Saturday, July 2, 2016

MLB Ejection 097 - Brian Knight (3; Chip Hale)

HP Umpire Brian Knight ejected Diamondbacks Manager Chip Hale for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Giants-Diamondbacks game. With one out and one on, Diamondbacks batter Chris Herrmann took a 2-2 fastball from Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px -1.023, pz 1.526 [sz_bot 1.610 / MOE 1.527]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 5-3. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Brian Knight now has -4 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -4).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 4 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 4).

This is the 97th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 38th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Arizona's 3rd ejection of 2016, T-1st in the NL West (ARI, LAD, SD 3; COL 2; SF 0).
This is Chip Hale's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since June 7 (Mark Ripperger; QOC = Y [HBP/Foul]).
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since May 14, 2016 (Ray Searage; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 7/2/16 | Video available via "Read more"

Officially Speaking - RLI No-Call, Part Deux

Official Business presents Runner's Lane Interference No-Call, Part Deux, a look back and review of Manny Gonzalez's runner's lane interference no-call in Cleveland. Also see: RLI Part One.

The following is commentary from Official Business CEO and former MiLB Umpire Brian Hertzog.

Umpire & Analyst Brian Hertzog.
It was obvious from the beginning that a write-up backing Manny Gonzalez’s RLI call, or lack thereof, would involve a heated debate. I’d like to specifically thank the members on here that have disagreed with my analysis, but were also able to comment in such a way that wasn’t inflammatory. Most of us are on here are umpires at various levels. While I never expect any single person to take what I have to say as the final word because of my resume, as a few suggested, there are correct and incorrect ways to go about disagreeing with someone. I am going to address a couple issues that seemed to be misunderstood from the previous article, as well as try to cover a couple points that were brought up in discussion.

For those that feel I went the extra mile to back up Manny’s call for the simple purpose of not disagreeing an MLB umpire, you’re half correct. I did indeed attempt to go the extra mile. I did so because I’ve seen the type of comments that can be left on UEFL after these types of plays where there can be many differing opinions. I also read the various comments that had already been posted on the actual ejection write-up that UEFL posted on the day this play happened.

My goal was, and will continue to be, to write-up a play so thoroughly that I don’t feel the need to add anything in the comments. Just as I approach my work on the field, I hold in high regards the ability to answer a question before someone has even had the chance to turn it into an argument… although many still find a way. The purpose of attempting to be so thorough in this article was a direct response to the arguments I saw made in favor of a runner’s lane interference call.

While my article covered more of the rules interpretation version of why I felt the no-call on RLI was the correct call, some UEFL-ers wanted more of a “common sense and fair play” thought process, while others wanted the potential for “intentional interference” to be talked about more thoroughly. Both of these thought processes are legitimate, so let’s dive into the possibilities.

One of the best parts of attending umpire school for me was learning rules in-depth. Not necessarily memorizing the book cover to cover, but rather learning the intent and history behind why rules are placed in the book. It absolutely fascinated me. Like most umpires when they start out, no matter the level, I thought I knew the rules because I had played baseball. When I figured out that I knew virtually nothing from my time playing the game, I was then lucky enough to learn from some incredible instructors in my local association.

Diving into rules during study sessions every night with my cage group was a whole new ballgame though. This book was horribly written! There are some rare rules that have no place in OBR anymore. There are rules that conflict with other rules. There are rules that are flat out wrong, although much less than the 237 that Jim Evans mentions at umpire school thanks to multiple fixes and clarifications in 2010 (think old rules format 7.03 being changed to rules 7.03(a) and (b), since OBR never addressed what should happen if the preceding runner was actually forced from the base that both runners were standing on).

For this call I have two main points that fall under “common sense and fair play” that both support a no-call in this potential RLI situation. First, take a look at the stills I’ve included during the pitcher’s throw. In this specific situation, the pitcher releases the ball almost directly over the foul line (aka the inside part of the three-foot running lane). His throw travels directly above said line until it hits Moreland square in the back of the head. This is how I process this and offer for your consideration… is this the type of throw that was intended to be protected by this rule? A throw that’s 100% within the runner’s legal running lane, and hitting the runner while he’s in that lane? This is the exact area the book defines as safe for the runner to be in. Granted, if you still believe that Moreland’s foot [on the ground] was completely out of the runner’s lane, this changes the play completely. In my last stitch effort to convince you, I’ve included a still from just as Moreland’s heel begins to hit the ground with his last step.

My second point starts under the “common sense and fair play” umbrella, but then ends up dealing with the “intentional interference” aspect of the play as well. It actually starts with a common misquote that I hear about balks. We all know how poorly educated the public can be, and it’s not necessarily their fault since they’re usually repeating what they hear from their favorite announcer. A common “definition” of a balk I hear quite often is simply that it’s “when a pitcher deceives a runner.” Considering there are many legal ways that a pitcher can deceive a runner, this statement by itself is false. A 3rd to 1st move used to be legal, and it was clearly an attempt to deceive a runner. So… a very general, but more accurate statement might be, “A balk is an illegal movement by a pitcher attempting to deceive a runner.” As umpires we have to know the more intricate details that encompass balks, but we hardly have the time to go through every single type of balk, every single time someone asks. This is one reason why we typically shorten our answers when a coach or pitcher asks about a balk, such as “no stop,” “start/stop,” “no step,” etc.

So… how does this apply to this specific RLI no-call? You can use this same thought process to allow Moreland to use every bit of HIS runner’s lane that he’s legally allowed to use. I can understand why many umpires would’ve loved to see an “intentional interference” call based on Moreland’s movements to the left side of his runner’s lane. While he would have been perfectly legal continuing his run more towards the middle of that lane, the fact remains that it’s still his runner’s lane and he’s entitled to use every inch of it in the same way that a pitcher is allowed to use every type of move that he can conjure up, as long as it doesn’t conflict with the rules. If a move by a pitcher is in a gray area, only then do we get to move on to apply Rule 8.05 Comment (referenced under old OBR rules format) stating: “Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the baserunner. If there is doubt in the umpire’s mind, the ‘intent’ of the pitcher should govern…

This does not mean that a pitcher attempting to deceive a runner, in and of itself, constitutes a balk… just as 9.01(c) (old OBR rules format), does not, in and of itself, entitle an umpire to rule in a way that he feels to be “fair” or even “common sense.” When the rule is actually somewhere in OBR, we don’t get to choose if we think it’s fair or not.

Moreland has no actual way to know exactly where the throw is coming from in this split-second situation (although I’m not trying to imply that he didn’t know that the throw would most likely come over his left shoulder area if he stayed in the middle). However, the act of moving to his left with a stride or two as he’s running, if still in his runner’s lane, is simply using every inch of what the rule allows. It’s not until he leaves that lane, intentionally or otherwise, that he can be dinged with an RLI call. To get him on an “intentional interference” call while in his runner’s lane though, I’m going to need to see a little more than listing lazily to his left.

This rule is written in a way that protects Tomlin’s throw both “outside (to the right of) the three-foot line, [and] inside (to the left of) the foul line.” This verbiage tells any fielder making a throw from this area exactly where that throw will be free from any fielder interfering with it. If not, then we penalize the B/R for it. This puts an onus on the defense to make their attempt to retire the B/R either inside or outside of the three-foot lane. In games that I’ve watched over last three weekends, children between the ages of 14-17 all knew how to handle this situation, immediately yelling “inside” or “outside” so that they wouldn’t end up hitting the B/R while he was in a legal position as he was running in his three-foot running lane. This is the proper way to handle this situation by the defense, because it’s the defense’s responsibility in this situation to make an effort to throw around the runner’s lane.

I appreciate everyone’s comments, both the ones that agree with my original write-up, and then the majority of UEFL! I’ll continue to enjoy talking about rules and their applications on the field because it will keep us all talking, and therefore aid in us continuing to learn… and also, what kind of fun would it be if everyone were to agree with me!?!

This play is about both rules interpretation and common sense and fair play. Using one thought process without the other vital piece of information isn’t a “fresh approach,” but rather fails to account for every piece of the puzzle.

For those that have reached the end of this article wondering why I haven’t mentioned the most recent runner’s lane interference no-call from Todd Tichenor and the ensuing ejection of Andy Green by Bill Miller… I’m a fan of trilogies.

Friday, July 1, 2016

UEFL's MLB Umpire Sabermetrics Update - June 2016

MLB Umpire Sabermetrics are now available for all games played through the end of June, featuring 93 ejections and 730 Replay Reviews through 1,138 games played.

We are hovering near the 200-mark for ejections this season, and at 1,559 for Replay Reviews. June brought with it an increase in ejections for arguing the result of a Replay Review decision, which had taken a back seat to Fighting thus far in 2016. On a related note, the Blue Jays continued to lead baseball in ejections, but ranked dead last in Replay Review success.

Summary, Ejections.
>> 93 Total Regular Season Ejections through June 30, 2016 (on pace for 199 ejections this season).
>> Umpires were 67.1% accurate on calls associated with ejection.
>> The Blue Jays were ejected more often than any other team (a trend which continues in July).
>> Manager John Gibbons of the Toronto Blue Jays led all managers in ejections.
>> Players Yunel Escobar of the LA Angels and Josh Donaldson of the Jays led all players in ejections.
>> Umpire Dale Scott led all umpires in ejections.
>> Chief Dale Scott's crew led all umpire crews in ejections.
>> Most ejections occurred in the 8th inning; Ejections from 7th and on comprised 48% of all tosses.
>> Most ejections occurred on Sundays. Weekend series (Fri-Sun) featured 52% of all heave-ho's.
>> The most common reason for ejection was Balls/Strikes, followed by Throwing At.

Summary, Replay Reviews.
>> 730 Total Replay Reviews, of which calls were affirmed 52% of the time (48% overturned).
>> The Boston Red Sox used replay more than any other team, but were fairly inaccurate.
>> The Indians/Giants were the League's most successful teams in review.
>> The Oakland Athletics experienced fewer reviews than any other team.
>> Umpires Gerry Davis and Chris Conroy had 15 calls reviewed each, more than any other umpire.
>> Jeff Nelson's crew led all of baseball in replay activity by a significant margin.
>> Umpire David Rackley led the league in accuracy with all of his calls affirmed by replay.
>> Umpire Fieldin Culbreth experienced the highest rate of his calls being overturned by replay.
>> Most reviews occurred in the 7th inning. Reviews from 7th and on comprised 43% of all reviews.
>> Most reviews occurred on Sundays; Calls were most often overturned in daytime conditions.
>> The most common reason for review was Out/Safe, followed by Pulled Foot and HBP/No HBP.

For detailed sabermetric analysis of MLB umpire ejections and instant replay review outcomes, follow the "read more" link below.

MLB Ejections 094-096 - Carapazza (3-5; TOR x3)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Blue Jays DH Edwin Encarnacion and Manager John Gibbons for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 1st and Blue Jays C Russell Martin for arguing a strike two call in the bottom of the 13th inning of the Indians-Blue Jays game. In the 1st, with two out and none on, Encarnacion took a 3-2 cutter from Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px 1.029, pz 2.283), the call was incorrect. In the 13th, with two out and one on, Martin took a 1-1 curveball from Indians pitcher Tommy Hunter for a called second strike before subsequently striking out swinging. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and belt high (px .803, pz 3.037), the call was correct. At the time of the Encarnacion and Gibbons ejections, the game was tied, 0-0. At the time of Martin's ejection, the game was tied, 1-1. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 19 innings.

This is Vic Carapazza (19)'s third, fourth, fifth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Vic Carapazza has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Previous + 3*[2 MLB] - 2*[4 QOCN] + 2 QOCY = 8).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 9 points in Crew Division (8 Previous + 2*[0 QOCN] + 1 QOCY = 9).

This is the 94th, 95th, 96th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 47th, 48th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Encarnacion was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
Prior to ejection, Martin was 1-6 (4 SO) in the contest.
This is the 37th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Toronto's 12/13/14th ejection of 2016, 1st in MLB/AL East (TOR 14; BOS 4; BAL 3; TB 2; NYY 1).
This is Edwin Encarnacion's first ejection since May 7, 2013 (Marty Foster; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is John Gibbons' 6th ejection of 2016, 1st since June 24 (Ted Barrett; QOC = Y-C [Foul/HBP]).
This is Russell Martin's first ejection since June 8, 2014 (Ed Hickox; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since May 28, 2016 (Yunel Escobar; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cleveland Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 7/1/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Officially Hires John Tumpane to Full-Time Staff

MLB officially hired Umpire John Tumpane to the full-time Major League staff, effective July 1.

MLB Umpire John Tumpane, MLB
John Francis Tumpane: Having officiated 431 big league games from the 2010-2015 seasons as a MiLB call-up umpire, Tumpane (#74) joins the Majors at the age of 33. The Evergreen Park, Illinois native has ejected 12 players and managers since his August 2010 debut, including two in 2016. He called his first no-hitter on August 21, 2015 (Mike Fiers) at a 97.1% accuracy clip. Tumpane's Minor League journey included stops at the Gulf Coast, New York-Penn, South Atlantic, Florida State, Eastern, International, and Pacific Leagues. Tumpane was the 2015 UEFL Fill-In Umpire of the Year award winner, which now begins a trend of UEFL voters picking the next MLB umpire. 2015 hiree Tripp Gibson won the same award in 2014. Tumpane will continue his service on Jeff Kellogg's crew for the remainder of 2016.
> Most Recent MLB Ejection: May 20, 2016 (LAA P Hector Santiago; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Tumpane had the most experience of all call-up umpires coming into the season (431 games), and had officiated the most games of all active fill-ins in the 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014 seasons. The Top 10 list of AAA umpires with the most MLB experience, coming into 2016, now appears as follows:
1) Clint Fagan - 340 Games (5 in 2011, 16 in 2012, 69 in 2013, 119 in 2014, 131 in 2015).
2) Adam Hamari - 329 Games (48 in 2013, 127 in 2014, 154 in 2015).
3) Gabe Morales - 258 Games (123 in 2014, 135 in 2015).
4) Toby Basner - 235 Games (19 in 2012, 17 in 2013, 106 in 2014, 93 in 2015).
5) Chris Segal - 227 Games (111 in 2014, 116 in 2015).
6) Pat Hoberg - 215 Games (123 in 2014, 92 in 2015).
7) Tom Woodring - 156 Games (102 in 2014, 54 in 2015).
8) Sean Barber - 150 Games (92 in 2014, 58 in 2015).
9) Ben May - 118 Games (30 in 2014, 88 in 2015).
10) Ryan Blakney - 88 Games (88 in 2015).

Thursday, June 30, 2016

MLB Ejection 093 - Mike Everitt (2; Mike Matheny)

HP Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny for arguing a Replay Review decision that overturned 1B Umpire Jordan Baker's out call in the top of the 6th inning of the Royals-Cardinals game. With one out and two on, Royals batter Salvador Perez hit a 0-0 sinker from Cardinals pitcher Mike Leake on the ground to shortstop Greg Garcia, who threw to second baseman Matt Carpenter to first baseman Matt Adams as Perez arrived at first base, Royals baserunner R1 Eric Hosmer out at second. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Royals Manager Ned Yost, the out call at first base was overturned and Perez was awarded first base as replays indicate Perez touched first base prior to Adams catching the throw, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 3-1. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Mike Everitt (57)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Mike Everitt now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct = 6).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).
*Replay Review Regulation II.D.5 states, in part, "The judgment of the Crew Chief regarding the timeliness of a Manager's Challenge shall be final and binding on both Clubs, and shall not be reviewable by Replay Review or otherwise."
Related Post: MLB Denies Rays Instant Replay Review Timing Protest, 8/26/14
Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 096: Jerry Layne (1; Walt Weiss), 6/17/15

This is the 93rd ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 36th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is St. Louis' 1st ejection of 2016, 4th in the NL Central (PIT 9; CIN 5; CHC 2; STL 1; MIL 0).
This is Mike Matheny's first ejection since September 18, 2015 (Dan Bellino; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since June 23, 2016 (Brian Snitker; QOC = Y-C [Replay Review]).

Wrap: Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6/30/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 092 - Larry Vanover (3; Tyler Flowers)

HP Umpire Larry Vanover ejected Braves C Tyler Flowers for arguing a ball one call in the top of the 9th inning of the Marlins-Braves game. With two out and one on, Marlins batter Adeiny Hechavarria took a 0-0 fastball from Braves pitcher Arodys Vizcaino for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located near the outer edge of home plate and near the midpoint and that all pitches during the preceding at-bats had been properly officiated (Pitch f/x did not capture the first pitch of Hechavarria's at-bat), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 8-4. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 8-5.

This is Larry Vanover (27)'s third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Larry Vanover now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 7).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 10 points in Crew Division (9 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 10).

This is the 92nd ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 46th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Flowers was 3-4 (SO) in the contest.
This is Atlanta's 5th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL East (ATL 5; NYM 4; MIA, WAS 3; PHI 0).
This is Tyler Flowers' first ejection since April 2, 2015 (Ben May; QOC = Y [Out/Safe]).
This is Larry Vanover's first ejection since May 24, 2016 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = U [Throwing At]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves, 6/30/16 | Video available via "Read more"

Case Play 2016-4 - Fan on the Field [Solved]

A fan ran on the field during a live ball in Seattle, though Mariners outfielders seemed mostly undeterred by the intruder's presence.

Gerry Davis is unamused by the outfield antics.
Play: With none out and two on (R1, R2) in the top of the 5th inning of the Cardinals-Mariners game,  Cardinals batter Matt Carpenter hit a fly ball to Mariners left fielder Seth Smith, who made the catch despite a fan running onto the playing field while the ball was still in the air. After Smith's catch, Cardinals baserunner R2 Tommy Pham legally tagged up and advanced to third base. Following the ensuing delay to apprehend and remove the fan, play resumed with one out and runners at the corners.

Case Play Question: Is this the proper result (B1 out, R1 & R3), given what occurred in the outfield? What would the proper result be for each of the following potential scenarios:
>> A) All else equal, (e.g., the fan absentmindedly ran by without addressing Smith), Smith dropped the ball: If Pham then tried to score, and successfully touched home plate, would his run count?;
>> B) All else equal, the fan while running by yelled "I got it," which caused Smith to drop the ball;
>> C) All else equal, the fan ran into Smith, and the ball fell to the ground untouched;
>> D) All else equal, the fan, without touching Smith, deflected the ball before it got to Smith's glove;
>> E) All else equal, the fan caught the ball and kept it.

In other words, which of the aforementioned scenarios merit umpire intervention and penalties/awards to be imposed or assessed, and what are the penalties/awards to be assessed?

Case Play Solution: Pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 6.01(e), "When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference." Thus, if spectator interference occurs, the ball is dead and the umpire's judgment will place runners and/or award outs ("APPROVED RULING: If spectator interference clearly pre- vents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire shall declare the batter out").

That said, the definition of spectator interference is of utmost importance: "Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands and over the playing field, or goes on the playing field, and (1) touches a live ball or (2) touches a player and hinders an attempt to make a play on a live ball."

Thus, by strict application of OBR/INTERFERENCE, the spectator must touch the live ball and/or player AND hinder the player's attempted play. Accordingly it might appear that the answers are:

A) No interference. Complications may then result if Smith attempted to throw the ball home only to be hindered by the fan standing between him and home plate. We generally don't throw balls over fans.
B) No interference.
C) Interference. B1 may be declared out. If the umpire deems runner R2 would have tagged up and successfully advanced to third base had interference not occurred, R2 is placed at third base.
D) Interference. Same as (C).
E) Interference. Same as (C).

Some might say this qualifies as "unintentional interference" (6.01(d), the ball is alive and in play, unless the interference is intentional, in which case the ball is dead/nullify the act), but Rule 6.01(d) is not applicable. The first criterion of 6.01(d) states, "...interference with play by any person herein authorized to be on the playing field." 4.07(a) states, "No person shall be allowed on the playing field during a game except players and coaches in uniform, managers, news photographers authorized by the home team, umpires, officers of the law in uniform and watchmen or other employees of the home club." Thus, a spectator is never authorized, which means that 6.01(d) cannot apply.

Another rule addresses this situation. OBR 4.05 Special Ground Rules: "The manager of the home team shall present to the umpire-in-chief and the opposing manager any ground rules he thinks necessary covering the overflow of spectators upon the playing field, batted or thrown balls into such overflow, or any other contingencies. If these rules are acceptable to the opposing manager they shall be legal. If these rules are unacceptable to the opposing manager, the umpire-in-chief shall make and enforce any special ground rules he thinks are made necessary by ground conditions, which shall not conflict with the official playing rules." It would appear that most pre-game meetings don't concern such an odd ground rule, meaning the opposing manager won't approve nor disapprove of such a ground rule. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the umpire to form his own special ground rule. Bear in mind that the intent of this rule concerns planned roped off pens of fans in the outfield, generally with no wall, but the umpire derives his authority to rule on the issue of "spectators [on] the playing field" from this rule.

Keep in mind that baseball doesn't want players to so much as react to any spectator during a game: "No manager, coach or player shall address any spectator before or during a game" (OBR 6.04(b)), so players are expected to ignore the fans, but the rules state the umpire may make any ruling he thinks is necessary which does not conflict with the official playing rules.

Thus, if the umpire feels the player was unable to complete a play because he perceived the fan was a threat to his personal safety, for instance, the umpire would be within his rights to declare the ball dead at the time of the infraction and impose such penalties he feels would nullify the act. This, again, is a judgment call.

Accordingly, the answer to A) through E) could all be dead ball + nullify the act, or A) and/or B) could be ruled a live ball. No matter the interpretation, though, those contact plays illustrated in C), D) and E) must be ruled spectator interference and play be declared dead at the time of initial contact.

Video: Smith catches a fly ball as a fan runs by and Pham takes advantage by tagging up ("Read more")

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

MLB Ejection 091 - Dan Bellino (2; Adrian Gonzalez)

3B Umpire Dan Bellino ejected Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez for arguing a check swing (strike two) call in the top of the 4th inning of the Dodgers-Brewers game. With none out and one on (R1), Gonzalez attempted to check his swing on a 0-1 fastball from Brewers pitcher Junior Guerra before striking out on three pitches. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 5-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 7-0.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Dan Bellino now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 14 points in Crew Division (13 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 14).

This is the 91st ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 45th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Gonzalez was 0-1 (SO, BB) in the contest.
This is Los Angeles' 3rd ejection of 2016, T-1st in the NL West (LAD, SD 3; ARI, COL 2; SF 0).
This is Adrian Gonzalez's first ejection since June 12, 2015 (Doug Eddings; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Dan Bellino's first ejection since April 21, 2016 (Matt Wieters; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 6/29/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 090 - Bill Miller (2; Andy Green)

1B Umpire Bill Miller ejected Padres Manager Andy Green for arguing an interference no-call (safe) by HP Umpire Todd Tichenor in the top of the 5th inning of the Orioles-Padres game. With two out and the bases loaded, Orioles batter Chris Davis hit a 1-0 changeup from Padres pitcher Christian Friedrich on the ground to Friedrich, who attempted to throw to first baseman Wil Myers for the inning's third out. Replays indicate Friedrich's throw which could have reasonably retired the runner passed Davis untouched as Davis' left foot was in contact with the ground completely inside of (to the left of) the runner's lane line. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 6-0.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Bill Miller now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 MLB - 2 QOCN-Crewmate = 3).
Crew Chief Bill Miller now has 7 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 7).

This is the 90th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 35th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is San Diego's 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL West (SD 3; ARI, COL, LAD 2; SF 0).
This is Andy Green's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since April 19 (Brian Gorman; QOC = Y-C [Balk]).
This is Bill Miller's first ejection since May 17, 2016 (John Farrell; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles vs. San Diego Padres, 6/29/16 | Video available via "Read more"

Starting From Scratch - Batter Disrupts Pitcher's Delivery

Umpire DJ Reyburn's non-balk call on Boston's Rick Porcello in Tampa Bay was precisely the correct call when Rays batter Logan Morrison requested "time" after Porcello had already started his delivery, and Porcello henceforth stopped his natural pitching motion after seeing Morrison step back in the left-handed batter's box.

DJ orders the play a do-over from "scratch."
With two out and two on in the home half of the third inning Tuesday evening, Morrison dug in for Porcello's 0-2 pitch, only to request "Time" mere seconds after stepping into the box. Seeing Porcello on the cusp of a delivery, Reyburn did not grant Morrison's request, though Morrison took it upon himself to step away from home plate as Porcello begin his pitch. Porcello, seeing Morrison had given up on the play, likewise stopped his motion and put his free foot down before throwing a half-hearted attempt at a pitch (having already disengaged the rubber) that bounced into his catcher's glove.

Reyburn, upon seeing Porcello's seemingly illegal pitch, stepped out from home plate and appeared poised to call the Boston pitcher for a start-stop balk, before recalling a certain rule that addresses what should be done when both the batter and the pitcher engage in wrongdoing during a pitch sequence.

That rule would be OBR 5.04(b)(2) Comment, which states, "If after the pitcher starts his windup or comes to a “set position” with a runner on, he does not go through with his pitch because the batter has inadvertently caused the pitcher to interrupt his delivery, it shall not be called a balk. Both the pitcher and batter have violated a rule and the umpire shall call time and both the batter and pitcher start over from “scratch.”"

Because Morrison's actions in backing away from the plate inadvertently caused Porcello to interrupt his delivery, the sequence was not ruled a balk and Reyburn simply called the oddity a "no pitch" and resumed play "from scratch" with an 0-2 count, which was the correct call.

As Jerry Remy said while pretending to speak for Reyburn, "You can't be doing that. I gotta call 'Time,' you just can't walk out of the box like that. If I don't call 'Time,' you can't do that."

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

MLB Ejections 088|089 - Ben May (2|3; Branson, Hurdle)

HP Umpire Ben May ejected Pirates Hitting Coach Jeff Branson and Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a strike one call in the top of the 5th inning of the Pirates-Mariners game. With none out and none on, Pirates batter Matt Joyce took a 0-0 curveball from Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -.139, pz 1.634 [sz_bot 1.660 / MOE 1.577]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 2-0. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Ben May (97)'s second, third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ben May now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2*[3 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 9).
Crew Chief Mark Carlson now has 3 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 3).

This is the 88th, 89th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 34th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Pittsburgh's 8/9th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 9; CIN 5; CHC 2; MIL, STL 0).
This is Jeff Branson's first career MLB ejection.
This is Clint Hurdle's 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since May 24 (Larry Vanover; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Ben May's first ejection since May 7, 2016 (AJ Hinch; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Seattle Mariners, 6/28/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 087 - Hunter Wendelstedt (2; Francoeur)

1B Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Braves LF Jeff Francoeur for arguing a Replay Review (out) decision that affirmed Wendelstedt's out call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Indians-Braves game. With one out and none on, Braves batter Ender Inciarte hit a 0-1 knuckle curve from Indians pitcher Cody Allen on the ground to first baseman Carlos Santana, who threw to Allen as Inciarte arrived at first base, ruled out by Wendelstedt. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Braves Interim Manager Brian Snitker, Wendelstedt's ruling stood based on a lack of clear and convincing evidence to confirm or overturn Wendelstedt's call, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Indians were leading, 5-3. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Hunter Wendelstedt (21)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Hunter Wendelstedt now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Hunter Wendelstedt now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).

This is the 87th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 44th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Francoeur did not participate in the contest.
This is Atlanta's 4th ejection of 2016, T-1st in the NL East (ATL, NYM 4; MIA, WAS 3; PHI 0).
This is Jeff Francoeur's first ejection since June 14, 2012 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Hunter Wendelstedt's first ejection since May 20, 2016 (Adam Eaton; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Cleveland Indians vs. Atlanta Braves, 6/28/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 086 - Tim Timmons (1; Edinson Volquez)

HP Umpire Tim Timmons ejected Royals P Edinson Volquez for arguing a time out call (Unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 3rd inning of the Cardinals-Royals game. With two out and none on, Cardinals batter Matt Adams requested and was granted time out as Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura prepared to deliver a 0-1 pitch. Replays do not indicate the timeliness of Adams' request and Volquez was ejected from the dugout after Adams' subsequently singled, the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 3-2. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Tim Timmons (95)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Tim Timmons now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 4).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Irrecusable Call = 5).
Related Ejection: MLB Ejection 097 - Todd Tichenor (2; Jonny Gomes), July 14, 2013.
*Rule 5.04(b)(2) Comment states, in part, "Umpires will not call “Time” at the request of the batter or any member of his team once the pitcher has started his windup or has come to a set position even though the batter claims “dust in his eyes,” “steamed glasses,” “didn’t get the sign” or for any other cause."

This is the 86th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 43rd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Volquez did not participate in the contest.
This is Kansas City's 4th ejection of 2016, T-3rd in the AL Central (CWS 6; MIN 5; DET, KC 4; CLE 1).
This is Edinson Volquez's first ejection since April 23, 2015 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Tim Timmons' first ejection since September 5, 2015 (Cliff Pennington; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals, 6/28/16 | Video available via "Read more"

Monday, June 27, 2016

Injury - Jerry Layne Drilled by Foul Ball to Jaw in Atlanta

Umpire Jerry Layne was knocked out of Monday's Indians-Braves game on a foul to the jaw in the 8th inning of Cleveland's eventual victory.

With one out in the bottom of the 8th inning, Braves batter Nick Markakis fouled a 92-mph fastball from Indians pitcher Tommy Hunter into the slot and the right side of Jerry Layne's traditional-style facemask.

Layne left the contest and was replaced behind home plate by 2B Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, who served as acting crew chief alongside base umpires Tripp Gibson (1B) and Adam Hamari (3B). Most recently, Triple-A umpire Chris Segal was called up from Gwinnett, Georgia to fill in at Turner Field on Saturday when Mike Everitt became involved in a police pursuit on his way to the stadium; the Gwinnett Braves are presently on a road trip.

Layne's most recent injury was to his right leg on April 19, 2016, resulting in Nic Lentz' Major League debut. He most recently left a game due to a deflected ball injury to the mask on April 15, 2015, when catcher Francisco Cervelli mishandled a ball four pitch.

Mike Everitt Witness to Atlanta Police Pursuit & Shootout

Mike Everitt was involved in the end of a police pursuit and shootout in Atlanta on his way to the ballpark Saturday afternoon, according to the New York Mets' broadcast during Sunday's game.

According to the broadcast, Everitt, while driving to Turner Field, was struck by a purportedly stolen car that hit at least four additional vehicles before coming to a stop in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Atlanta. Broadcasters Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez reported that after the crash, Everitt laid on the floor of his car as the police as gunfire erupted outside.
Cohen: Mike was driving to the ballpark yesterday, about 5:15, and his car got rammed by another car, and the car that rammed him turned out to have a guy that the police were chasing...This guy who rammed his car apparently got into a shootout with police while Mike was ducking on the floorboards of his car to try and keep himself safe. I can only image how traumatic the experience was, eventually they got the guy. Mike never made it to the ballpark last night, he was tied up with the police investigation most of the evening.
Hernandez: And they said it was multiple shots, kind of like a Bonnie & Clyde shootout. Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Cohen: Fortunately Mike is okay, obviously a very trying experience, but back in his post today. Glad to have him.
An additional report from local news outlet WXIA indicates that a total of four suspects were involved in police pursuits of two vehicles, with one leading to an officer-involved shooting when the suspects engaged officers in gunfire late Saturday afternoon.  A preliminary Georgia Bureau of Investigation report states that four officers fired on the stolen vehicle, which initially fled down the exit ramp of I-75 onto University Avenue, before wrecking at the intersection of University and Metropolitan Parkway.

Police transported two suspects to Grady Memorial Hospital and arrested two additional juveniles in connection with the other vehicle pursuit.

Everitt missed Saturday's game, but returned to umpire the plate for Sunday's matinee.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

MLB Ejection 085 - Chris Conroy (1; Andrew McCutchen)

HP Umpire Chris Conroy ejected Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Dodgers-Pirates game. With two out and none on, McCutchen took a 2-2 fastball from Dodgers pitcher Casey Fien for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px .246, pz 1.326 [sz_bot 1.640 / MOE 1.557]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 4-3. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Chris Conroy (98)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Chris Conroy now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Jerry Meals now has -4 points in Crew Division (-4 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = -4).

This is the 85th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 42nd player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, McCutchen was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Pittsburgh's 7th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 7; CIN 5; CHC 2; MIL, STL 0).
This is Andrew McCutchen's first career MLB ejection.
This is Chris Conroy's first ejection since September 22, 2015 (Hector Santiago; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6/26/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 084 - Carlos Torres (2; Scott Servais)

HP Umpire Carlos Torres ejected Mariners Manager Scott Servais for arguing a check swing (strike three) call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Cardinals-Mariners game. With one out and one on (R1), Mariners batter Shawn O'Malley attempted to check his swing on a 1-2 slider from Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the Appeals Board, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 6-3. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 11-6.

This is Carlos Torres (37)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Carlos Torres now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has 7 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 7).

This is the 84th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 33rd Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Seattle's 1st ejection of 2016, 4th in the AL West (TEX 4; HOU, LAA 3; SEA 1; OAK 0).
This is Scott Servais' first ejection since May 11, 1996 (Greg Bonin; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Carlos Torres' first ejection since May 14, 2016 (Terry Collins; QOC = N [Foul/HBP]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Seattle Mariners, 6/26/16 | Video available via "Read more"