MLB Instant Replay Review S-08: Dan Iassogna (S-1)

Instant replay confirmed 1B Umpire Dan Iassogna's out call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Rays-Blue Jays game. With one out and one on, Blue Jays batter Munenori Kawasaki hit a 1-0 pitch from Rays pitcher Matt Andriese to first baseman Cameron Seitzer who threw to Andreise running towards first as Kawasaki approached the base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons, Iassogna's ruling that Andriese's foot and tag beat Kawasaki to first base was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of the instant replay review, the Rays were leading, 6-3. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Dan Iassogna (58)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Dan Iassogna (28) is now 1/1 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

This is the 8th instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons is now 0/2 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Appeals this Spring.
Umpires are now 8/8 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/7/14
Video: Call upheld; Rays combine for second out in the ninth inning (TOR)

Denied: Phillies Unable to Challenge Due to Power Outage

A power outage prevented a Phillies instant replay challenge Thursday as the Yankees retired Phillies batter-runner John Mayberry, Jr. attempting to stretch a double into a triple in the bottom of the 7th inning. With two out and none on, Mayberry hit a line drive off Yankees pitcher Danny Burawa to right fielder Adonis Garcia, who

Do not adjust your set: Power outage strikes Phils.

threw to shortstop Yangervis Solarte to third baseman Scott Sizemore, Mayberry ruled out at third by 3B Umpire Tom Hallion. When Phillies Manager Ryne Sandberg visited the umpires to challenge the play, Hallion crew encountered technical difficulties—replay official Phil Cuzzi attempted to view the challenged call in the TV production truck, but only saw a blank screen. Because of the power failure, no video of the Mayberry play was available to the umpires (nor to the broadcasters—the video link below contains the aftermath of the play, in question but not the play itself). In the absence of instant replay, Hallion & company relied on 2013 umpiring mechanics—Hallion, HP Umpire Mark Wegner, 1B Umpire Vic Carapazza and 2B Umpire Toby Basner conferenced and decided not to reverse Hallion's original ruling of out. Because no replays are available, the call is inconclusive. At the time of the technical glitch, the Phillies were leading, 3-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

The chaos even infiltrated MLB Gameday's game summary, which described the play thusly:

Play reviewed and stands as called: John Mayberry doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Adonis Garcia. John Mayberry out at 3rd, right fielder Adonis Garcia to shortstop Yangervis Solarte to third baseman Scott Sizemore.

Technically, the original ruling did stand—Mayberry was put out. On the other hand, the extent of "review" that took place doesn't quite fit the qualification bill for a wholesome instant replay challenge.

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/6/14
Video: Aftermath of the power failure at Bright House Field in Florida—no video of the play (PHI)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-07: Jim Wolf (S-1)

Instant replay confirmed 2B Umpire Jim Wolf's safe call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Rockies-Brewers game. With two out and one on, Brewers baserunner R1 Logan Schafer attempted to steal second base on a 1-1 pitch from Rockies pitcher Adam Ottavino to Brewers batter Taylor Green. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Rockies Manger Walt Weiss, Wolf's ruling that Rockies shortstop Rosell Herrera failed to tag Schafer prior to Schafer sliding into second base was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of the instant replay review, the contest was tied, 2-2. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Jim Wolf (28)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Jim Wolf (28) is now 1/1 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
This is Crew Chief Doug Eddings (88)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.

This is the 7th instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
Rockies Manager Walt Weiss is now 0/1 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Appeals this Spring.
Umpires are now 7/7 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/6/14
Video: Call upheld; Brewers steal second in the sixth (MIL)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-06: Tripp Gibson (S-2)

Instant replay confirmed 1B Umpire Tripp Gibson's out call in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Dodgers-Angels game. With one out and none on, Angels batter Mike Trout hit a fly ball off Dodgers pitcher Dan Haren to center fielder Yasiel Puig, who threw to shortstop Hanley Ramirez to catcher A.J. Ellis for an originally ruled out (triple and caught attempting an inside-the-park home run). Upon instant replay review as the result of an argument by Angels Manger Mike Scioscia and initiation by crew chief Gerry Davis, Gibson's ruling that Ellis tagged Trout prior to Trout's arrival and that Ellis did not violate Rule 7.13 by blocking home plate without possession of the ball was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of the instant replay review, the contest was tied, 0-0. The contest ultimately ended in a tie, 4-4, in 10 innings.

This is Tripp Gibson (73)'s 2nd instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Tripp Gibson (73) is now 2/2 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
This is Crew Chief Gerry Davis (12)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.

This is the 6th instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
Angels Manager Mike Scioscia is now 0/2 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Appeals this Spring.
Umpires are now 6/6 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. LA Angels of Anaheim (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/6/14
Video: Call upheld; Dodgers' relay play retires Trout at the plate (LAD)
Video: Puig's miscue turns to an out at home after strong throw to Ramirez onto catcher Ellis (Must C)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-05: Mark Ripperger (S-1)

Instant replay confirmed 2B Umpire Mark Ripperger's out call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Red Sox-Cardinals game. With one out and two on, Cardinals batter Stephen Piscotty hit a 3-2 pitch from Red Sox pitcher Noe Ramirez back to Ramirez, who threw to second baseman Heiker Meneses to first baseman Travis Shaw for an originally ruled double play. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Cardinals Manger Mike Matheny, Ripperger's ruling that Meneses caught the ball and stepped on second base prior to Cardinals baserunner R1 Joey Butler's arrival was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of the instant replay review, the Cardinals were leading, 8-4. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 8-6.

This is the 5th instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
This is Crew Chief Jerry Meals (41)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Umpires are now 5/5 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Boston Red Sox (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/5/14
Video: Call upheld; Butler ruled out after replay review (STL)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-04: Tripp Gibson (S-1)

Instant replay confirmed 2B Umpire Tripp Gibson's safe call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Rangers-Angels game. With one out and one on, Angels baserunner R1 J.B. Shuck attempted to steal second base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Rangers Manger Ron Washington, Gibson's ruling that Shuck's left hand arrived at second base prior to Rangers second baseman Kensuke Tanaka's tag was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of the instant replay review, the contest was tied, 4-4. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 7-4.

This is the 4th instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
This is Tripp Gibson (73)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
This is Crew Chief Jim Joyce (66)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Umpires are now 4/4 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/4/14
Video: Call upheld; Shuck ruled safe after replay review (LAA)

2014 UEFL Draft Now Open

The 2014 UEFL Draft is now open and accepting selections. If you have registered for the 2014 season, click here to access the 2014 UEFL Draft form. Note that you will use this same form to draft all umpires (Primary, Secondary & Crew Chief). The form also includes a place to register for the Live Secondary Draft & signups for UEFL Divisional Play (e.g., UEFL Express).

For those who have requested inclusion on the UEFL mailing list, a draft guide will be e-mailed to you this evening. For more information about the UEFL draft and selection process, see the 2014 UEFL Rules Book.

Recall the important deadlines below. Bear mind the Draft form may be submitted by phase-of-draft:

March 13, 2013 (Thursday): Last day to submit unrestricted Primary umpires.
March 13, 2013 (Thursday): Last day to RSVP for the Live Secondary Draft. Sat Mar 15, 3 PM PT.
March 14, 2013 (Friday): Last day to submit unrestricted Secondary umpires (Live Draftees exempt).
March 15, 2013 (Saturday): Live Secondary Draft. 6 PM Eastern / 3 PM Pacific.
March 20, 2013 (Thursday): Last day to submit unrestricted Crew Chief selections.*
March 21, 2013 (Friday): Last day for roster changes (retirements, pre-season injuries, etc.).
*In the event a crew list is not yet available, the crew chief draft period will be extended.

Draft Prospectus / Umpire Profiles: UEFL Profiles of MLB Umpires are now available for the 2014 season. Click here to access the Umpire Profiles page. Click here to access the Historical Data page (UEFL Portal).

Thank you and happy drafting! Please post here with any questions.

Challenge: 3 Umpire Calls Upheld on 1st Replay Decisions

Umpire Fieldin Culbreth's call of safe was challenged and upheld after instant replay review, marking the first ever instant replay challenge in MLB history. Accompanying Culbreth on this debut day of Spring Training expanded instant replay were umpires Will Little and Bill Miller.

At present and in the future, instant replay challenges (as in S-01 and S-03) and umpire crew chief-initiated reviews (such as S-02) will be available in sortable list format via the UEFL Portal's Instant Replays page.

Grapefruit replay affirmed two umpire calls.

Replay S-01: With two out and one on in the bottom of the 6th inning of Monday's Blue Jays-Twins game, Blue Jays batter Chris Rahl hit a grounder off Twins pitcher Kyle Drabek to shortstop Munenori Kawasaki, who threw high to first baseman Jared Goedert, who attempted to stretch and keep his foot on the first base bag while catching the ball. Initially ruled safe (pulled foot) by 1B Umpire Culbreth, the play was challenged, reviewed and stood as called, an error charged to Kawasaki for the pulled foot. At the time of the replay, the Twins were leading, 8-2.
Video: Call upheld; Rahl ruled safe after replay review (MIN) / Replay official: Brian O'Nora.

Replay S-02: With two out in the 8th inning of the Blue Jays-Twins game, 1B Umpire Will Little ruled Twins batter-runner Doug Bernier safe at first base. Replays confirm Bernier beat Blue Jays shortstop Kevin Nolan's throw and Little's call was upheld. At the time of that review, the Twins were leading, 12-2. The Twins ultimately won the contest, 12-2.
Video: Call upheld; Bernier is safe at first (MIN) / Replay official: Brian O'Nora.

In Arizona, replay likewise upheld the initial call.

Replay S-03: With one out and one on in the top of the 2nd inning of the Angels-Diamondbacks game in Arizona, 2B Umpire Bill Miller ruled Angels baserunner Luis Jimenez out at second base. Replays indicate D'Backs second baseman Aaron Hill successfully tagged Jimenez off the base and Miller's call was accordingly upheld. At the time of the replay, the contest was tied, 0-0.
Video: Call upheld; Jimenez ruled out on stolen base attempt (LAA) Replay official: Adam Hamari.

These are the 1st, 2nd & 3rd instant replay reviews in MLB history.

This is Fieldin Culbreth (25)'s 1st instant replay challenge of Spring Training.

This is Will Little (93)'s 1st instant replay challenge of Spring Training.

This is Bill Miller (26)'s 1st instant replay challenge of Spring Training.

Umpires (TOR-MIN): HP: Bob Davidson. 1B: Brian O'Nora. 2B: Fieldin Culbreth. 3B: Will Little.

Umpires (LAA-ARI): HP: Allen Bailey. 1B: Ted Barrett. 2B: Adam Hamari. 3B: Bill Miller.

Spring Training Instant Replay Experiment Begins Monday

Instant Replay makes its Spring Training debut during select MLB games Monday in both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues. Naturally, due to physical time zones, Florida will feature the technology first.

The video instant replay challenge system will be available to managers during the following Monday games:
• Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees, 1:05 p.m. Eastern Time
• Toronto Blue Jays vs. Minnesota Twins (split squad), 1:05 p.m. ET

Over in Arizona, the following Cactus League games will be televised:
• Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 3:05 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Oakland Athletics, 3:05 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 3:10 p.m. ET

Note that all televised games (via MLB.TV) are scheduled for a first pitch of just past 1pm local time. The Cactus League (Arizona) falls within the Mountain Time Zone, which is two hours behind Eastern (or +1 Pacific).

UEFL Profile of MiLB Umpire: Jon Byrne

MiLB Umpire Jon Byrne

Presenting the UEFL Profile of MiLB Umpire Jon Byrne.
Name: Jon Byrne
Date of Birth: 1984
Place of Birth: Perth, Australia

MiLB Leagues Worked: Gulf Coast, Northwest, Midwest, California, Eastern, Australian and International Leagues.
MLB Debut: N/A
Level: AAA
Umpire Uniform Number: 59
Crew Chief: No
2014 Crew: N/A (Minor League Call-Up).

Ejection History: N/A.

UEFL History: Jon Byrne

Postseason and Special Events History
World Baseball Classic: -
All-Star Game: -
Wild Card Game: -
Division Series: -
Championship Series: -
World Series: -

Notes: Will make history as first Australian-born umpire in the Major Leagues upon first regular season game.
» Follows in the footsteps of Brett Robson and Travis Hatch, the first Australian pro umpires in the States.
» Graduated from the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring, Class of 2004; began work in 2005.
» Identical twin brother Kyle Byrne also umpired in Minor League Baseball.
» » Kyle once "ejected" Casper Rockies mascot Hobart the Platypus for arguing a fan vs. mascot race loss (Byrne declared a young fan the winner). Director of Fun Matt Warneke suspended Hobart for his antics.
» Western Australian Baseball Umpires' Association's Claxton Shield, 2007-2010.