & Central teams have combined for 40% of fighting/throwing at ejections since 2008)? As we usually do here, we present you with the facts; it is up to you to form your own conclusions.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Ejections: Chad Fairchild (3, 4)

HP Umpire Chad Fairchild ejected Rays Manager Joe Maddon for arguing a check swing call made by 3B Umpire Jim Reynolds and Rays Bench Coach Dave Martinez for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in the top of the 11th inning of the Red Sox-Rays game. For the Maddon ejection, with none out and three on, Red Sox batter Josh Reddick attempted to check his swing on a 2-2 slider from Rays pitcher Jake McGee. Replays indicate Reddick did not appear to have attempted to strike the pitch, the call was correct. Reddick would ultimately strike out to end his at bat. For the Martinez ejection, Red Sox batter Marco Scutaro popped out to Rays catcher Kelly Shoppach to end the top of the 11th inning. Martinez alleged Scutaro tossed or threw his bat in the direction of Shoppach in an attempt to distract or injure Shoppach, in an unsuccessful attempt at preventing him from completing the put out. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 1-0, in 16 innings.

These are Chad Fairchild (75)'s third and fourth ejections of 2011.
Chad Fairchild now has 9 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmate] = 9).
Chad Fairchild was not drafted in 2011.

These are the 124th and 125th ejections of 2011.
This is the 61st Manager ejection of 2011.
This Joe Maddon's fifth ejection of 2011, which is tied for the lead amongst all Managers.

Wrap: Red Sox at Rays 7/17/11 Wrap
Video: Fairchild Tosses Maddon, Martinez

Ejections: Eric Cooper (1)

HP Umpire Eric Cooper ejected Astros Manager Brad Mills for arguing a strike call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Pirates-Astros game. With two out and one on, Astros batter Jeff Keppinger took a 3-0 fastball for a called strike one and a 3-1 cutter for a called strike two from Pirates pitcher Kevin Correia. Replays indicate that the strike one pitch caught the edge of the plate above the knees and the strike two pitch over the heart of the plate at the knees, the call was correct.*^ Keppinger subsequently hit a home run after the Mills ejection on a 3-2 pitch. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 7-5, in 11 innings.

This is Eric Cooper (56)'s first ejection of 2011.
Eric Cooper now has 4 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Eric Cooper was not drafted in 2011.
* Pitch #4 (called strike one) is correct under the 'Kulpa' Rule because it had a px value of -0.901, which is in the borderline range (0.901 to 1.000, 0.000 to 0.900 is the strike range).
^ Quality of Correctness was challenged and confirmed ("Correct" ==> "Correct").

This is the 123rd ejection of 2011.
This is the 60th Manager ejection of 2011.
This is Brad Mills' fifth ejection of 2011, which leads all Managers.

Wrap: Pirates at Astros 6/17/11 Wrap
Video: Brad Mills is ejected by Eric Cooper

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Ejections: Mike Muchlinski (3)

2B Umpire Mike Muchlinski ejected Cardinals shortstop Ryan Theriot for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Cardinals-Reds game. With one out and one on, Reds batter Joety Votto hit a ground ball to Cardinals second basemen Skip Schumaker to Theriot. Reds R1 Zack Cozart was ruled safe at second. Replays indicate that Theriot did have his foot on second prior to gaining possession of the ball, however had lost contact of second base before he finally gained possession, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Mike Muchlinski (76)'s third ejection of 2011.
Mike Muchlinski now has 15 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (10 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 15).
Mike Muchlinski was not drafted in 2011.

This is the 122nd ejection of 2011.
This is the 58th player ejection of 2011.
Prior to his ejection, Theriot was 0-3 in the contest.

Wrap: Cardinals at Reds 7/17/11 Wrap
Video: Muchlinski ejects Theriot