Ejections: Joe West (3)

HP Umpire Joe West ejected Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire for arguing a strike two (foul tip) call in top of the 9th inning of the Twins-Red Sox game. With none out and none on, Twins batter Danny Valencia attempted to check his swing on a 1-1 fastball from Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon. Replays indicate the ball contacted the bat prior to entering the catcher's mitt, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 2-1, in 11 innings.

This is Joe West (22)'s third ejection of 2011.
Joe West now has 2 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 2).

Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by mtn335, who is in 2nd place in the UEFL with 9 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by BONZ_kansascity, who is now tied for 3rd place in the UEFL with 8 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by sachmet, who is now tied for 8th place in the UEFL with 6 points..
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by Scumpire, who is now tied for 10th place in the UEFL with 5 points.

Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by thexfactor264, who is now tied for 10th place in the UEFL with 5 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by kickersrule, who is now tied for 12th place in the UEFL with 4 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by RichMSN, who is now tied for 12th place in the UEFL with 4 points.

Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by DanNJ316, who is now tied for 17th place in the UEFL with 2 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by whenindoubt55, wwho is now tied for 17th place in the UEFL with 2 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by jhagen88, who is now in 33rd place in the UEFL with -1 points.
Joe West is owned as a Secondary Umpire by BGMTOM, who is now in 37th place in the UEFL with -3 points.

This is the 35th ejection of 2011.

This is the 18th Manager ejection of 2011.

Wrap: Twins vs Red Sox Wrap 05/09/11

Video: Gardenhire is Ejected by West

Ejections: Mike DiMuro (1, 2)

3B Umpire Mike DiMuro ejected Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe and Manager Don Mattingly for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in top of the 8th inning of the Dodgers-Pirates game.* With none out and one on, Uribe hit a 0-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher Jose Veras to left fielder Jose Tabata to second baseman Neil Walker to first baseman Lyle Overbay for a double play, Dodgers baserunner Matt Kemp unable to tag up at first base. Replays indicate Tabata legally caught the ball; the ball bounced off the webbing of Tabata's glove into the palm of the glove, the call was correct.** At the time of the ejections, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

These are Mike DiMuro (16)'s first and second ejections of 2011.
Mike DiMuro now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

Mike DiMuro is owned as a Secondary Umpire by Spballsandstrikes, who is now in 6th place in the UEFL with 6 points.
*Quality of Correctness was challenged and deferred ("Correct" ==> "Correct")

**Per UEFL Rule 6.b.ii.e., the call is correct.

***A Post-Inning Exemption has been applied under Rule 6.3.iii.b.

****After the challenge, the Post-Inning Exemption has been revoked.

These are the 33rd and 34th ejections of 2011.
This is the 15th player ejection of 2011.

This is the 17th Manager ejection of 2011.

Prior to his ejection, Uribe was 1-3 in the contest.

Wrap: Dodgers vs Pirates Wrap 05/09/11

Video (1): Uribe and Mattingly tossed by DiMuro
Video (2): Must C Curious: Mattingly, Uribe get tossed
Video (3): Mattingly on his first ejection as manager

Umpire Odds & Ends: No Hit 2

Baseball and the UEFL saw a no hitter for the second time this season (the first no hitter was by Francisco Liriano, Bruce Dreckman umpiring) on Saturday, May 7, when Jerry Meals (41) umpired the plate for Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander's second career no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. Verlander had a perfect game through 8.1 IP, which ended with a walk, but completed his no hitter with one walk and four strike outs. Verlander threw 108 pitches, 74 for strikes, but only 48 were callable pitches.

Here is a quick look at the statistics of how Jerry Meals called Justin Verlander's no hitter.

Total Pitches: 108 / 83 Plotted*

Callable Pitches: 48

Balls: 34

Called Strikes: 14

Correct Called Balls: 32

Incorrect Called Balls (Called balls within the strike zone): 2

Correct Ball %: 94.1%

Correct Called Strikes: 13

Incorrect Called Strikes (Called strikes outside the strike zone):  1

Correct Strike %: 92.9%

Correct % of Called Pitches: 93.8%

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

*Note: The pitch f/x graph below is missing 25 pitches for an unknown reason; of these, there were 11 callable pitches and all 11 were correctly called pitches = 100% Accuracy. These pitches are included in the above table.

Umpire Odds & Ends: Hitting the Umpire

In baseball, as in basketball or football, the arbiter's purpose is to officiate and uphold the integrity of the game. Sometimes, however, the umpire can't help but get involved. It happened twice today, a pitched/thrown/batted ball hit an umpire. Reviewing the In Play rules tells us what to do when an umpire has the misfortune of getting hit by a baseball. First up is Rule 5.08.

5.08 If a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched or thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play. However, if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner is out.

For an example of 5.08, we turn to 1B Umpire Andy Fletcher, who also had an ejection today. But besides Andy's disciplinary action, he was also involved in a play where Rule 5.08 had to be invoked: Ump gets hit low on pickoff throw. During this play, in which Fletcher was unfortunately hit by the thrown baseball, the crew properly kept everything alive as specified in Rule 5.08.

Next up, in reviewing Rule 5.09(f) and Rule 6.08(d), we have to consider whether the following play qualifies under either of these rules and what to do if it does and if it does not.

5.09 The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when—  (f) A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, or touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher; runners advance, if forced.

6.08 The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when— (d) A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including the pitcher, the ball is in play.

When 3B Umpire Mark Wegner was hit by Mariners batter Brendan Ryan's batted ball, the umpires had to consider whether this hit-by-batted-ball qualified for a dead ball under Rule 5.09 and 5.09(f) or whether it should stay alive under Rule 6.08(d). The crew correctly applied Rule 6.08(d); the fair ball clearly passed the third baseman before touching Wegner.

Last year, 2B Umpire CB Bucknor was hit by a batted ball while positioned in front of all fielders (other than the pitcher). Bucknor correctly applied Rule 5.09(f) by immediately calling "time" and declaring a dead ball, correctly awarding the batter first base.

Rule 9.05 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRES points out that it is extremely important to "BE IN POSITION TO SEE EVERY PLAY." With a 1B or 3B Umpire who must rule on fair/foul hits or pickoffs with runners on, being in position to see these plays carries the risk of getting hit by a batted or thrown ball. But even when an umpire is unfortunate enough to be struck by a ball, he must quickly discern whether to call "time" under Rule 5.09 or to let play continue under Rule 6.08. As unfortunate as getting struck by a screaming liner or bouncing wild throw may be, umpires must be vigilant at all times, and always maintain rules expertise, ready to apply any rule at a moment's (painful) notice.

Ejections: Andy Fletcher (1)

1B Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in bottom of the 8th inning of the Yankees-Rangers game. With none out and none on, Torrealba flied to Yankees left fielder Brett Gardnerout on a 2-2 cutter from pitcher Rafael Soriano. The call was correct under Rule 6.b.ii.e.* At the time of the ejection, the Yankees led, 12-5. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 12-5.

This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s first ejection of 2011.
Andy Fletcher now has 4 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).

Andy Fletcher is owned as a Secondary Umpire by thexfactor264, who is now tied for 12th place in the UEFL with 1 point.
*This call is correct per Rule 6.b.ii.e.

This is the 32nd ejection of 2011.

This is the 14th player ejection of 2011.

Prior to his ejection, Yorvit Torrealba was 0-4 in the contest.

Wrap: Yankees at Rangers Wrap 05/08/11

Video: Fletcher ejects Torrealba


Related Video: Ump gets hit low on pickoff throw

Basketball Ejections: Scott Foster (1, 2)

Though the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League is dedicated to the sport of baseball, events occasionally take place elsewhere in the sports world that are of an incredible nature or gravity. Introducing the "Other Sports" label, here are two ejections from the basketball world.

Crew Chief Scott Foster ejected Lakers forward Lamar Odom for Flagrant Type 2 and Lakers center Andrew Bynum for Flagrant Type 2 during the 4th Quarter of the Lakers-Mavericks game. With 9:06 remaining in the 4th, Odom committed an off ball foul on Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki. Though Umpire Jason Phillips initially signaled the Flagrant Type 1 call, after replay review, the decision was made to upgrade the foul to a Flagrant Type 2 and ejection of Odom from the contest.* With 8:21 remaining in the 4th, Bynum committed a flagrant foul on Mavericks guard J.J. Barea, who was an airborne shooter at the time of the foul; Barea's shot entered the basket and was scored. Bynum was immediately and simultaneously ejected by all three officials, Foster, Referee Ron Garretson, and Phillips. A simultaneous ejection by multiple officials is credited to the Crew Chief (Foster).** At the time of Odom's ejection, the Mavericks were leading, 94-68. At the time of Bynum's ejection, the Mavericks were leading, 100-68. The Mavericks ultimately won the contest, 122-86, and won the series, 4-0.

These are Scott Foster (48)'s first and second credited ejections of the 2011 Post Season.
Lakers forward Ron Artest was also ejected for a Flagrant Type 2 earlier during the Lakers-Mavericks series.
*Scott Foster is credited with this ejection under UEFL Rule 6.b.iii.a.2.
*Scott Foster is credited with this simultaneous ejection under UEFL Rule 9.a.

Wrap: http://www.nba.com/playoffs/2011/westseries6/index.html

Video (1): Odom is Ejected

Video (2): Bynum is ejected

Ejections: Bill Miller (1)

HP Umpire Bill Miller ejected A's left fielder Josh Willingham for arguing a strike three call in top of the 8th inning of the A's-Royals game. With one out and one on, Willingham took a 1-2 fastball from Royals pitcher Aaron Crow for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the thigh and off the inside corner of the plate, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 3-3. The Royals ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s first ejection of 2011.
Bill Miller now has -2 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).

Bill Miller is owned as a Primary Umpire by #1UmpFan, who is tied for 31st place in the UEFL with -2 points..

This is the 31st ejection of 2011.

This is the 13th player ejection of 2011.

Prior to his ejection, Josh Willingham was 0-4 in the contest.

Wrap: A's at Royals Wrap 05/07/11

Video: Miller ejects Willingham

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Ejections: Mike Muchlinski (1)

HP Umpire Mike Muchlinski ejected Mariners left fielder Milton Bradley for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the White Sox-Mariners game. With one out and one on, Bradley took a 0-2 fastball from White Sox pitcher Matt Thorton for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the hip and barely off the outside corner of the plate, the call was incorrect. The call is now correct per UEFL Rule 6.b.ii.a.* At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 2-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Mike Muchlinski (76)'s first ejection of 2011.
Mike Muchlinski now has 5 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).

Mike Muchlinski was not drafted in 2011.
*Quality of Correctness was challenged and affirmed ("Incorrect" ==> "Correct")

This is the 30th ejection of 2011.

This is the 12th player ejection of 2011.

This is Milton Bradley's second ejection of 2011.

Prior to his ejection, Milton Bradley was 1-4 in the contest.

Wrap: White Sox at Mariners 05/06/11 Wrap

Video: Muchlinski ejects Bradley

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Ejections: Angel Hernandez (2)

HP Umpire Angel Hernandez ejected Red Sox Manager Terry Francona for arguing a balk call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Twins-Red Sox game. With two out and two on, Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield was called for a balk; Twins R3 Ben Revere scored and R1 Denard Span was awarded second base. Replays indicate Wakefield failed to properly step directly toward a base with his non-pivot foot while in contact with the rubber and/or disengaged and immediately and in practically the same motion "wheeled" and threw to first base, under MLB Rule 8.05(c) and 8.05(c) Comment, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Twins were leading, 4-1. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 9-2.

This is Angel Hernandez (55)'s second ejection of 2011.
Angel Hernandez now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

Angel Hernandez is owned as a Primary Umpire by yawetag, who is now in 1st place in the UEFL with 17 points.

Angel Hernandez is owned as a Primary Umpire by MrBillMueller, who is now tied for 2nd place in the UEFL with 8 points.

Angel Hernandez is owned as a Primary Umpire by Ring_Tail, who is now tied for 2nd place in the UEFL with 8 points.

Angel Hernandez is owned as a Primary Umpire by ump_24, who is now tied for 2nd place in the UEFL with 8 points.

Angel Hernandez is owned as a Secondary Umpire by BONZ_kansascity, who is now tied for 7th place in the UEFL with 4 points.

*Quality of Correctness was challenged and denied ("Correct" ==> "Correct").
This is the 29th ejection of 2011.

This is the 16th Manager ejection of 2011.

This is Terry Francona's second ejection of 2011.

Wrap: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_05_06_minmlb_bosmlb_1

Video (1): Francona ejected for arguing a balk

Video (2): Wakefield balks in a run

Video (3): Francona on the balk and his ejection

Discussions: Stuck in a Wall

Two fence-grabbing plays occurred in the past few days. Anonymous wrote:

I thought this might be something interesting to discuss:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14484981&topic_id=11493214&c_id=mlb
Really not sure what the correct call would be- it seems odd that the fielder would have the option to play it or call it a double??

The video referred to is this one, and features a Tampa Bay 'stuck in the base of the wall' play in which a Blue Jays outfielder elects to play the ball, and a Kansas City 'stuck in the base of the wall' play in which an Orioles outfielder elects to request time instead. Joe West's crew is in Tampa Bay (3B: Paul Schrieber), Tim Welke's crew is in Kansas City (2B: Tim Welke). Yes, the Blue Jays-Rays contest this play occurred in is the same Blue Jays-Rays contest that saw Ejections: Joe West (2) and Ejections: Chad Fairchild (1, 2).