1B Umpire Tim Timmons ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing an out (reversed) call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Pirates-Astros game. With one out and none on, Pirates batter Michael McKenry hit a 0-1 fastball from Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel on the ground to first baseman Brett Wallace, who fielded and threw to Keuchel covering first base. Initially ruled "safe" and reversed to an out, replays indicate Keuchel tagged McKenry's left hand and torso prior to McKenry's arrival at first base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 4-1.
This is Tim Timmons (95)'s fourth ejection of 2012.
Tim Timmons now has 6 points in the UEFL (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct = 8).
UEFL Standings Update
This is the 174th ejection of 2012.
This is the 79th Manager ejection of 2012 and Clint Hurdle's fifth ejection of 2012.
This is the Pirates' 6th ejection of 2012, T-2nd in the NL Central (CHC 8; HOU, MIL, PIT 6; STL 4; CIN 3).
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since September 7 (Gary Darling; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Tim Timmons' first ejection since September 8 (Miguel Cabrera, Gene Lamont; QOC = Irrecusable).
Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates at Houston Astros, 9/22/12 (PIT)
Video: Timmons reverses safe call to out after umpire consultation, Hurdle ejected arguing the decision
So, do people want the umpires to get it right or not? If they don't huddle, people complain. If they do huddle and then change the call, someone will complain that nobody could have had a better look.
ReplyDeleteClint Hurdle looks like he walks around with a baseline blood pressure of about 180/120 and is at risk of a stroke whenever he comes out to argue
ReplyDeleteANON = LMS1953
I'm not totally convinced Hurdle was upset about the call. Considering how the Pirates have been playing he may have just wanted to get thrown out so he could do something other than watch the game.
ReplyDelete@ umps rule: some day you'll realize people just like to complain ;)
ReplyDeleteI think Hurdle might have asked to be ejected here. He was extremely calm and then all of the sudden blew a gasket for about 20 seconds and then walked away almost as soon as Kellogg got there and you can see Timmons smiling at the end.
ReplyDeleteAmen UmpsRule
ReplyDeleteok as for the play Timmons was not expecting an attempted tag and was feet focused.. that being said it's impossible for this call to be overruled how can the plate guy Kellog ever see when the tag is applied in relation to the batter runner's foot being on the base. IMO the only way you can overturn this call is if everyone knows it was missed and that is clearly not the case. The 3rd base umpire has a horrible view and the 2nd base guy would be running in from outfield
ReplyDeleteI think ya gotta eat it if you miss it and move on. Too close to change!
You cannot really see the oath Kellogg took but it is possible he just had the right angle at the right time as he was running down the line and saw a tag. It is very unlikely but not out of the realm of possibility that Foster might have overruled here just based on the huddle. He arrives to their conference very quickly and does quite a bit of talking. Then again, I cannot imagine Foster paying attention to a play that doesn't involve him. Just see Davey-Hudson from last week where he was the home Plate Umpire and din't move a muscle down the line. One thing is for sure is that it wasn't Cooper. He arrives late to the huddle and doesn't say a word which is understandable as he is farthest away and doesn't have a chance of having a good angle on that.
ReplyDeletePath not oath in the first sentence
ReplyDelete"So, do people want the umpires to get it right or not? If they don't huddle, people complain. If they do huddle and then change the call, someone will complain that nobody could have had a better look. "
ReplyDeleteI can see it both ways. I am glad they convened, BUT I am curious to know who helped determine there was a tag. VERY tough to tell, and I am surprised they overturned it. I am not so sure Timmons was not correct to begin with based on the angles we're given. But then again, Timmons and crew is right there!
And I think this argument is similar to one where Leyland got tossed last year (though in that case it was clearly the right call to overturn). If the 1B umpire is RIGHT THERE, he should get the call correct. I think THAT is what makes these managers angry.
That being said, no one is perfect. Look at Clint's team fading away. =)
It seems that Hurdle gets ejected its always to fire up his team- the Gary Darling ejection, the Brian Gorman warnings (big series- motivate his ball club) But you can't blame him, for the second consecutive year the Pirates have had their ship sink.
ReplyDeleteAs a non-umpire Anon that often comments about my frustration with umpires making a boneheaded call and refusing to ask for help, I commend Timmons and totally agree with UmpsRule's point. As long as they confer, and get it right if they are going to reverse, I have no sympathy for a manager who rants as a result.
ReplyDeleteHow does another umpire overrule you on a tag play at your base? Timmons shouldn't even be on the field if he needs help with that call. I am glad they get the call right but how would you expect the manager to not get run. You ask for help on a pulled foot, not a tag play that is two feet from you.
ReplyDeleteYou ask for help on a tag play if u feel u were screened or blocked off by either the runner or the fielder.
ReplyDelete