Ejections: Bill Welke (2, 3)

HP Umpire Bill Welke ejected Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and Manager Don Mattingly for throwing at Diamondbacks left fielder Gerardo Parra in the top of the 6th inning of the Diamondbacks-Dodgers game. With none out and none on, Parra took a 0-1 pitch for a hit by pitch from Kershaw. Replays indicate the pitch was thrown inside, the call was correct.* In yesterday's Diamondbacks-Dodgers game, Parra took a high and inside pitch for a ball from Dodgers pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo. Later in the at bat, Parra homered and "admired" his home run leading to Kershaw shouting at Parra from the Dodgers dugout. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 2-0. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

These are Bill Welke (52)'s second and third ejections of 2011.
Bill Welke now has 12 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (4 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 12).
Bill Welke is owned as a Primary Umpire by josh7377, who is now tied for 25th place in the UEFL with 10 points.

*This call is correct under UEFL Rule 6.b.ii.e.

These are the 189th and 190th ejections of 2011.
This is the 85th player ejection of 2011.

This is the 92nd Manager ejection of 2011.

This is Clayton Kershaw's first ejection of 2011.

This is Don Mattingly's third ejection of 2011.
Prior to his ejection, Kershaw's line was 5IP, 1 H (a double by Parra).

Wrap: Diamondbacks at Dodgers 9/14/11 Wrap
Video: Kershaw beans Parra, is thrown out; Mattingly is thrown out for arguing the ejection
Video (2): Kershaw asked about and discusses his game and sixth inning ejection

Related: Clayton Kershaw: Why the Dodgers Ace and Cy Young Candidate was Ejected

Ejections: Sam Holbrook (4)

3B Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for Unsportsmanlike-NEC in the top of the 6th inning of the Cardinals-Pirates game.~ With one out and two on in the bottom of the 5th inning, Pirates batter Derrek Lee flied into a double play, Cardinals right fielder Lance Berkman to pitcher Chris Carpenter to third baseman Daniel Descalso. Pirates R3 Pedro Ciriaco out at 3rd. Ciriaco was ruled out on appeal by Holbrook. Hurdle was ejected after arguing at the conclusion of the top of the 6th inning. Replays indicate that Ciriaco successfully tagged up and did not leave third base prior to the ball touching Berkman's glove. However, a Post-Inning Exemption under Rule 6.e.iii.b.* cannot be applied to this ejection, therefore the reason for ejection is Unsportsmanlike-NEC, the call was correct.**^ At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 4-2. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

This is Sam Holbrook (34)'s fourth ejection of 2011.
Sam Holbrook now has 16 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (12 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 16).
Sam Holbrook is owned as a Secondary Umpire by HIGHSCHOOLUMP, who is now tied for 20th place in the UEFL with 14 points.

*A Post-Inning Exemption is only allowed during the inning break immediately concluding the half inning in which the call in question was made.

**This call is correct under UEFL Rule 6.b.ii.e.
^Quality of Correctness was challenged and summarily confirmed ("Correct" ==> "Correct").
~Reason for Ejection was challenged and summarily upheld ("Unsportsmanlike-NEC" ==> "Unsportsmanlike-NEC").

This is the 188th ejection of 2011.

This is the 91st Manager ejection of 2011.
This is Sam Holbrook's third ejection with Joe West's crew.
This is Clint Hurdle's fifth ejection of 2011.
This is the 25th ejection by Joe West's crew.

Wrap: Cardinals at Pirates Wrap 9/13/11
Video: Hurdle ejected a half inning after appeal play

Polls: Tribute Uniforms

All sports' rules books contain provisions on uniforms that a team or individual may wear during play. While at the amateur levels of youth, high school, or even college ball, these rules or guidelines may be varied, uniform rules at the professional level tend to portray amateur uniform rules as lax by comparison. MLB is no different: Rules 1.11-1.17 comprise MLB's uniform and equipment guidelines, such as Rule 1.11(a), which reads, "all players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim and style." Specific allowances are made for equipment, such as gloves or protective helmets, as well as approved logos or patches.

Previous Poll (Instant Replay) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: Instant Replay, asked what should be reviewable under MLB Instant Replay, and how replay should be conducted. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we see a trend toward limited replay (Total Votes: 221):

• Nothing (No Replay) - 19% - Almost 1/5 of all UEFL'ers want replay out of baseball.
• HR/Boundary (Current Rules) - 68% - About seven of 10 UEFL'ers like being able to review boundary calls.
• Fair/Foul (Field of Play) - 36% - More than one of three of us would like to rectify another Twins-Yankees Cuzzi call.
• HBP/Foul - 33% - A third of the group would like to review close hit batsman or foul ball plays.
• Safe/Out (Catch/Trap) - 30% - Three of 10 people would like to be able to use replay here. However, placing runners on an overturned call may introduce further complications.
• Safe/Out (Force/Time AND Tag) - 25% - A full fourth would like to be able to take a second look at bang-bang plays.
• Interference/Obstruction - 16% - Perhaps this would solve who started what... Makes you wonder what percent of votes "Fighting" would get.
• -- And how to conduct review? --
• No challenges, only officials can elect to use replay (current MLB) - 26% like the way it is now.
• Teams receive a # of challenges (LLWS, NFL >2min) - 25% - Basically, the same number of people would like to offer challenges.
• Replay/5th Umpire buzzes CC to halt play while Replay Booth conducts review (NCAA FB) - 19% would like to visit the college system with a 5th official in the press box.
• Replay/5th Umpire buzzes CC to have CC do the review (NFL <2min) - 11% prefer to keep the decision making with the on field officials.
• -- Recall 19% voted for "No Replay," which accounts for the remainder, up to 100% --
• 5th Umpire added to crew (3B-2B-1B-HP-Replay) - 26% want to add the position.
• Non-Umpire replay judge is hired to conduct reviews (NHL) - 13% want that type of separation.
• CC will continue to leave field to watch replay/no added persons - 13% want to keep current numbers.

Current Poll: What are your thoughts on tribute uniforms as they relate to uniform codes and rules? Consider any level of play you feel is appropriate, select all options that apply. The NFL relaxed its tight hold on uniform restrictions this weekend to accommodate teams' requests to pay tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01. By contrast, however, MLB sent out a league-wide memo which basically denied a Mets request to wear NYPD, NYFD, and PAPD hats on September 11, 2011. When they wore the hats in 2001, the Mets were fined by MLB for the uniform violation. MLB Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations Joe Torre told the Associated press it was his decision: "Certainly it's not a lack of respect," Torre said. "We just felt all the major leagues are honoring the same way with the American flag on the uniform and the cap. This is a unanimity thing."

Tribute Uniforms and Rules... Your Thoughts?

Case Plays: Morning Mayhem

This Case Play has been completed. Congratulations to UEFL League Members cyclone14, sachmet, mtn335, RichMSN, and kickersrule, and new UEFL'er Brett, for correctly answering at least one part of the posted scenario. The correct response is:

(a) The regulation game is called and concluded. The box score shall reflect the game as having concluded after this replay reviewed home run. The home team wins, 4-3, in 7 innings. Rule 4.10(c).

(b) The terminated game is suspended and shall be resumed under the terms of Rule 4.12(b). The home team is leading, 4-3, with two outs in the bottom of the 7th. Rule 4.12(a)(1).

3 Point Added to:

sachmet, who is now in 2nd place in the UEFL with 31 points. (a, b, c)
mtn335, who is now tied for 4th place in the UEFL with 29 points. (a, b, c)
cyclone14, who is now in 5th place in the UEFL with 28 points. (a, b, c)
RichMSN, who is now in 9th place in the UEFL with 24 points. (a, b, c)

Brett, who is now tied for 33rd place in the UEFL with 3 points. (a, b, c)

2 points Added to:
kickersrule, who is now in 1st place in the UEFL with 39 points. (a, b)

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

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Pursuant to UEFL Rule 4.f., this Case Play is open for 48 hours from the time of this post (9/6/11 at 11:45 PM). During this time, all Case Play responses will remain in moderation (screened or invisible) until the 48 hour submission period is closed. To receive full point(s) credit, you must answer the following scenario correctly, including any relevant MLB Rule(s) and all relevant results of the play after applying said rule(s).

Video: The Rainy Review

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

Going to the top of the 7th inning of a rain-plagued game, the home team is leading the visitors, 3-2. In the top of the 7th, the visiting team scores to tie the contest, 3-3. As in the video above, with the contest tied at 1:57 am local time, there are two outs and none on in the bottom of the 7th inning. B1 hits a fly ball to deep left field, where it is touched by fans around the fence-line, falls back into the field of play, and is called a home run by U3 as B1 makes his way around [and legally touches] the bases (see above video). During the ensuing instant replay review, which ends at 2:00am, the umpires decide to uphold the home run call, making the score 4-3. For the following scenarios (a) and (b), answer the following question: "How shall the outcome of this game be determined; what score shall appear in the box at the stoppage of play; will the contest be resumed at a future date?" (a) Upon returning to the field, the umpires decide to stop play due to weather. After another lengthy rain delay, the umpires determine play cannot continue. (b) Upon returning to the field, the umpires decide to stop play due to a local curfew which specifies that no game may continue past 2:00am local time. (c) Cite your rules for both parts (a) and (b). (1 pt for [a], 1 pt for [b], 1 pt for [c])

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

Ejections: Mark Carlson (2, 3)

HP Umpire Mark Carlson ejected Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez and Manager Jim Tracy for arguing balls and strikes in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Reds-Rockies game.* With one out and one on, Gonzalez took two called strikes from Reds pitcher Homer Bailey before striking out on a swinging third strike. Replays indicate all pitches to Gonzalez were correctly ruled, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rockies were leading, 1-0. The Reds ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

These are Mark Carlson (48)'s second and third ejections of 2011.

Mark Carlson now has 12 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (4 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 12).

Mark Carlson is owned as a Secondary Umpire by clement30, who is now in 20th place in the UEFL with 14 points.

These are the 186th and 187th ejections of 2011.

This is the 90th Manager ejection of 2011.

This is the 84th player ejection of 2011.

Prior to his ejection, Gonzalez was 0-3 in the contest.

This is Tracy's fourth ejection of 2011.
This is Gonzalez' first career ejection.
*Though the roster that appears in the box score lists Gonzalez as RF, the Ejections: line lists him as LF.

Wrap: Reds at Rockies, 9/9/11

Video: Tracy, CarGo ejected for arguing
Related Video: Bailey fans CarGo with one out in the bottom of the 5th

Ejections: Derryl Cousins (2)

3B Umpire Derryl Cousins ejected Brewers right fielder Nyjer Morgan for Fighting - Excess Contact - Unsportsmanlike Conduct in the top of the 9th inning of the Brewers-Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Morgan swung at and missed a 2-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter for a swinging third strike. This bench clearing ejection is classified as Fighting - Excess Contact - Unsportsmanlike Conduct since Morgan's actions were determined to have caused the incident, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Derryl Cousins (13)'s second ejection of 2011.

Derryl Cousins now has 2 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 2).

Derryl Cousins was not drafted in 2011.

*This call is correct per UEFL Rule 6.b.ii.e., which governs Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Fighting.

This is the 185th ejection of 2011.
This is the 83rd player ejection of 2011.

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

Wrap: Brewers at Cardinals, 9/7/11

Video: Morgan is ejected after the benches clear in St. Louis

Ejections: D.J. Reyburn (2)

HP Umpire D.J. Reyburn ejected Brewers third baseman Casey McGehee for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 4th inning of the Brewers-Cardinals game. With two out and two on, McGehee took a 1-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was borderline; Pitch f/x indicates a px value of 0.977, which is within the acceptable range for calling a strike, the call was correct.*^ At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is D.J. Reyburn (70)'s second ejection of 2011.

D.J. Reyburn now has 10 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (5 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 10).

D.J. Reyburn was not drafted in 2011.

*This call is correct per UEFL Rule 6.b.ii.a., also referred to as the "Kulpa Rule."
^Quality of Correctness was challenged and summarily confirmed ("Correct" ==> "Correct").

This is the 184th ejection of 2011.
This is the 82nd player ejection of 2011.

Prior to his ejection, McGehee was 0-2 in the contest.

Wrap: Brewers at Cardinals, 9/7/11

Video: McGehee argues Reyburn's strike zone, is promptly thrown out of the game

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Ejections: Dale Scott (2)

3B Umpire Dale Scott ejected Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez for arguing a reversed safe call made by 1B Umpire CB Bucknor in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Braves-Phillies game.* With two out and one on, Phillies batter Placido Polanco hit a 2-2 curveball from Braves pitcher Brandon Beachy to right fielder Jason Heyward, who attempted to catch the ball in flight with a diving effort. Initially ruled an out by Bucknor, the call was reversed after umpire consultation. Replays indicate the ball appeared to have bounced prior to entering Heyward's glove, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Dale Scott (5)'s second ejection of 2011.

Dale Scott now has 3 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmate] = 3).

Dale Scott was not drafted in 2011.

*CB Bucknor is listed as calling and Dale Scott is listed as the secondary umpire under UEFL Rule 6.b.iii.a.1.

This is the 183rd ejection of 2011.
This is the 89th Manager ejection of 2011.
This is Fredi Gonzalez' fourth ejection of 2011.

Wrap: Braves at Phillies, 9/7/11

Video: Gonzalez tossed after arguing an overturned and reversed call

Ejections: Todd Tichenor (4)

HP Umpire Todd Tichenor ejected Diamondbacks pitcher David Hernandez for arguing balls and strikes in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Diamondbacks-Rockies game. Hernandez was ejected during a pitching change in which he was removed from the game. Replays indicate there were no incorrectly called pitches during the at bat immediately preceding Hernandez' ejection. A Balls/Strikes Exemption has been applied.* During Hernandez' appearance in the eighth inning, there were 10 callable pitches, seven balls and three strikes. Replays indicate eight out of ten pitches, 80%, were correctly ruled ball or strike. The two which were ruled incorrect were ball one to Rockies lead off batter Jordan Pacheco (ground out) and ball one to Rockies batter Carlos Gonzalez (RBI single). Per UEFL Rule 6.e.iii., only one of this pitches might have had an adverse and realistic effect on the outcome of the at bat (the at bat which produced a ground out is disregarded as the outcome of this at bat benefited the ejected player's team); ergo, only nine callable pitches are considered, with eight out of nine, or 89%, deemed correctly ruled. Per UEFL Rule 6.e.iv., an umpire typically must have less than 66% accuracy on callable pitches during a specific half inning for an exemption to result in a Quality of Correctness of "incorrect"; by rule, the call is correct.^ At the time of the ejection, the Rockies were leading, 5-3. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 8-3.

This is Todd Tichenor (97)'s fourth ejection of 2011.

Todd Tichenor now has 10 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (6 Previous + 2 MLB** + 2 Correct Call = 10).

Todd Tichenor is owned as a Secondary Umpire by Scumpire, who is now tied for 12th place in the UEFL with 19 points.

*A Balls/Strikes Exemption was applied under UEFL Rule 6.e.iv.b.
^This call is correct per UEFL Rules 6.e.iii. and 6.e.iv.
**Todd Tichenor is considered MLB in distribution of points, per a pre-season UEFL resolution.

This is the 182nd ejection of 2011.
This is the 81st player ejection of 2011.

Prior to his ejection, Hernandez' line was 0.2 IP, 4 ER. Hernandez would end up with 5 ER, BS, and the Loss.

Wrap: Diamondbacks at Rockies, 9/6/11

Video: Hernandez ejected after yelling at Tichenor during his departure from the game

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Ejections: Joe West (7)

1B Umpire Joe West ejected Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel for arguing a reviewed and overturned: spectator (fan) interference out call in the top of the 6th inning of the Phillies-Marlins game. With one out and one on, Phillies batter Hunter Pence hit a 0-0 slider from Marlins pitcher Anibal Sanchez to deep right field. After an attempted play at the wall, the ball fell to the ground as the Phillies baserunners continued to advance. Upon the conclusion of play, the umpires elected to employ instant replay review. Per an MLB directive released on August 26, 2008, umpires are authorized to use instant replay review in the case of boundary calls, which include fair (home run) or foul (foul ball), whether the ball left the playing field (home run or live ball), and whether a possible home run ball was subject to spectator interference (home run, live ball, or dead ball). Replays indicate Marlins right fielder Bryan Petersen was interfered with by multiple fans during his opportunity to catch the fly ball: the spectators reached out of the stands and touched both a live ball and a player under Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (d)(1) and (2); replays indicate this spectator interference clearly prevented the right fielder from catching a fly ball under Rule 3.16, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 2-2. The Marlins ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 14 innings, on a walk off walk by batter Mike Cameron, Emilio Bonafacio scoring (Herndon pitching).

The Phillies played this game under protest per Rule 4.19, claiming that umpires may not use instant replay to determine and adjudge spectator interference. On 9/7/11, the Phillies' formal protest was denied by Major League Baseball Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations Joe Torre. [Related Discussion Regarding What may be Reviewed via Instant Replay, May 24: Discussions: Video Interference]

MLB Press Release, 08/26/08: Instant replay will apply only to home run calls -- whether they are fair or foul, whether they have left the playing field, or whether they have been subject to fan interference. The decision to use instant replay will be made by the umpire crew chief, who also will make the determination as to whether or not a call should be reversed. 

2.00 INTERFERENCE (d): Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands, 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.

3.16: 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.
APPROVED RULING: If spectator interference clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire shall declare the batter out. 

This is Joe West (22)'s seventh ejection of 2011.
Joe West now has 13 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (9 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 13)
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by kickersrule, who is now in 1st place in the UEFL with 37 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by sachmet, who is now in 4th place in the UEFL with 28 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by mtn335, who is in 5th place in the UEFL with 26 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by BONZ_kansascity, who is now tied for 6th place in the UEFL with 25 pts.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by RichMSN, who is now in 9th place in the UEFL with 21 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by DanNJ316, who is now tied for 12th place in the UEFL with 19 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by whenindoubt55, who is now tied for 16th place in the UEFL with 16 pts.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by Scumpire, who is now tied for 16th place in the UEFL with 16 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by thexfactor264, who is now tied for 20th place in the UEFL with 13 points.
Joe West is owned as a Primary Umpire by jhagen88, who is now tied for 20th place in the UEFL with 13 points.
Joe West is owned as a Secondary Umpire by BGMTOM, who is now tied for 10th place in the UEFL with 20 points.
*Joe West is credited as the calling umpire under UEFL Rule 6.b.iii.a.2.

This is the 180th ejection of 2011.
This is the 88th Manager ejection of 2011.
This is Charlie Manuel's third ejection of 2011.
This is the second instant replay reviewed and overturned ejection of 2011.
Chad Fairchild was also the HP Umpire during another 2011 contest with a disputed replay call.
This is the 24th ejection by Joe West's crew (West (7), Fairchild (5), Paul Schrieber (1); Angel Campos (5), Angel Hernandez (4), Sam Holbrook (2) while working with West's crew).

Wrap: Phillies at Marlins, 9/4/11
Video (Play/Ejection): Umpires use replay to review and reverse call; Manuel tossed arguing the replay decision
Video (Interview with Spectators who Interfered): Offending fans are ejected, don't understand rule

Related Discussion: Discussions: Video Interference