MLB-High 10 Umpires Retire During 2022-2023 Off-Season

It's official—10 Major League Baseball umpires have retired following the 2022 season, a record-high for the unified MLB era and most since 1999, when a failed contract strategy led to 22 resignations. Seven crew chiefs and three 'number twos' won't return in 2023, opening the door to call-up umpires looking for a full-time job as well as current backup chiefs looking for a permanent promotion to that role. This retiring class combined for 261 years of on-field Major League experience.

The retirements of Greg Gibson (10/6/22), Tom Hallion (12/8/22), and Jim Reynolds (12/21/22) were previously disclosed by the indivual umpires prior to this announcement of all 10 retirements.

Retirements, Listed as Name, Service Time (Seasons with 1+ games)

- Postseason & total ejection stats listed on following lines:

Ted Barrett, 26 Years (29 Seasons AL/MLB [1994-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,400 regular season games.

- 6 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 12 Division Series (2000, 01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21)

- 10 League Championship Series (2005, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22)

- 5 World Series (2007, 11, 14, 18, 21)

> 65 MLB ejections

Greg Gibson, 24 Years (25 Seasons NL/MLB [1997-2019, 2021-22]): Crew Chief with 2,746 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2012, 13, 18)

- 10 Division Series (2001, 03, 04, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11, 15, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (2005, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 1 World Series (2011)

> 92 MLB ejections

Marty Foster, 24 Years (27 Seasons AL/MLB [1996-2022]): Number Two with 2,745 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 3 Division Series (2006, 08, 17)

> 110 MLB ejections

Tom Hallion, 30 Years (32 Seasons NL/MLB [1985-99, 2005-19, 2021-22]): Crew Chief w 3,645 games.

- 10 Division Series (1996, 97, 2008, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21)

- 5 League Championship Series (1998, 2007, 09, 10, 11)

- 2 World Series (2008, 21)

> 102 MLB ejections

Sam Holbrook, 22½ Years (22 Seasons A/NL/MLB [1996-99, 2002-19, 2021]): Crew Chief w 2,423 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2012)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21)

- 4 League Championship Series (2008, 09, 11, 12)

- 3 World Series (2010, 16, 19)

> 78 MLB ejections

Jerry Meals, 26 Years (31 Seasons NL/MLB [1992-2022]): Crew Chief with 3,303 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2020, 21, 22)

- 9 Division Series (1999, 2004, 05, 09, 10, 11, 14, 19, 20)

- 3 League Championship Series (2008, 17, 21)

- 2 World Series (2014, 20)

> 61 MLB ejections

Paul Nauert, 22½ Years (24 Years NL/MLB [1995-99, 2002-20]): Number Two with 2,450 games.

- 1 Wild Card (2020)

- 6 Division Series (2004, 08, 10, 13, 14, 17)

- 1 League Championship Series (2016)

- 1 World Series (2017)

> 33 MLB ejections

Jim Reynolds, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,815 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2015, 17, 20)

- 7 Division Series (2005, 07, 08, 12, 13, 14, 18)

- 5 League Championship Series (2010, 15, 16, 17, 20)

- 2 World Series (2014, 18)

> 43 MLB ejections

Tim Timmons, 22½ Years (23 Years NL/MLB [1999-2021]): Number Two with 2,746 games.

- 2 Wild Cards (2013, 20)

- 3 Division Series (2005, 09, 18)

- 4 League Championship Series (2011, 14, 15, 20)

- 1 World Series (2018)

> 90 MLB ejections

Bill Welke, 22½ Years (24 Years AL/MLB [1999-2022]): Crew Chief with 2,816 games.

- 3 Wild Cards (2014, 16, 20)

- 6 Division Series (2003, 06, 08, 11, 15, 20)

- 4 League Championship Series (2014, 16, 17, 19)

- 1 World Series (2015)

> 102 MLB ejections

Video as follows:

Injury Scout - Paul Nauert Rocked by Foul Ball in Boston

HP Umpire Paul Nauert remained in Saturday's game in Boston after a foul ball to the mask, but sat out Sunday as a precaution in the wake of head trauma.

In the top of the 6th inning of the Blue Jays-Red Sox game, Toronto batter Teoscar Hernandez fouled a first-pitch 92.3-mph sinker from Red Sox pitcher Phillips Valdez into Nauert's traditional-style facemask.

Nauert completed the game, but did not appear at Fenway Park on Sunday, leaving a three-person crew to officiate the matinee with Chad Fairchild serving as crew chief alongside plate umpire Ryan Additon and 3B Umpire Carlos Torres.

Relevant Injury History: There is no recent relevant injury history.
Thanks to Vincent Tougas for the heads up.

Last Game: August 8 | Return to Play: August 18 | Time Absent: 10 Days | Video as follows:

MLB Names 7 Interim Crew Chiefs for 2020

Major League Baseball named seven interim crew chiefs for the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Angel Hernandez, suing MLB under charges of race discrimination, is one of them.

Earlier this summer, umpires deemed "high-risk" of complication related to contracting coronavirus were offered the opportunity to opt-out of the 2020 season, at full pay. Umpires not designated as high-risk were still offered the ability to sit out, but as an unpaid option.

Though high-risk crew chief Joe West outspokenly decided to work the 2020 season, nine other umpires who ordinarily serve in full time crew chief roles took MLB's opt-out option, including Gerry Davis, Fieldin Culbreth, Kerwin Danley, Brian Gorman, Tom Hallion, Sam Holbrook, Jerry Layne, and Mike Winters.

Chiefs West, Ted Barrett, Jeff Nelson, Bill Miller, Larry Vanover, Jerry Meals, Mark Wegner, Alfonso Marquez, Jim Reynolds, and Dan Iassogna reportedly did not opt out, all in all leaving open a handful of crew chief vacancies for appointment.
Related Post: Joe West Opts In, Several Crew Chiefs Out for 2020 (7/7/20).

Non-crew chiefs electing to sit out 2020 include Scott Barry, Phil Cuzzi, Bruce Dreckman, and Brian O'Nora, bringing the total number of opt-outs to 13. We first started tracking umpires reporting to summer camp (as well as those opting out) on July 15. The 2020 staff is similarly expected to be regionally based.
Related Post: 2020 MLB Summer Camp (Spring) Roster (7/15/20).

With Greg Gibson and Paul Emmel beginning the season on the Injured List, MLB has had to make some cuts. Amongst those are a reduction in crews from 19 to 17—you'll recall that in 2014, MLB expanded the crews to account for expanded instant replay. Even though Replay Review is expected to operate in 2020, the two extra crews were contracted for the COVID season.
Related: Confirmed: MLB Hires 7 New Umpires to Full-Time Staff (1/14/14).

With eight crew chiefs out, MLB designated the following longtime umpires interim crew chiefs for the 2020 season:
> Mark Carlson
> Laz Diaz (delayed)
> Angel Hernandez
> Marvin Hudson
> Ron Kulpa
> Paul Nauert
> Bill Welke

2019 No-Hitter 2, Paul Nauert (1; LAA [Tyler Skaggs x2])

HP Umpire Paul Nauert called Angels pitcher Taylor Cole and Félix Peña's combined no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners, the only no-no in MLB history completed by teammates wearing identical #45 jerseys in honor of teammate Tyler Skaggs, who passed away while on a recent road trip; Friday's game was the first game at Angel Stadium since Skaggs' death, and the Angels dedicated the evening to his memory with all players and coaches wearing Tyler Skaggs #45 jerseys.

Nauert, was joined for Friday's game at the Big A in Anaheim by 1B Umpire CB Bucknor, 2B Umpire Ramon De Jesus, and 3B Umpire DJ Reyburn.

This is Nauert's first career no-hitter and the second of the 2019 season.
Related Post: 2019 No-Hitter 1, Mark Ripperger (1; Mike Fiers) (5/7/19).

Nauert received 53 callable pitches from Cole & Peña, 38 balls and 15 called strikes. The look:

Balls: 38 called balls outside of strike zone / 0 called balls within strike zone = 38/38 = 100.0% Accuracy.
Strikes: 14 called strikes inside strike zone / 1 called strikes outside strike zone = 14/15 = 96.2% Accuracy.
Total Raw Accuracy Score for Cole/Peña = 52/53 = 98.1% Accuracy (+1 LAA).
Overall Game Score: 119/120 Balls + 42/45 Strikes = 161/165 = 97.6%. +0 NU.

MLB Ejections 135-136 - Lentz, Nauert (3, 3; DET-NYY)

HP Umpire Nic Lentz ejected Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (strike two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 5th and 1B Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Tigers Manager Ron Gardenhire (check swing ball four) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Tigers-Yankees game. In the 5th, with one out and none on, Yankees batter Gleyber Torres took a 0-0 curveball and 1-1 fastball from Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmerman for called first and second strikes. Replays indicate the 0-0 pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px .327, pz 1.412 [sz_bot 1.560 / RAD 1.437 / MOE 1.354]) and the 1-1 pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and thigh-high (px -.810, pz 1.877), the call was correct.* At the time of Boone's ejection, the Tigers were leading, 3-0.

In the 8th, with two out and two on (R1, R2), Yankees batter Luke Voit attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Tigers pitcher Joe Jimenez, ruled a ball and no swing on appeal by 1B Umpire Nauert. Play was reviewed and adjudicated by the UEFL Appeals Board (1-6-2), the call was incorrect. At the time of Gardenhire's ejection, the Tigers were leading, 5-4. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Nic Lentz (59)'s third ejection of 2018.
This is Paul Nauert (39)'s third ejection of 2018.
Nic Lentz now has 15 points in the UEFL Standings (11 Previous + 2 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 15).
Paul Nauert now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Paul Nauert now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Prev + 1 Correct + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
The 0-0 pitch was located .696 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 135th, 136th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 55th, 56th Manager ejection of 2018.
This is New York-AL's 8th ejection of 2018, T-1st in the AL East (NYY, TOR 8; BAL, BOS 3; TB 1).
This is Detroit's 4th ejection of 2018, T-3rd in the AL Central (CWS 7; KC 6; DET, MIN 4; CLE 1).
This is Aaron Boone's 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since July 14 (Jerry Meals; QOC = Y-C [Foul/K]).
This is Ron Gardenhire's 4th ejection of 2018, 1st since June 27 (Lance Barksdale; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Nic Lentz's 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since August 9 (Justin Verlander; QOC = Y [Balk]).
This is Paul Nauert's 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since August 15 (Brian Snitker; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees, 8/31/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 123-124 - Nauert, Fairchild (2, 2; MIA-ATL)

3B Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Braves Manager Brian Snitker (fighting) and HP Umpire Chad Fairchild ejected Marlins pitcher Jose Ureña (throwing at Braves batter Ronald Acuña resulting in injury; QOCU) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Marlins-Braves game. With none out and none on, Ureña's first pitch of the ballgame stuck Acuña for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and made contact with Acuña on his left arm and elbow, resulting in a bench-clearing incident during which Snitker was ejected for fighting and after which Ureña was ejected for intentionally throwing at a batter, the call was irrecusable. At the time both ejections, the Marlins were leading, 1-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Chad Fairchild (4)'s second ejection of 2018.
This is Paul Nauert (39)'s second ejection of 2018.
Chad Fairchild now has 11 points in the UEFL Standings (9 Prev + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 11).
Paul Nauert now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 2).
Crew Chief Paul Nauert now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2*[1 Irrecusable Call] = 4).

This is the 123rd and 124th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 49th Manager ejection of 2018.
This is the 61st player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Ureña's line was 0.0 IP, HBP.
This is Atlanta's 3rd ejection of 2018, 4th in the NL East (WAS 6; NYM 5; MIA 4; ATL 3; PHI 0).
This is Miami's 4th ejection of 2018, 3rd in the NL East (WAS 6; NYM 5; MIA 4; ATL 3; PHI 0).
This is Brian Snitker's 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since March 31 (Jerry Layne; QOC = U [Pace of Play]).
This is Jose Ureña's first career MLB ejection.
This is Paul Nauert's 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 17 (Jeff Banister; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Chad Fairchild's 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since June 20 (Alcides Escobar; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves, 8/15/18 | Video as follows:

Nauert's False Start - Reversing a Foul Fair Call

With the bases loaded in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee Brewers batter Christian Yelich hit a sharp line drive directly toward 3B Umpire Paul Nauert, who ruled the batted ball fair before reversing course and changing his call to a foul ball, Manager Craig Counsell arguing the sequence of events before opting to request a Replay Review whose eligibility turned out to be a much closer call than the actual fair/foul decision being challenged.

3B Umpire Paul Nauert contemplates his call.

The Play: With one out and the bases loaded of a 6-2 ballgame, batter Yelich hit a line drive past third base, which bounced in front of 3B Umpire Nauert, who signaled the ball fair as Pirates third baseman David Freese pointed to the divot where the ball landed in the dirt, which was in foul territory. After a quick internal deliberation, Nauert reversed course and killed the play, stating the batted ball was a foul ball from the get-go.

Challenge: Unhappy with the call's reversal, Brewers Manager Counsell briefly argued with Nauert about his reversed call before requesting, and receiving, a Replay Review, which confirmed Nauert's final call of "foul ball."

Analysis: First of all, the batted ball is clearly foul. Every once in awhile, especially on a play that explodes right in front of an umpire (in Nauert's case, maybe a yard away—at most), it's easy to get turned around, which explains Nauert's initial fair call—he wants to make an immediate call and "fair" is the first thing that comes up. Once things settled down and Nauert had time to process the play, he realized the ball was foul and called "Time" to signify as much.

We can talk timing till the cows come home (and, elsewhere on the site—not even two weeks ago—we have talked about timing and patience, even as it relates to reversing a call in real-time), but it sure looks like Nauert got turned around here more than the usual "oh, the fielder dropped the ball" mistake we usually see. I'm not sure any amount of delay here would have helped, nor been appropriate for this particular call.
Related Post: Tmac's Teachable Moments - Little Roller Up Along First (6/28/18).
Related Post: Much Patience and Good Judgment - Reversing a Call (2/26/17).

Counsell is frustrated after losing 2 RBI.

Perception: By optics alone, it would appear to an offensive manager like Counsell that third baseman Freese's campaigning is what changed the umpire's mind when, in reality, Nauert was already staring at the ground when Freese entered the frame, likely second-guessing his initial call well before Freese showed up: maybe Freese put the cherry on top, but Nauert clearly had doubts. It's easy for a team to think the umpire is exhibiting bias or favor and to jump to accompanying conclusions, but at the end of the day, the umpire's task is to get the call right, and Nauert switching to "foul ball" after staring at the ground for a few seconds at the expense of watching the bounding ball down the left field line was an example of precisely that task.

If the third base umpire doesn't think he made a mistake, he'll follow the batted ball bounce along the wall. If the third base umpire thinks he failed to call a fair ball foul, he'll freeze his stare at its divot before realizing he can fix the erroneous call simply by calling "Time" and explaining that the ball was indeed foul.

Err on the Side of Fair: Generally speaking, a call of "fair" can be corrected to "foul" if necessary because no additional dominoes fall by reversing "fair" to "foul" other than bringing the batter and runners back and adding a strike to the count (or keeping it as a two-strike count). There are no other consequences (other than, perhaps, to the crew's pride), so this play is relatively easy to correct if the initial call is clearly erroneous, such as Nauert's was. If it happens more than roughly once per game, though, the crew's credibility will suffer.

Unring the Bell: On the other hand, a call of "foul" cannot as easily be corrected to "fair" because of the added implications of placing runners and trying to figure out what would have happened had the correct call of "fair" been made in the first place. Invariably, the offensive manager will want a baserunner from first to score and the defensive manager will want a blanket two-base award, if that (assuming the defensive manager hasn't already been ejected for losing his mind at the reversed call).

As is said, you can't unring the bell, and, in this case, the call of "foul ball" is the bell.

Replay Review is Complicated: Not all line drives to the corner umpires are eligible for replay.

Had Replay Review overturned Nauert's foul ball call (to that of a fair ball), defensive team (Pirates) Manager Clint Hurdle may have tried arguing that Nauert and Crew Chief Kerwin Danley permitted a review on a call ineligible for review.

Replay: The one persisting error.

As Nauert himself signals by tapping his foot to the dirt mark where the ball bounced in foul territory, the ball may have landed in front of Nauert, which would have disqualified the call from review: "Balls that first land in front of the set positions of the first or third base Umpire shall not be subject to review" (Replay Review Regulation V.C).

As it stands, replays indicate Nauert retreated as he sensed the ball squealing toward him, which would suggest that the batted ball indeed landed even with Nauert's "set position" (e.g., where he started the play), which would make the call eligible for review. Nonetheless, this close call pertaining to replay eligibility is yet another aspect of the play the umpire must consider, which brings us to somewhat of a Replay Review paradox.

Does this ball land even with or in front of U3?

Why Make a Big Deal of It? Answer: This is Replay Review, the technology that has made a name for itself in overturning safe calls when a runner slides half an inch off of a base, or overturning outs to safes when a middle infielder barely misses scraping a base with his foot.

The paradox, thus, is an amusing footnote that the umpire's judgment as to whether a ball has landed in front of his set position or not is, itself, not subject to replay review and cannot be challenged, all while his judgment as to whether the ball landed to the left or right of a foul line is subject to review.

In my tongue-in-cheek estimation, the foul ball call is confirmed (as it was per NY's ruling), while the determination that the ball landed even with U3 stands (again, not that this aspect of umpire judgment was even eligible for review in the first place).

As is said, in the Replay Review era, there are no neighborhood plays. If the Replay Review Regulation says that balls that land "in front" are not eligible for review, then they aren't. Not by 10 feet, and not by half-of-an-inch. Or at least until MLB rewrites the regulation.

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 039 - Paul Nauert (1; Jeff Banister)

HP Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Rangers Manager Jeff Banister (ball four call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Rangers-White Sox game. With two out and the bases loaded, White Sox batter Nicky Delmonico took a 3-2 slider from Rangers pitcher Jose Leclerc for a called fourth ball after which subsequent batter Matt Davidson took a 3-2 slider for a called fourth ball; Banister was ejected arguing balls and strikes during a subsequent pitching change. *This ejection is eligible for a Balls/Strikes Exemption, if so challenged.* Replays indicate the 3-2 pitch to Delmonico was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -.016, pz 1.721 [sz_bot 1.601 / MOE 1.684]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Paul Nauert (39)'s first ejection of 2018.
Paul Nauert now has -2 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 3 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).
*This pitch was located 0.444 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.
*UEFL Rule 6-5-d-2 states, in part, "Balls/Strikes ejections that occur during a pitching change, mound visit, or other pause in play, shall be judged on a case-by-case basis, as above, with a strong regard for Rule 6-5-c. The same exemption that may be made under Rule 6-5-d shall also apply to this provision."

This is the 39th ejection of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 15th Manager ejection of 2018.
This is Texas' 1st ejection of 2018, T-1st in the AL West (HOU, LAA, SEA, TEX 1; OAK 0).
This is Jeff Banister's first ejection since September 12, 2017 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Paul Nauert's first ejection since August 22, 2015 (James Loney; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox, 5/17/18 | Video as follows:

Dead Ball - Stroman's Start-Stop and Contested Time Call

Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman's odd delivery and HP Umpire Paul Nauert's "Time" call produced an argument from Stroman when he felt the umpire improperly called "Time" after Stroman had come set.

Stroman questions Nauert's call.

The Play: With one out and none on in the top of the 4th inning of Saturday's Astros-Blue Jays game, Astros batter Brian McCann prepared to face Stroman's 0-1 pitch. As Stroman prepared to deliver the ball toward home plate, McCann requested "Time" from plate umpire Nauert, which was granted, resulting in Stroman's passionate objection as he walked off the mound to address Nauert, who took up the discussion with Manager John Gibbons.

Was this the correct call?

The Rules: Official Baseball Rule 5.04(b)(2) Comment states, "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."
For an example of an umpire properly refusing to grant "Time" after a pitcher has started his windup, see Todd Tichenor - Jonny Gomes (time out request refusal), 7/14/13.
For one of the reasons this rule exists, see "Cueto Injury and Why Ump Did Not Grant Time."

"Time" is denied after the pitcher winds up.

OBR 5.07(a) specifies two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position and Set Position. As Stroman selected the Set Position, we shall cite Set Position Rule 5.07(a)(2): "Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his pivot foot in contact with, and his other foot in front of, the pitcher’s plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop...After assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption."

Analysis: Replays indicate that after assuming Set Position, with both hands in front of his body while in contact with the pitcher's plate, the following sequence of events occurred:

(1) Stroman raises his left leg (lead leg), which is a natural motion associated with his delivery.
(2) Stroman returns his left leg to the ground, but fails to pitch the ball.
(3) Batter McCann requests, and is granted, "Time."
(4) Stroman again raises his left leg, but this time, attempts to deliver a pitch as Nauert signals "Time."

Stroman tried to double-dip before "Time."

Had there been baserunners, Stroman's actions would have constituted a balk, specifically a Rule 6.02(a)(1) violation, also known as a Start-Stop balk: "If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when—The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery."

As it were, Stroman's start-stop action (numbers (1) and (2)), on its own, carries a "no harm, no foul" connotation with the bases empty: the pitcher can simply step off, reset, and re-engage with no additional penalty.

However, and depending on your evaluation of Stroman's first step (as specified by sequential numbers (1) and (2), above), Stroman might have even been guilty of an illegal pitch when he attempted to fast-track his interrupted delivery via phase (4), and pursuant to Rule 5.07(a) Comment, which states, "The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset his pivot foot in his delivery of the pitch. If there is a runner, or runners, on base it is a balk under Rule 6.02(a); if the bases are unoccupied it is an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b)."

Graphic of Rule 5.04(b)(2) Comment.

Although a batter may not request "Time" after a pitcher begins his windup or enters Set Position, the pitcher in this play violated Set Position Rule 5.07(a)(2) by failing to pitch to the batter when committed: he improperly started his delivery, only to stop it prematurely.

To take a spirit-of-the-rule glance at this play, consider another portion of Rule 5.04(b)(2) Comment: "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.'"
Related Post: Starting From Scratch - Batter Disrupts Pitcher's Delivery (6/29/17)

Although this is a bases-empty situation, the sentence that translates is, "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.'" Thus, if Stroman violated by failing to pitch without alteration or interruption and McCann violated by requesting "Time" after Stroman came set, we have a reset/start over from scratch situation. Even though failing to pitch when committed is not a balk with the bases empty, it nonetheless is a violation of the Set Position rule.

The fact that Stroman attempted to save his delivery faux pas—as specified by number (4) in the sequence—does not rectify the fact that he attempted to make an illegal pitch, and the batter was well within his right to request, and receive, "Time" due to the pitcher's illegal action based on the aforementioned rules.

Video as follows:

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.

MLB Ejection 173: Paul Nauert (2; James Loney)

HP Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Rays 1B James Loney for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 6th inning of the Rays-Athletics game. With two out and none on, Loney took a 3-2 changeup from A's pitcher Sonny Gray. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and below the hollow of the knee (px .571, pz 1.484 [sz_bot 1.89 / MOE 1.81]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 2-1. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Paul Nauert (39)'s second ejection of 2015.
Chris Segal now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2 AAA/Penalty - 4 Incorrect = 3).
Crew Chief Tim Welke now has 8 points in Crew Division (6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 8).

This is the 173rd ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 76th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Loney was 1-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the Rays' 4th ejection of 2015, T-4th in the AL East (TOR 10; BOS 8; NYY 5; BAL, TB 4).
This is James Loney's first ejection since June 25, 2010 (Phil Cuzzi; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Paul Nauert's first ejection since April 18, 2015 (Collin Cowgill; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics, 8/22/15
Video: Loney drops bat, spikes helmet, utters a profanity at Nauert, prompting his removal (TB)

MLB Ejection 010: Paul Nauert (1; Collin Cowgill)

HP Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Angels LF Collin Cowgill for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 7th inning of the Angels-Astros game. With two out and none on, Cowgirl took a 2-2 sinker from Astros pitcher Chad Qualls for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and navel-high (px 0.231, pz 3.097 [sz_top 3.2]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 1-0. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 4-0.

This is Paul Nauert (39)'s first ejection of 2015.
Paul Nauert now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Dana DeMuth now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Prev + 1 Correct = 2).

This is the 10th ejection of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 4th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Cowgirl was 0-3 in the contest.
This is the Angels' first ejection of 2015, 1st in the AL West (LAA 1; HOU, OAK, SEA, TEX 0).
This is Collin Cowgill's first career MLB ejection.
This is Paul Nauert's first ejection since September 13, 2014 (Matt Joyce; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Houston Astros, 4/18/15
Video: Having struck out looking, Cowgill flips his shinguard into Nauert and is tossed (LAA)

MLB Instant Replay Reviews 1173-1184: Sept 14, 2014

September 14, 2014 featured the following MLB Instant Replay Review decisions:

Type

R#

Pos

Umpire

RU#

Team

RT#

Name

Inn

Pre

Result

R	1173	3B	Nauert, Paul	10	TB	55	Joe Maddon	3	Out	Confirmed
R	1174	1B	Gibson, Tripp	17	TOR	51	John Gibbons	8	Foul	Overturned
R	1175	HP	Layne, Jerry	15	DET	41	Brad Ausmus	3	Foul	Overturned
R	1176	1B	Barrett, Ted	17	CHC	55	Rick Renteria	1	Safe	Overturned
R	1177	1B	Barrett, Ted	18	CHC	56	Rick Renteria	6	Safe	Confirmed
R	1178	1B	Foster, Marty	13	MIA	34	Mike Redmond	2	Out	Overturned
R	1179	1B	Bucknor, CB	17	MIL	29	Ron Roenicke	9	Safe	Overturned
R	1180	1B	Vanover, Larry	18	CWS	38	Robin Ventura	3	Safe	Stands
R	1181	1B	Hoberg, Pat	19	STL	36	Mike Matheny	8	Out	Overturned
R	1182	1B	Johnson, Adrian	19	TEX	45	Tim Bogar	2	Out	Stands
R	1183	3B	Miller, Bill	12	ATL	35	Fredi Gonzalez	4	Safe	Overturned
R	1184	2B	Blaser, Cory	14	LAD	43	Don Mattingly	1	Out	Overturned

MLB Instant Replay Review Videos (MLB Advanced Media):
Video 1173: TB@TOR: Rays challenge out in 3rd, call confirmed
Video 1174: TB@TOR: Blue Jays win challenge in 8th inning
Video 1175: CLE@DET: Tigers win challenge on hit-by-pitch in 3rd
Video 1176: CHC@PIT: Safe call at first base overturned in 1st
Video 1177: CHC@PIT: Safe call at first confirmed in the 6th
Video 1178: MIA@PHI: Marlins win challenge on force play in 2nd
Video 1179: CIN@MIL: Brewers win challenge in the 9th
Video 1180: MIN@CWS: White Sox challenge play in 3rd, play stands
Video 1181: COL@STL: Out call overturned after challenge in 8th
Video 1182: ATL@TEX: Bogar challenges out in 2nd, call stands
Video 1183: ATL@TEX: Call at third overturned in the 4th
Video 1184: LAD@SF: Pickoff out overturned in the 1st

MLB Ejection 186: Paul Nauert (1; Matt Joyce)

HP Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Rays LF Matt Joyce for arguing a strike two call in the top of the 9th inning of the Rays-Blue Jays game. With one out and none on, Joyce took a 1-1 cutter from Blue Jays pitcher Casey Janssen for a called second strike before striking out on the following changeup. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and thigh high (px .936, pz 1.813), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 6-3. The Blue Jays ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Paul Nauert (39)'s first ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Paul Nauert now has 1 point in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 1).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 19 points in Crew Division (19 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 19).

This is the 186th ejection of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 79th player ejection of 2014. Prior to ejection, Joyce was 0-4 in the contest.
This is the Rays' 11th ejection of 2014, 2nd in the AL East (BOS 13; TB 11; NYY 8; TOR 5; BAL 3).
This is Matt Joyce's first ejection since September 16, 2012 (Paul Emmel; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Paul Nauert's first ejection since September 25, 2013 (Carlos Gomez; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 9/13/14
Video: Joyce strikes out in the 9th and is tossed for his post-K comments enroute to the dugout (TOR)

MLB Instant Replay Reviews 1107-1121: Sept 6, 2014

September 6, 2014 featured the following MLB Instant Replay Review decisions:

Type

R#

Pos

Umpire

RU#

Team

RT#

Name

Inn

Pre

Result

R	1107	1B	Wegner, Mark	19	DET	36	Brad Ausmus	2	Out	Overturned
R	1108	2B	Winters, Mike	13	DET	37	Brad Ausmus	4	Out	Confirmed
R	1109	3B	Marquez, Alfonso	10	CIN	30	Bryan Price	9	Safe	Overturned
R	1110	1B	Welke, Tim	16	CWS	35	Robin Ventura	5	Safe	Stands
R	1111	HP	Wendelstedt, Hunter	12	MIA	32	Mike Redmond	4	Safe	Stands
R	1112	1B	Estabrook, Mike	15	ATL	31	Fredi Gonzalez	9	Safe	Overturned
r	1113	2B	Barber, Sean	11	ATL	32	Fredi Gonzalez	10	Not HR	Overturned
R	1114	1B	Tumpane, John	12	MIN	35	Ron Gardenhire	1	Safe	Overturned
R	1115	1B	Tumpane, John	13	MIN	36	Ron Gardenhire	9	Out	Confirmed
R	1116	HP	Meals, Jerry	14	STL	33	Mike Matheny	1	Safe	Overturned
R	1117	3B	Porter, Alan	16	BOS	42	John Farrell	6	Fair	Confirmed
R	1118	1B	Hernandez, Angel	19	SEA	36	Lloyd McClendon	2	Out	Overturned
R	1119	3B	Nauert, Paul	9	TEX	43	Tim Bogar	8	Safe	Confirmed
R	1120	1B	Bucknor, CB	16	SD	33	Bud Black	1	Safe	Overturned
R	1121	3B	Diaz, Laz	13	ARI	39	Kirk Gibson	8	Safe	Overturned

MLB Instant Replay Review Videos (MLB Advanced Media):
Video 1107: SF@DET: Out call at first overturned in 2nd inning
Video 1108: SF@DET: Out call at second confirmed in the 4th
Video 1109: NYM@CIN: Safe call overturned in the 9th inning
Video 1110: CWS@CLE: Safe call at first stands in the 5th
Video 1111: ATL@MIA: Safe call at home plate stands in the 4th
Video 1112: ATL@MIA: Safe call at first overturned in the 9th
Video 1113: ATL@MIA: Triple overturned gives Gattis a home run
Video 1114: LAA@MIN: Safe call at first base overturned
Video 1115: LAA@MIN: Out call at first confirmed in the 9th
Video 1116: STL@MIL: Safe call at home plate overturned in 1st
Video 1117: TOR@BOS: Fair ball confirmed in 6th inning
Video 1118: SEA@TEX: Out call at first overturned in the 2nd
Video 1119: SEA@TEX: Call at third confirmed in 8th
Video 1120: SD@COL: Safe call at first overturned in the 1st
Video 1121: ARI@LAD: Fan interference ruled after challenge