Saturday, July 25, 2015

MLB Ejection 135: Jeff Nelson (1; Paul Molitor)

HP Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Twins Manager Paul Molitor for arguing a strike three (check swing) call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Yankees-Twins game. With two out and three on, Twins batter Aaron Hicks attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Yankees pitcher Adam Warren for a swinging third strike. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (8-0-0), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 5-1. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 8-5.

This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s first ejection of 2015.
Jeff Nelson now has ? points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB + ? Call = ?).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has ? points in Crew Division (5 Previous + ? Call = ?).

This is the 135th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 61st Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Twins' 3rd ejection of 2015, 5th in the AL Central (KC 10; CWS, DET 5; CLE 4; MIN 3).
This is Paul Molitor's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since June 10 (Mark Ripperger; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jeff Nelson's first ejection since March 29, 2015 (Terry Pendleton; QOC = U [Balk]).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins, 7/25/15
Video: Molitor doesn't like a bases-loaded strike three call to end the inning, is tossed (MIN)

2015 No-Hitter 3: Phil Cuzzi (2; Cole Hamels)

HP Umpire Phil Cuzzi called Phillies P Cole Hamels' no-hitter, the third of 2015. Cuzzi was joined for Saturday's Phillies-Cubs game by crew chief Gerry Davis (1B), Will Little (2B), and Tony Randazzo (3B). This is Cuzzi's second career no-hitter (Bud Smith; September 3, 2001).

Saturday's is the first MLB no-hitter since June 20, 2015 (Mike Muchlinski; Max Scherzer).

Cuzzi received 68 callable pitches from Hamels, a total of 44 balls and 24 called strikes. The look:

Balls: 42 called balls outside of strike zone / 2 called balls within strike zone = 42/44 = 95.5% Accuracy.
Strikes: 20 called strikes inside strike zone / 4 called strikes outside strike zone = 20/24 = <90.0% Accuracy.
Total Raw Accuracy Score = 63/68 = 92.6% Accuracy (+2 for Hamels).

Pitch f/x plot courtesy Brooks Baseball. Note: This plot is a graphical approximation of the strike zone and is
not the basis for analysis.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

MLB Ejection 134: Hunter Wendelstedt (2; Bob Melvin)

HP Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Athletics Manager Bob Melvin for arguing a strike one call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Blue Jays-Athletics game. With one out and one on, A's batter Stephen Vogt took a first-pitch fastball from Blue Jays pitcher for a called first strike as A's baserunner Billy Burns attempted to steal second base off Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and thigh high (px .277, pz 2.608), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Athletics ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Hunter Wendesltedt (21)'s second ejection of 2015.
Hunter Wendelstedt now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct = 10).
Crew Chief Hunter Wendelstedt now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 7).

This is the 134th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 60th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the A's' 3rd ejection of 2015, 3rd in the AL West (HOU, SEA 4; OAK 3; LAA, TEX 2).
This is Bob Melvin's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since April 26 (Quinn Wolcott; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Hunter Wendelstedt's first ejection since May 18, 2015 (Nick Hundley; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics, 7/22/15
Video: Melvin questions the possibility of a pitchout called a strike and is tossed from the dugout (OAK)

MLB Ejections 132-133: Carapazza (3-4; Ward, Leone)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Diamondbacks Hitting Coach Turner Ward for arguing a warnings/ejection non-call in the bottom of the 6th and Diamondbacks P Dominic Leone for throwing at Marlins batter Christian Yelich in the top of the 7th inning of the Marlins-Diamondbacks game. In the 6th, with two out and none on, Diamondbacks batter David Peralta took a 0-2 fastball from Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Peralta on the helmet, the call was irrecusable (No batters had been hit by pitches in the game prior to Peralta). In the 7th, with two out and none on, Marlins batter Yelich took a 2-0 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Leone for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Yelich on the backside, the call was irrecusable. At the time of both ejections, the Marlins were leading, 5-2. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

These are Vic Carapazza (19)'s third and fourth ejections of 2015.
Vic Carapazza now has 0 points in the UEFL Standings (-4 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable] = 0).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2 Irrecusable Call = 4).

These are the 132nd and 133rd ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 63rd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Leone's line was 1.2 IP, 0 ER, SO.
This is the D-Backs' 2/3rd ejection of 2015, 5th in the NL West (SD 12; LAD 7; SF 5; COL 4; ARI 3).
This is Turner Ward's first ejection since June 12, 2013 (Clint Fagan; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Dominic Leone's first career MLB ejection.
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since July 11, 2015 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = N [Foul/HBP]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 7/22/15
Video: Ward yells at Carapazza and is kicked out, all while Peralta lies injured at the plate (ARI)
Video: Leone retaliates for the earlier HBP and is immediately expelled for the intentional beanball ()

MLB Ejection 131: Adam Hamari (2; Joe Maddon)

1B Umpire Adam Hamari ejected Cubs Manager Joe Maddon for arguing a balk call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Cubs-Reds game. With one out and one on, Cubs pitcher Kyle Kendricks attempted to pick off Reds baserunner R1 Tucker Barnhart. Replays indicate Kendricks threw from the rubber to directly to first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who was positioned several steps in front of first base and did not appear to attempt to retire Barnhart, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 4-1. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 9-1.

This is Adam Hamari (78)'s second ejection of 2015.
Adam Hamari now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct = 10).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 8 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 8).
*The official interpretation reads: "The pitcher shall be charged with a balk if, while in contact with the rubber, he throws to the first baseman who is either in front of or behind first base and obviously not making an attempt at retiring the runner at first base. However, there is no violation if the pitcher throws the ball directly to first base in this situation. Also note that there is no violation if the pitcher attempts a pickoff at second and throws to an infielder who is in front of or behind that base (i.e., this violation is only in reference to pick-offs at first [and third] base)."

This is the 131st ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 59th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Cubs' 5th ejection of 2015, T-1st in the NL Central (CHC, CIN, STL 5; PIT 4; MIL 3).
This is Joe Maddon's 3rd ejection of 2015, 1st since May 6 (DJ Reyburn; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Adam Hamari's first ejection since June 9, 2015 (Jay Bruce; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds (Doubleheader Game 1), 7/22/15
Video: Balk for failure to throw to active fielder or directly to the base prompts Maddon's early exit (CHC)

2B Bounding Ball Over Ground Rules-Less Kauffman

A Pirates' fly ball bouncing off and over the outfield wall in Kansas City produced a rule-book double upon a Crew Chief review, effectively overturning the umpires' original on-field ruling of a home run. With replays clearly showing Starling Marte's drive hitting high off the fence in left field before kicking in the air and landing beyond the wall, all while in fair territory, Pittsburgh Manager Clint Hurdle was left wondering how such a high-flying hit could be declared anything but a homer, especially after ruled a home run on the field by 3B Umpire Phil Cuzzi and crew chief Gerry Davis.

Here's how.

Official Baseball Rule 6.09 (2015 OBR 5.05(a)(5)) states that a batter shall have hit a home run and be entitled to touch all four bases when, "A fair ball passes over a fence or into the stands at a distance from home base of 250 feet or more." Oddly enough, the rule governing a fair ball passing over the fence at this distance greater than 250' fails to include the term "fly ball," but the phrase makes an appearance just one sentence later, in regards to the no-longer existing short dimension: "A fair fly ball that passes out of the playing field at a point less than 250 feet from home base shall entitle the batter to advance to second base only."

Regardless, the rule regarding a home run pertains specifically to a "fair fly ball," and moreso we're looking for a fair fly ball that passes over top of the wall. Replays clearly indicate the ball hit the wall several feet below its top (since, at Kauffman Stadium, the railing/chain-link portion in front of fans is considered part of the outfield wall [we thought MLB might want to shift Kauffman away from the Universal Ground Rules following that particular 2011 play, but...they didn't]), meaning that we essentially have a ball hitting mid-wall, and caroming off that at a height that enabled it to bounce out of the playing field.

Remember this photo? KC's lack of Stadium-specific
ground rules has once again caused confusion.
Subsequent provision (8) governs, "Any bounding fair ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over or under a fence on fair or foul territory, in which case the batter and all runners shall be entitled to advance two bases." Yet we also know, pursuant to provision (9), that "Any fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over the fence into foul territory, in which case the batter shall be entitled to advance to second base; but if deflected into the stands or over the fence in fair territory, the batter shall be entitled to a home run."

So at this point, our key distinction is "bounding fair ball" versus "fair fly ball," or simply "bounding" vs "fly."

Bounding: A bounding ball is one that has bounced (and specifically bounced off of the ground, wall, or any other object which is not a defensive player); we see the term "bounded" in two places within the rules: Regarding fair/foul status on a batted ball passing first or third base, and regarding a fair ball entering the stands. A ball is said to be "bounding to the outfield" if it has been batted, and more practically, if it has touched the ground prior to the front edge of first/third base. A ball is bounding over the wall, similarly, if it has touched the playing field in some way prior to leaving it.

Fly: A ball is on the fly as long as it has not been touched (e.g., catching a ball "on the fly" for an air out). In the case of passing first/third base for determining fair/foul, in stark contrast to a bounding ball, a fly ball is not adjudged to be fair/foul until it is no longer a fly - until it has touched something, or more overtly, has changed direction from its natural descent. Usage: Sacrifice fly, infield fly, etc.

Deflected: To cover all of our bases, a deflected ball is one whose trajectory has changed by virtue of a player touching the ball - whether after being a bounding ball or a fly ball. Usage: As in (9), a defensive player deflecting a fly ball over the fence in fair territory results in a home run.

As you can see, bounding and fly are mutually exclusive and, generally speaking, a fly ball could precede a bounding ball on the same play, but a bounding ball will not precede a fly ball.

Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City has long held no unique ground rules (which itself has caused major problems in the past, even with replay review in existence), meaning that the actual OBR set of rules referenced above were the only regulations governing this play. (So this is effectively our second campaign to get Kauffman its own set of ground rules since we've now seen two HR/Not HR calls ruled incorrectly on the field on balls first striking below the full height/railing of the wall, since the Universal Ground Rules predates Kauffman's addition of the spectator-friendly railing extension. Other facilities, such as Pittsburgh, have ground rules specifically addressing height disparities amongst its outfield walls [at PNC Park, a similar play pursuant to ground rule would likely be a home run; absent ground rule, it would be a two-base award similar to the present play in KC].)

Replays of the Pirates non-HR indicate the fair fly ball struck the outfield wall in left field, at which point the fly ball became a bounding ball. The now-bounding ball caromed high in the air before falling on the out-of-play side of the fence in left (also in fair territory). Because a bounding ball exited the playing field, as opposed to a fly ball in flight, Rule 6.09 (2015 OBR 5.05(a)(8)) took effect (as opposed to, say 5.05(a)(5)), meaning the batter was awarded two bases for the bounding ball exiting the playing field.

Video: Starling is sent to second on fly ball ruling which is reversed to the status of "bounding" (PIT)

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Ejectionless Bench-Clearer in Giants v Padres Tilt

The benches cleared during the Giants-Padres game at Petco Park Tuesday night, leaving no ejections but plenty of hurt feelings in San Francisco's 9-0 blowout victory. Broadcasters at the time speculated a beanball might be brewing as retaliation for an earlier hit-by-pitch.

Gibson instructs Kelley to knock off the nonsense.
After Giants batter Hector Sanchez grounded out to lead off the top of the 9th inning, San Diego reliever Shawn Kelley and Sanchez exchanged words, resulting in a drawn out argument and intervention from all four umpires as crew chief Greg Gibson ordered the Giants to remain on their side of the third base foul line and the Padres not to advance any further.

Unfortunately for Gibson, a surprise surge by both bullpens from the rear in center field allowed several Giants to position themselves offsides before the crew of HP Umpire Chad Fairchild, 1B Umpire Sam Holbrook, 2B Umpire Gibson and 3B Umpire Clint Fagan restored order so that the Giants could finally put the Padres out of their misery, but not before scoring three runs to make the game somewhat respectable.

Video: Giants and Padres do the bench-clearing dance during a laugher at Petco (SD)

MLB Ejection 130: James Hoye (3; Don Mattingly)

HP Umpire James Hoye ejected Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly for arguing a strike one call in the top of the 8th inning of the Dodgers-Braves game. With none out and none on, Dodgers batter Justin Turner took a 3-0 fastball from Braves pitcher Luis Avilan for a called first strike before flying out on an ensuing pitch. Replays indicate the 3-0 pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px .996, pz 2.464), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 4-3. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is James Hoye (92)'s third ejection of 2015.
James Hoye now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (7 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 5).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 11 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 11).

This is the 130th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 58th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Dodgers' 7th ejection of 2015, 2nd in the NL West (SD 12; LAD 7; SF 5; COL 4; ARI 1).
This is Don Mattingly's 4th ejection of 2015, 1st since May 29 (Mike Winters; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is James Hoye's first ejection since June 3, 2015 (Dan Jennings; QOC = N-C [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves, 7/21/15
Video: As Turner jaws at Hoye after making out, Mattingly intercedes and gets himself tossed (ATL)

Monday, July 20, 2015

MLB Ejection 129: Paul Schrieber (1; David Ross)

HP Umpire Paul Schrieber ejected Cubs C David Ross for arguing a strike one (check swing) call in the top of the 7th inning of the Cubs-Reds game. With none out and none on, Cubs batter Dexter Fowler attempted to check his swing on a 1-0 splitter from Reds pitcher Burke Badenhop. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (1-7-0), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Reds were leading, 5-4. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Paul Schrieber (43)'s first ejection of 2015.
Paul Schrieber now has ? points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + ? Call = ?).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has ? points in Crew Division (7 Previous + ? Call = ?).

This is the 129th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 62nd player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Ross had not participated in the contest.
This is the Cubs' 4th ejection of 2015, T-3rd in the NL Central (CIN, STL 5; CHC, PIT 4; MIL 3).
This is David Ross' first ejection since August 23, 2014 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Paul Schrieber's first ejection since July 9, 2014 (Don Mattingly; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7/20/15
Video: Ross' and skipper Joe Maddon's objection to a swing call results in the bench player's ejection (CHC)

Sunday, July 19, 2015

MLB Replay Reviews, Week 15 (July 17 - July 19, 2015)

MLB umpires experienced 22 instant replay reviews during the week of July 17 - July 19, 2015 (-35 over prior week). Games played during this period featured the following MLB Replay Review decisions:
New York MLBAM Replay Official Crew Chiefs: 33 Mike Winters and 65 Ted Barrett.

MLB Ejection 128: Manny Gonzalez (2; Ian Kinsler)

HP Umpire Manny Gonzalez ejected Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler for arguing a strike one call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Orioles-Tigers game. With one out and two on, Kinsler took a 2-0 fastball from Orioles pitcher Miguel Gonzalez for a called first strike before flying out on the subsequent 2-1 pitch. Replays indicate the 2-0 pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -.776, pz 1.349 [sz_bot 1.460 / MOE 1.377]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 1-0. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 9-3.

This is Manny Gonzalez (79)'s second ejection of 2015.
Manny Gonzalez now has -4 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect = 3).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 5 points in Crew Division (5 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 5).

This is the 128th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 61st player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Kinsler was 0-2 in the contest.
This is the Tigers' 5th ejection of 2015, T-2nd in the AL Central (KC 10; CWS, DET 5; CLE 4; MIN 2).
This is Ian Kinsler's first ejection since July 24, 2012 (Tim Tschida; QOC = Y [Safe/Out]).
This is Manny Gonzalez's first ejection since April 26, 2015 (Jeff Banister; QOC = U [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. Detroit Tigers, 7/19/15
Video: After hitting a pop fly, Kinsler slams his bat towards home and is tossed for the demonstration (DET)