Ejections: Tony Randazzo (1, 2)

HP Umpire Tony Randazzo ejected Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek and pitcher Jonathan Papelbon for arguing a ball call in the top of the 9th inning of the A's-Red Sox game. In the Varitek ejection, none out and one on, A's batter Daric Barton took a 3-2 fastball from Papelbon for a called fourth ball. Varitek was ejected during a play in which A's batter Cliff Pennington hit a RBI double. Replays indicate all callable pitches during the two at bats were correctly ruled, the call was correct. In the Papelbon ejection, A's batter Connor Jackson hit a 0-0 fastball for a 2 RBI single; there were no callable pitches during the at bat. Papelbon then threw one pitch to A's batter Ryan Sweeney, was ejected, and replaced by Red Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks; the one callable pitch thrown by Papelbon (a called strike) was correctly ruled; the call was correct. At the time of the first ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 7-5. At the time of the second ejection, the contest was tied, 7-7. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 9-8, in 14 innings.

These are Tony Randazzo (11)'s first and second ejections of 2011.
Tony Randazzo now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Tony Randazzo was undrafted in 2011.
*This ejection is eligible for a Ball/Strikes Exemption under UEFL Rule 6.e.iv.b.

These are the 61st and 62nd ejections of 2011.
These are the 25th and 26th player ejections of 2011.
Prior to his ejection, Varitek was 0-3 in the contest.
Prior to his ejection, Papelbon allowed 4 runs in 0.1 IP.

Wrap: A's at Red Sox 6/4/11 Wrap
Video (1): Randazzo tosses Varitek, Papelbon
Video (2): Varitek and Papelbon ejected (1:35)

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Case Plays: Cop on Field

This Case Play has been completed. Congratulations to UEFL League Members TonyTheRed, RichMSN, kickersrule, ump_24, and cyclone14 for correctly answering the posted scenario. The correct response is:

(a) B1/BR1 is out at second base on the tag. Unintentional interference by authorized personnel, such as uniformed security or law enforcement officers, as shown in the video, results in a live ball with no penalty under Rule 3.15. Play resumes with one out and B2 at bat. B1 is credited with a single and the out is recorded as 9-6.

1 Point Added to:
cyclone14 is now in 2nd place in the UEFL with 14 points.
ump_24 is now tied for 3rd place in the UEFL with 12 points.
TonyTheRed is now tied for 8th place in the UEFL with 10 points.
kickersrule is now tied for 16th place in the UEFL with 8 points.
RichMSN is now in 17th place in the UEFL with 7 points.

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 (6/1/11 at 1:15AM). 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: Cop's funny blunder

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

Prior to the top of the 1st inning, the home team positions a police officer on the right field warning track, in fair territory. As the first pitch of the game is thrown, the officer, unaware of the game situation, remains on the track, facing the outfield stands and with his back towards home plate. B1 hits the 0-0 pitch to right field in the area of the officer, who is only now aware of the situation. The ball bounces once in front of the officer, strikes him in the back of the leg as he is attempting to avoid touching the ball, whereupon which the ball deflects to F9, who throws to F6 and easily retires B1 at second base. (a) What is the call and how will play resume (who is at bat, what is the out and baserunner situation)? Does it matter that the officer tried to avoid getting hit by the ball? It is quite clear that the officer did not intentionally make contact with the batted ball for the purposes of this scenario. (1pt for [a])

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

Ejections: Greg Gibson (1)

HP Umpire Greg Gibson ejected Padres Manager Bud Black for arguing a foul ball call in the top of the 4th inning of the Astros-Padres game. With two out and none on, Astros batter J.A. Happ swung at a 1-2 sinker from Padres pitcher Dustin Moseley for a called foul ball. Replays indicate the pitch was fouled at the plate, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 1-0. The Padres ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Greg Gibson (53)'s first ejection of 2011.
Greg Gibson now has 4 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Greg Gibson is owned as a Primary Umpire by TonyTheRed, who is now in 9th place in the UEFL with 9 points.
Greg Gibson is owned as a Primary Umpire by HIGHSCHOOLUMP, who is now tied for 19th place in the UEFL with 4 points.
Greg Gibson is owned as a Primary Umpire by BrooklynUmp, who is now tied for 22nd place in the UEFL with 3 points.
Greg Gibson is owned as a Secondary Umpire by rasseul, who is now tied for 22nd place in the UEFL with 3 points.

This is the 60th ejection of 2011.
This is the 34th Manager ejection of 2011.
This is Bud Black's second ejection of 2011.

Wrap: Astros at Padres 6/3/11 Wrap
Video (1): HOU@SD 6/3 Game Recap (0:18)
Video (2): HOU@SD 6/3 Condensed Game (3:34, Brief Argument Only)

MLB News: Joyce off Galarraga's Games

Last season, we reported the Jim Joyce / Armando Galarraga imperfect game as Unofficial Ejections: Derryl Cousins (1, 2).
That was one year ago, on June 2, 2010, during an Indians-Tigers game that the Tigers would still go onto win, Galarraga completing the shutout and complete game. Since that moment, Joyce and Galarraga have had a unique relationship: they exemplified the values of sportsmanship during the lineup card exchange at home plate the next day, they appeared together on the ESPY Awards show, and they authored a book together.

Major League Baseball has now confirmed that due to the co-authoring of their book, Joyce and Galarraga are considered business partners. As a result, Joyce and Galarraga will no longer meet on the regular- or post-season field as umpire and pitcher. MLB confirmed this timely decision as Joyce and Galarraga's book, Nobody's Perfect: Two Men, One Call, and a Game for Baseball History, hit the shelves just this season, just in time for the one year anniversary of the imperfect game. Citing a conflict of interest on the field, MLB spokesperson Pat Courtney confirmed the move was made to avoid "any appearance of impropriety."

Such a possible might have to wait, however, as Galarraga is currently with the AAA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, having struggled in eight starts this season, with a 3-4 record and a 5.91 ERA. over 42.2 innings pitched. It should also be noted this isn't the first time MLB has kept an umpire from working a particular player's games. Jim Joyce will join Jim Wolf in that regard. Jim Wolf is the brother of Major League pitcher Randy Wolf, and accordingly, does not plate his brother's games.

News: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110602&content_id=19922910&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

Polls: Umpiring Experience

This League strives for objectivity in tracking and analyzing umpire actions, and we hope at least some of our audience strives for the same goal. That said, we seem to be a rather diverse group of individuals; we have fans, amateur umps, some pro umps, and even some stats folks. We're going to try and gauge our audience with this next poll regarding umpiring experience, but first, here are the results of our previous poll.

Previous Poll (Strike Mechanic) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: Strike Mechanic, asked which umpire you think has the best called third strike mechanic. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we see the response proved a landslide (Total Votes: 367):

• 38% overwhelmingly gave this victory to Tom Hallion's athletic, back torquing twist and yowl.
• 13% recognized Dale Scott's subtle and cadenced thwack.
• 12% declared Jim Joyce's consistent verbalization of... something... as the best.
• 11% applauded James Hoye's decisive punch-out.
• 7% enjoyed CB Bucknor's (at 1:44) enthusiastic contortion.
• 7% appreciated Mike Winters' simple yet sophisticated strike three call.

Current Poll: Which Levels of 'Ball Have You Ever Umpired?

The poll is below, please select all applicable options. Please select "I have never umpired" if you have never umpired before. One more thing... if you selected Pro (at least one MLB game) and your most recent MLB regular season game was no earlier than 2005, look yourself up on our Historical Data page. Let us know if there are any inaccuracies! If you would like to add your own option to the poll, visit our Facebook Page; the Facebook poll's functionality allows you to add your own options! Poll results will be a combination of votes received on the UEFL blog as well as the UEFL Facebook page.

So... Which of the Following Have You Ever Umpired? (Select all that apply)

Discussions: Pickle Me This

In the top of the 5th inning of the 6/1/11 White Sox-Red Sox game, with two on and one out, White Sox baserunner R1 Juan Pierre got caught in a rundown between first and second base. The Red Sox attempted to retire Pierre, with second baseman Dustin Pedroia attempting to tag Pierre as he ran by. 2B Umpire Marty Foster ruled Pierre safe, leading to an argument from Pedroia and Red Sox Manager Terry Francona.

Discussion point: What would your call have been? Safe? Out? Obstruction? Interference? Forfeit? Ok, well, maybe not that last one...

Video: Pierre is ruled safe

Ejections: Gary Darling (2)

3B Umpire Gary Darling ejected Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire for arguing a runner placement call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Twins-Tigers game. With two out and one on, Tigers batter Alex Avila doubled on a 1-1 fastball from Twins pitcher Alex Burnett down the left field line, Tigers R1 Jhonny Peralta scored on spectator interference. Replays clearly indicate the mechanic for spectator interference was given, as the ball hit the hand of a fan reaching over the railing. Under MLB Rule 3.16, the ball becomes dead at the moment of interference. The placement of the runners (R1 Peralta scoring) was appropriate under Rule 3.16, which gives umpires the discretion to impose penalties in their opinion that nullify the interference, the call was correct.* The call is now inconclusive.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 6-5. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s second ejection of 2011.

Gary Darling now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

Gary Darling was not drafted in 2011.

*Quality of Correctness was challenged, deferred, and reverted ("Correct" ==> "Inconclusive" ==> "Correct").

This is the 59th ejection of 2011.
This is the 33rd manager ejection of 2011.

This is Ron Gardenhire's fourth ejection of 2011.

Wrap: Twins at Tigers 5/30/11 Wrap

Video (1): Gardenhire is tossed by Darling

Video (2): Alternative Broadcast (Actual Ejection)

Video (3): Must C: Curious

Ejections: Ron Kulpa (1, 2)

HP Umpire Ron Kulpa ejected Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp and Manager Don Mattingly for arguing strike calls in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Marlins-Dodgers game. With one out and one on, Kemp took a 0-0 slider and a 0-1 fastball from Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco for two called strike. Kemp subsequently grounded into an inning ending double play. Replays indicate the 0-0 pitch was thigh high, but off the outside of the plate and the 0-1 pitch was located belt high, but was off the inside of the plate, the call was incorrect. After challenge, the call is now correct.** A post-inning exemption was applied.* For a post-at bat ejection of an argument over balls and strikes, the effect of the called pitches shall be judged holistically under UEFL Rule 6.e.iii.d. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers led, 4-0. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 8-0.

These are Ron Kulpa (46)'s first and second ejection of 2011.
Ron Kulpa now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Ron Kulpa is owned as a Primary Umpire by Tswo7, who is now tied for 9th in the UEFL with 8 points.
Ron Kulpa is owned as a Secondary Umpire by DanNJ316, who is now tied for 9th place in the UEFL with 8 points.

*Post-inning Exemption is applied, under UEFL Rule 6.e.iii.b.
**Quality of Correctness was challenged and overturned ("Incorrect" ==> "Correct").

This is the 57th and 58th ejection of 2011.
This is the 24th player ejection of 2011.
This is the 32nd manager ejection of 2011.
Prior to his ejection, Kemp was 1-3 in the contest.
This is Don Mattingly's second ejection of 2011.
This is Matt Kemp's second career ejection.

Wrap: Marlins at Dodgers 5/29/11 Wrap
Video: Kulpa Ejects Kemp, Mattingly

Pitch f/x courtesy Brooks Baseball

Ejections: Mike Estabrook (1)

HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler for arguing a swinging strike three call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Royals-Rangers game. With two out and none on, Kinsler was ruled to have swung at 0-2 slider from Royals pitcher Danny Duffy for strike three. Replays indicate that Kinsler did not appear to make a swing attempt, but successfully checked his swing, the call was incorrect. QOC was challenged and the call is now correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Royals led, 5-3. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 7-6, on a walk-off single.

This is Mike Estabrook (83)'s first ejection of 2011.
Mike Estabrook now has 5 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Mike Estabrook was undrafted in 2011.
*Quality of Correctness was challenged and overturned ("Incorrect" ==> "Correct")

This is the 56th ejection of 2011.
This is the 23rd player ejection of 2011.
Prior to his ejection, Kinsler was 1-3 in the contest.

Wrap: Royals at Rangers 5/29/11 Wrap
Video: Estabrook Ejects Kinsler

Ejections: D.J. Reyburn (1)

HP Umpire D.J. Reyburn ejected Diamondbacks Manager Kirk Gibson for arguing a balk call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Diamondbacks-Astros game. With one out and two on, Diamondbacks pitcher Josh Collmenter was called for a balk; Astros R3 Jeff Keppinger scored and R1 Hunter Pence was awarded second base. Replays indicate Collmenter failed to properly step directly toward a base with his non-pivot foot while in contact with the rubber, under MLB Rule 8.05(c), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Astros were leading, 1-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is D.J. Reyburn's (70)'s first ejection of 2011.
D.J. Reyburn now has 5 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).
D.J. Reyburn was not drafted in 2011.

This is the 55th ejection of 2011.
This is the 31st Manager ejection of 2011.
This is Kirk Gibson's second ejection of 2011.

Wrap: Diamondbacks at Astros 5/29/11 Wrap
Video: Reyburn Ejects Gibson

Video (2): Alternative Highlight