Simple Advantage in the Replay Era - Third Base Dugouts

An overturned neighborhood play, delayed out call, and beneficial dugout placement at Petco Park allowed a baserunner to advance to third base following a successful replay challenge by the visiting team in San Diego.

LeMahieu, at the last second, stays at third.

With one out and one on (R1) in the top of the 8th inning of Saturday's Rockies-Padres game, Rockies baserunner DJ LeMahieu was awarded third base after a neighborhood play ruling was overturned from out to safe at second base, and LeMahieu innocently ended up at third base, just outside of his club's dugout.

After Padres shortstop Chase d'Arnaud spun and threw while coming across second base, LeMahieu appeared to trot back towards the Rockies' third base dugout, going so far as to remove his helmet to hand to 3B Coach Stu Cole before ultimately deciding to put his helmet back on and remain on third base, as the Padres thought nothing too odd about an apparently-retired Rockies baserunner jogging in the direction of his dugout.

Complicating matters, 2B Umpire Tripp Gibson did not appear to make a safe or out call until after the play was complete, and only after Padres first baseman Will Myers appeared to look toward Gibson for a ruling, which Gibson obliged by mechanizing an out call.

Yet, because LeMahieu stood at third base, the Replay Official awarded him third, ruling that LeMahieu had legally run the bases and advanced to third base in spite of the erroneous out call.

Replay Review Regulation IV.A.3 delineates several factors to consider when placing runners, including: "(a) the depth of fly balls; (b) the speed of runners; (c) the location of runners on the field when the play occurred; (d) the number of outs at the time of the play; and (e) whether the incorrect call affected the subsequent behavior or conduct of the offensive or defensive players."

Neighborhood play = Runner safe at second.

For the LeMahieu play, (a) does not apply, nor should (b) as LeMahieu didn't exactly sprint to third base. The third out precluded San Diego from attempting a play at third base (as did LeMahieu's status as having been called out at second base), though LeMahieu did physically wind up standing on third base, even if by accident. Finally, determining the incorrect call's affect on the players' subsequent behavior is complicated by the delayed out call: Myers looked toward second base, apparently unsure of what to do with no call having been made, while LeMahieu simply continued jogging to third base.

Regulation IV.A.2 states, "The Replay Official shall place the base runners on the bases he believes they would have reached had the reviewed call been made correctly...Any doubt regarding the placement of runners should be resolved in favor of the last base legally touched at the time of the challenged call. More than one base should not be awarded unless it is obvious to the Replay Official that a runner would have safely advanced beyond one base had the call been made correctly, or the Official Baseball Rules otherwise require such advancement."

Signal the out, even if play has left the area.

Lesson learned: When building a stadium, increase that home-field advantage by placing the home dugout on the third base side of the field, and, at the end of an inning, always stand on third base. Two outs and a runner on third? Yes, please.

Second lesson learned: Always make a call, unless instructed by rule or mechanic not to (such as in the immediate aftermath of a double-missed tag where the catcher fails to tag the runner, who in turn fails to touch home plate).

It might seem silly to indicate a closed fist after the play has seemingly left the area, but it will prevent confusion later on as players may look back for an umpire's judgment ruling relative to a pulled foot or timing issue.

As the MLB Umpire Manual states, "Umpires shall make a signal on all calls with the exception of 'ball.' Signals are to be visible, crisp, and clear. Voice calls should be clearly audible...Signals should not be slow to the point of appearing uncertain or causing confusion for the fans and media."

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Close Quarters - Carlson Collides with Iglesias on Tag Play

2B Umpire Mark Carlson collided with Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias during a stolen base tag attempt at second, ultimately resulting in an out call and a fortuitous avoidance of injury. The point of discussion, naturally, is whether a collision could have reasonably been avoided.

Carlson's face barely avoids Iglesias' cleat.

Positioning Discussion
With a runner on first base, the second base umpire is ordinarily positioned within the infield in what is known as "Deep B" or "Deep C." The reference for this is the MLB Umpire Manual's General Principles for four-man umpiring mechanics: "Whenever runner(s) are on base (other than a runner on 3rd base only), the 2nd base umpire will set up inside at 2nd base. The 2nd base umpire may work on either side of 2nd base, depending on which side the umpire feels more comfortable."

For more on midfield umpire positioning, see Much About Second Base & Stolen Pickoff Positioning.

Diagram of ordinary umpire positioning.

For the play at hand, Carlson is positioned at Deep B, as prescribed by MLBUM mechanic. He reads the impending play at second base and takes a read step toward the anticipated action area. The throw from Tigers catcher John Hicks is slightly offline towards the right field side of second base, and as Iglesias moves across the base to retrieve it and tag baserunner Yolmer Sanchez, he collides with the sliding runner, pinballing directly into umpire Carlson, who himself has made a position adjustment in order to better see the tag play.

Umpire Mark Carlson mixes with SS Iglesias.

In analyzing the sequence as it occurred, as is evident in the situation of most missed calls (yes, Carlson's out call here was the correct call), the mishap here occurs as the result of a defensive miscue: if catcher Hicks doesn't throw offline and require Iglesias to make an athletic play, and if baserunner Sanchez's chosen slide doesn't keep his torso elevated through the collision with Iglesias, then the collision with Carlson never happens.

The final piece of the puzzle is to bring forth past evidence to show that sometimes, as an umpire moves into position to observe a play and make a call, the involved player's movements—which usually occur when that player spins out of control due to a collision with some other object—will ensnare the calling umpire simply because of the close quarters that exist when each actor is performing an appropriate function: the defense is attempting to retire a runner, the runner is attempting to legally advance, and the umpire is attempting to adjudicate the play.

Angels runner Hunter accidentally spikes Gibson.

Recall the 2012 injury to home plate umpire Greg Gibson, whom baserunner Torii Hunter inadvertently spiked in the face while sliding/tumbling into home plate. Like Iglesias bouncing off of Sanchez, Hunter similarly bounced off the ground, causing his leg and cleat to swing wildly towards Gibson. Fortunately, on Sunday, Carlson was able to quickly jump backwards and out of the way of Iglesias' left cleat.

Rules Discussion
Though Official Baseball Rule 6.01(f) Comment authorizes umpire interference in the case of a plate umpire hindering a catcher's throw to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play, or a fair batted ball touches any umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder, 6.01(f) states, "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" (see Umpire Interference). If a player collides with the umpire, the ball is similarly alive and in play.

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2017 No-Hitter 1, Bill Miller (1; Edinson Volquez)

HP Umpire Bill Miller called Marlins pitcher Edinson Volquez's no-hitter against the Diamondbacks, the first of 2017. Miller was joined for Saturday's Diamondbacks-Marlins game by 1B Umpire Kerwin Danley, 2B Umpire Todd Tichenor, and 3B Adam Hamari. This is Miller's first career MLB no-hitter.

Miller received 63 callable pitches from Volquez, a total of 36 balls and 27 called strikes. The look:

Balls: 35 called balls outside of strike zone / 1 called ball within strike zone = 35/36 = 97.2% Accuracy.
Strikes: 23 called strikes inside strike zone / 4 called strikes outside strike zone = 23/27 = >90.0% Accuracy.
Total Raw Accuracy Score for Volquez = 58/63 = 92.1% Accuracy (+3 in favor of Volquez).
Overall Game Score: 82/85 Balls + 38/45 Strikes = 120/130 = 92.3% +2 MIA. Plots via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 060 - Fieldin Culbreth (2; Brad Ausmus)

1B Umpire Fieldin Culbreth ejected Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus (denied Replay Review - exceeded 30-second time limit) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the White Sox-Tigers game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Tigers batter Victor Martinez hit 2-2 slider from White Sox pitcher Miguel Gonzalez on the ground to second baseman Yolmer Sanchez, who threw to first baseman Matt Davidson as Martinez arrived at first base. Replays indicate Davidson caught the ball and tagged first base prior to Martinez's arrival and that Ausmus took longer than 30 seconds in determining whether to challenge the play (replays indicate he took approximately 39 seconds to decide), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 10-1.

This is Fieldin Culbreth (25)'s second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Fieldin Culbreth now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has -3 points in Crew Division (-4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -3).
*MLB introduced a 30-second time limit for Replay Review challenge decisions prior to the season.

This is the 60th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 32nd Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Detroit's 2nd ejection of 2017, T-1st in the AL Central (CWS, DET, KC, MIN 2; CLE 0).
This is Brad Ausmus' first ejection since August 27, 2016 (Mike Everitt; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Fieldin Culbreth's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since June 1 (Terry Collins; QOC = Y-C [Interference]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers, 6/3/17 | Video via "Read More"

WCWS - UCLA Coach Ejected, Bumps Plate Umpire

Already ejected, UCLA's Lisa Fernandez bumped HP Umpire Erin Peterson after a wild double play at the Women's College World Series on Saturday. Fernandez will now face possible suspension.

Fernandez appears to shove Umpire Peterson.

With one out and two on (R1, R3) in the top of the 6th inning of the Bruins-Aggies game, Bruins baserunner R1 Bubba Nichols attempted to steal second base in a delayed-steal tactic wherein baserunner R3 Gabrielle Maurice broke for the plate as Nichols became involved in a rundown situation between first and second base. Seeing Maurice's sprint toward home, Aggies shortstop Kristen Cuyos threw to catcher Ashley Walters, who applied a tag to Maurice's helmet, resulting in a collision, while Nichols continued running the bases. Walters then threw the ball to third baseman Riley Sartain, who threw to second baseman Kaitlyn Alderink with the tag of Nichols for the final out of the inning.

NCAA Softball Rule 12.13.1 (Collisions) states, "A defensive player shall not block the base, plate or baseline without possession of the ball or not in the immediate act of catching the ball if it impedes the runner." Replays indicate Walters did not block the plate without being in the immediate act of catching the ball and that both runners were tagged while off base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Bruins were leading, 3-1. UCLA ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

Following the play, HP Umpire Peterson ejected UCLA Assistant 1B Coach Fernandez (out call), and Fernandez responded by appearing to push Peterson after being ejected. NCAA Softball Misconduct Rule 13.3 states, in part, "Any threat of physical intimidation or harm, including pushing, shoving, spitting, kicking, throwing at or attempting to make aggressive physical contact, or use of equipment in a combative manner, shall not be tolerated and is grounds for a behavioral ejection combined with suspension...The perpetrator shall be ejected and then suspended from the institution’s next two previously scheduled and played contests in a traditional season (spring)."

Wrap: UCLA Bruins vs. Texas A&M Aggies (WCWS), 6/3/17 | Video via "Read More"

MiLB - Raul Moreno's Brawl of Timber Rattlers and Chiefs

The Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Peoria Chiefs' bench-clearing brawl drew ejections from umpire Raul Moreno, as he and partner Matt Cowan became the second umpiring crew in the Midwest League to break up a 50-player fight in less than a week, following umpires Jason Johnson and James Folske's Whitecaps-Dragons brawl on May 28.

HP Umpire Raul Moreno restrains Harrison.

With two out and none on in the top of the 5th inning, Timber Rattlers batter Monte Harrison took an inside fastball from Chiefs pitcher Jordan Hicks for a hit-by-pitch. After being hit in the upper back by the pitch, Harrison spiked his bat, drawing an adversarial response from Chiefs catcher Andrew Knizner as the benches began to clear, resulting in a physical altercation near home plate.

Following the fight, Harrison and Knizner were ejected; it was the first hit batsman of the game. A subsequent HBP in the bottom of the 5th inning came and went without incident.

Wrap: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers vs. Peoria Chiefs (Class-A), 6/1/17 | Video via "Read More"

Injury Scout - CB Bucknor Exits Due to Leg Injury, Returns

CB Bucknor left Friday's White Sox-Tigers game in the 2nd inning due to a lower body injury before returning in the 3rd.

CB Bucknor motions toward his right leg.

With one out and none in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Tigers batter Jose Iglesias hit a single to right field.

After the play, Bucknor called together his crewmates and the Tigers training staff while appearing to favor his right leg, ultimately exiting the field due to what MLB initially described as an apparent hamstring injury.

Bucknor was replaced at first base by 2B Umpire Manny Gonzalez, while HP Umpire Mark Carlson remained behind home plate, and Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth remained at third base.

In the 3rd inning, Bucknor returned to the field and the crew resumed standard operation.

Relevant Injury History: There is no recent relevant (e.g., lower body) injury history. Bucknor experienced a 13-day absence earlier this season due to a foul ball head injury, and slipped and fell while making a call at second base in 2014, but did not leave the game afterward.

Last Game: June 2, 2017 | Return to Play: June 2, 2017 | Total Time Absent: One Half Inning.
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UEFL's MLB Umpire Sabermetrics - May 2017

The May edition of UEFL's MLB Umpire Sabermetrics for the 2017 regular season is now available and features 56 ejections and 443 Replay Reviews through 790 games played.

Ejections and replays are both projected to decrease year-over-year, based on current rates.

New to the Sabermetrics update are two sections. First, Most & Least Accurate Umpires, Replay Review contains the top and bottom of the Replay Review table ordinarily found in the "Read More" detailed section of the monthly report. Second, Summary, Vince's Plate Performers contains the year-to-date leaderboard for the Vince's Plate Performers page.

Summary, Ejections.
>> 56 Total Regular Season Ejections through May 31, 2017 (on pace for 172 ejections this season).
>> Umpires were 61.4% accurate on calls associated with ejection.
>> The Blue Jays, Rays, A's, Yankees & Red Sox led the AL in ejections. The Marlins led the NL.
>> Managers Don Mattingly (Marlins) and John Gibbons (Blue Jays) led all managers in ejections.
>> Umpires Bill Welke led all umpires in ejections.
>> Chief Tom Hallion's crew led all umpire crews in ejections.
>> Most ejections occurred in the 7th inning; Ejections from 7th and on comprised 52% of all tosses.
>> Most ejections occurred on Saturdays. Weekend series (Fri-Sun) featured 52% of all heave-ho's.
>> The most common reason for ejection was Balls/Strikes, followed by Throwing At.
>> All else equal, a team tied at the time of ejection ended up winning the game 62.5% of the time.

Summary, Replay Reviews.
>> 443 Total Replay Reviews, of which calls were affirmed 53.1% of the time (46.9% overturned).
>> The Tampa Bay Rays used replay more than any other team, but were fairly unsuccessful.
>> The Kansas City Royals were the League's most successful team in review (10-for-13).
>> The Oakland A's experienced fewer reviews than any other team, and were not too successful.
>> The Athletics were the worst MLB team in terms of Replay success (2-of-9).
>> Umpire Tim Timmons had a league-leading 12 calls reviewed, and was average in outcome.
>> Mike Winters' crew led all of baseball in replay activity, and performed at league average.
>> Umpire Alfonso Marquez led in accuracy with all of his calls affirmed by replay (9/9).
>> Umpire Gerry Davis experienced the highest rate of his calls being overturned by replay (0/3).
>> The 7th inning had more reviews than any other inning. 46% of all reviews occurred from 7th-on.
>> Most reviews occurred on Sundays; Weekend series (Fri-Sun) featured 49% of all replays.
>> The most common reason for review was Out/Safe (Force - 1st) followed by Out/Safe (Tag - In).

Most & Least Accurate Umpires, Replay Review (sorted by Review Affirmation Percentage [RAP]).
1. Alfonso Marquez, Vic Carapazza, Bill Welke, Dale Scott - 100% RAP.
5. Joe West - 87.5% RAP.
6. Chris Guccione - 83.3% RAP.
7. Marty Foster, Mike Everitt - 80.0% RAP.
9. Alan Porter - 77.8% RAP.
10. Hoye, Hamari, T Gibson, Baker - 75.0% RAP.
---
69. Iassogna, Hallion, Drake, Bellino - 20.0% RAP.
73. Sam Holbrook - 16.7% RAP.
74. Gerry Davis, Nic Lentz, Ben May - 0% RAP.

Summary, Vince's Plate Performers.
Throughout the season, contributor Vince will track the best and worst daily plate performances. Year-to-Date, here is the Vince's Plate Performers leaderboard:
>> Best: Will Little has appeared on the "Best" list 3 times, more often than any other umpire.
>> Worst: Ron Kulpa has appeared on the "Worst" list 3 times, more often than any other umpire.

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

Coach Filmed Allegedly Plotting Umpire Assault

Youth coach Jeremy Knox, accused of instructing a minor pitcher to intentionally pitch at an umpire, has been fired from his team, and the team has been banned from the sports complex where the incident occurred.

Screenshot from the incriminating video.

According to KHOU, former EvoShield Canes Texas coach Jeremy Knox allegedly told a player during a Memorial Day weekend tournament, "You hit the [f*ing] umpire right here in the [f*ing] mask. Right here. Hit him right here. Just throw it right here. If he gets outta the way, fine. If he doesn't, [f*] him."

Knox's alleged instruction was captured on video posted to an unidentified Snapchat account and anonymously forwarded to the opposing coach, who posted it on Facebook. KHOU identified the person on video issuing the command as Knox.

The report states that Knox, who was a first-year coach with EvoShield Canes Texas—and who, according to an administrator at the sports complex where the incident took place, had previously been banned from the property and shouldn't have even been on the field or in the dugout during the game—was dismissed following discovery of his conduct.

The EvoShield Canes TX organization released a statement addressing the incident:

EvoShield Canes TX terminated Coach Jeremy Knox Tuesday, May 30, 2017 immediately upon notification of the improper behavior displayed this past weekend during a tournament game.

Our organization's core values are to teach our players how to succeed on and off the field, develop their knowledge and understanding of the game, demonstrate respect towards others by practicing good sportsmanship, and most importantly establish the highest level of integrity at all times. Unfortunately, Coach Knox's actions did not represent or align with how we teach our players to play or act; this is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any level of our organization. Accordingly, Coach Knox was terminated immediately.

On behalf of our organization (EvoShield Canes TX), we apologize to the tournament officials (Perfect Game), the tournament host (Premier Baseball of Texas Complex), the umpire involved, all players, parents, and spectators that witnessed this event. It is our responsibility to teach our players to uphold our core values. 

Perfect Game CEO Brad Clement stated, "There is no place in the game, at any level, for this type of accused behavior."

Two EvoShield Canes Texas assistant coaches and two players were ejected following the violative pitch. It wasn't apparent whether the pitch, like Knox allegedly instructed, was thrown at the umpire's head.

Nor has it been proven whether Knox actually engaged in the misconduct that allegedly appeared on the video posted to social media, though EvoShield Canes TX did terminate Knox for "inappropriate" and "absolutely unacceptable" behavior. KHOU reported that attempts to contact Knox were unsuccessful.

According to the report, Premier Baseball of Texas Sports Complex has since banned the EvoShield Canes TX team, while Knox "wasn't even supposed to be on the property, let alone in a dugout." The circumstances under which the Premier Baseball of Texas Complex originally banned Knox were unclear, as were the circumstances that led to a previously-banned coach being on the property in the first place.

Texas State photo of "Jeremy Knox."
Photo from TSU staff directory

A Houston, Texas LinkedIn profile with the name "Jeremy Knox" indicates its owner served as a coach at The Kinkaid School, and also listed experience as a scout for the San Diego Padres.

The Texas State University's baseball program lists Knox as a former volunteer assistant coach, and at one point, Knox was affiliated with Houston Heat Baseball, serving as a travel ball coach in Texas.

An archived page from The Fort Bend Texans Sports Association indicates that Knox is a former college baseball player, who played at Galveston College (2001-03) and Southern University (2003-05). The 2015 Texas State media guide listed Knox's alma mater as Southern '05.

Section 22.01(c) of the Texas Penal Code is called "Assaultive Offenses," and introduces enhanced penalties of a Class B misdemeanor for a non-sports participant who knowingly threatens—amongst others—umpires or referees "while the participant is performing duties or responsibilities in the participant's capacity as a sports participant [or] in retaliation for or on account of the participant's performance of a duty or responsibility within the participant's capacity as a sports participant." Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another is a Class A misdemeanor.

As we have seen time and again, home plate umpires can suffer devastating head injuries, including concussions, after being hit in the facemask. Of note, MLB umpires Dale Scott, hit in the head on April 14, and Tony Randazzo, hit in the head on May 12, have not returned to the field since their respective injuries.

The KHOU report did not indicate whether any injuries occurred during the Memorial Day weekend tournament, nor whether any criminal charges were being considered, and indicated the allegations against Knox purportedly captured on camera were yet to be proven one way or another.

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MLB Ejections 058-059 - Marty Foster (1-2; LAD x2)

HP Umpire Marty Foster ejected Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez (strike three call) and C Yasmani Grandal (strike one call) in the top of the 9th inning of the Dodgers-Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Gonzalez took a 3-2 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Seung Hwan Oh for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh high (px -1.013, pz 2.935), the call was incorrect. With one out and one on, Grandal took a 1-0 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Seung Hwan Oh for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and waist-high (px -1.056, pz 3.118), the call was incorrect. At the time of both ejections, the Cardinals were leading, 2-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

This is Marty Foster (60)'s first, second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Marty Foster now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Previous + 2*[2 MLB - 4 QOCN] = -1
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 1 point in Crew Division (1 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 1).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This is the 58th, 59th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 22nd player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Gonzalez was 0-4 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is the 23rd player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Grandal was 0-1 (SO) in the contest.
This is LA's 4th/5th ejection of 2017, 1st in the NL West (LAD 5; COL, SD, SF 1; ARI 0).
This is Adrian Gonzalez's first ejection since June 29, 2016 (Dan Bellino; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Yasmani Grandal's first career MLB ejection.
This is Marty Foster's first ejection since September 20, 2016 (Danny Valencia; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6/1/17 | Video via "Read More"