Ejection 129: Jeff Nelson (4)

HP Umpire Jeff Nelson ejected Blue Jays SS Yunel Escobar for arguing a strike call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Rangers-Blue Jays game. With two out and three on, Escobar took a 0-0 sinker from Rangers pitcher Michael Kirkman for a called strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located knee high and skimmed the inner edge of home plate (px value of -.900), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 2-1. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s fourth ejection of 2012.
Jeff Nelson now has 2 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 2).
Crew Chief Tim Tschida now has 9 points in the Crew Division (8 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 9).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 129th ejection of 2012.
This is the 54th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Escobar was 1-4 in the contest.
This is the Blue Jays' 5th ejection of 2012, 2nd in the AL East (BOS 9; TOR 5; BAL, NYY 4; TB 3).
This is Yunel Escobar's first ejection since July 30, 2011 (Marvin Hudson; QOC = Correct).
This is Jeff Nelson's first ejection since August 9 (Steve Clevenger; QOC = Incorrect).
This is the 12th ejection since Monday, August 13.

Wrap: Rangers at Blue Jays, 8/18/12
Video: After flying out to go 1-4, Escobar argues a called first strike and is heaved by Jeff Nelson

Minor League Ejection of Week: Jeff Gosney (2, 3, 4)

Welcome to the Minor League Ejection of the Week, showcasing the brightest Triple-A talent and biggest MiLB meltdowns and a "Thank You" to UEFL'er Russ, who has been filling us in on all the AAA ejection action.

Gosney ejects Saveur.

This week's ejection is courtesy of AAA umpire Jeff Gosney, who threw out three Pawtucket Red Sox: Manager Arnie Beyeler, Pitching Roach Rich Sauveur and pitcher Jose De La Torre following a home run (reversed) call. At the MLB level, Jeff Kellogg's crew doled out two ejections for a reversed call of their own.

In the bottom of the 8th inning of the International League's Wilkes-Barre Yankees-Pawtucket Red Sox contest, with one out and one on, Yankees batter Melky Mesa hit a 0-0 fastball from De La Torre to deep left field and toward the foul pole. Initially ruled a foul ball by home plate umpire Gosney, after consultation with crewmates Chris Ward (1B) and A.J. Johnson (3B, working at the second base "B" position, or "Position 3"), the call was reversed to that of a home run. Limited replays do not indicate the flight of the ball relative to the foul line, the call is inconclusive. At the time of the ejections, the Yankees (Scranton/WB) were leading, 8-2. The Yankees (Scranton/WB) ultimately won the contest, 8-5.

Wrap: Red Sox (Pawtucket) at Yankees (Scranton/WB), 8/17/12
Video: Reversed call after umpire meeting results in trio of Red Sox ejections (UEFL)

Ejection 128: Lance Barrett (3)

HP Umpire Lance Barrett ejected Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo for arguing a strike call in the top of the 6th inning of the Pirates-Cardinals game. With one out and none on, Cardinals batter Jon Jay took a 2-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher James McDonald for a called strike two. Replays indicate the pitch was thigh high, but well off the outside corner of the plate (px value of -1.278), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 2-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Lance Barrett (94)'s third ejection of 2012.
Lance Barrett now has 1 point in the UEFL (3 Previous + 3 AAA + -1 Penalty + -4 Inorrect Call = 1).
Crew Chief Jim Joyce now has 3 points in the Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 3).
*Pitch four of the at bat had a px value of -1.278, within the ball range.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 128th ejection of 2012.
This is the St. Louis Caridnals' fourth ejection of 2012.
This is Jose Oquendo's first ejection since June 13, 2008 (Larry Vanover; Irrecusable).
This is Lance Barrett's first ejection since April 24th (Bud Black; QOC = Correct).
This is the 11th ejection since the beginning of Monday.

Wrap: Pirates at Cardinals, 8/17/12
Video: Oquendo ejected from 3rd base coach's box for arguing balls and strikes.

Ejections 126, 127: Vic Carapazza (2), Marty Foster (5)

2B Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Orioles 1B Mark Reynolds and 3B Umpire Marty Foster ejected Orioles Manager Buck Showalter for arguing a safe (reversed) call in the top of the 5th inning of the Tigers-Orioles game. With none out and none on, Tigers batter Jhonny Peralta hit a 1-2 fastball from Orioles pitcher Tommy Hunter to third baseman Manny Machado, who threw wide to Reynolds as he stretched and tried to catch the ball while keeping his foot on first base. Initially ruled an out by 1B Umpire Jeff Kellogg and reversed to "safe" after consultation with HP Umpire Tim Timmons, replays indicate Reynolds did not legally tag first base while in possession of the baseball prior to Peralta's arrival, the call was correct. The call is now incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 3-1. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Vic Carapazza (85)'s second ejection of 2012.
This is Marty Foster (60)'s fifth ejection of 2012.
Vic Carapazza now has 5 points in the UEFL (5 Previous + 3 AAA + -1 Penalty + -2 Incorrect [Crewmate] = 5).
Marty Foster now has 8 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 8).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 7).
*After review, Quality of Correctnes has been reversed by the UEFL Appeals Board (3-0).

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 126th and 127th ejections of 2012.
This is the 53rd player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Reynolds was 0-3 with 3 Ks in the contest.
This is the 62nd Manager ejection of 2012.
These are the Baltimore Orioles' 3rd and 4th ejections of 2012.
This is Mark Reynolds' first ejection since September 12, 2010 (Gerry Davis; QOC = Correct).
This is Buck Showalter's first ejection since April 22nd (Angel Campos; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since August 15 (Ian Kinsler; QOC = Correct).
This is Marty Foster's first ejection since June 24 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Orioles at Tigers, 8/17/12
Video: Kellogg rules out, reverses to safe after consultation; Reynolds and Showalter incensed, get ejected

MLB to Test Expanded Instant Replay in New York Games

MLB will test expanded instant replay systems during games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field next week, though at this stage, the technology will not affect any in-game calls, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.

The advanced systems, which have been installed at New York stadiums to minimize cost during the test-only phase, will consist of one radar-based and one camera-based system. Both the radar and camera systems resemble Hawk-Eye, the instant replay system presently used to judge balls hit down the line in tennis.

MLB's Network Operations Center, Manhattan. Warga/News

Though the new baseball CBA included proposals to expand instant replay to include Fair/Foul, Catch/No Catch (Trap) and Stadium-wide Fan Interference calls, MLB declined to expand the scope of instant replay for the 2012 season, citing a lack of logistical and realistic ways of implementing the technology.

Still, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig predicted, "We're now going to add [instant replay] on trapped balls ... [and] bullets hit down the first and third base lines."

If tests in New York, which will serve as tools for analysis and observation only, are successful, expect instant replay—estimated to cost between $30 and $40 million—to once again be in the winter discussion.

News: Exclusive: MLB to test two different advanced replay systems during games next week (Yahoo!)

Fan Who Received CPR During Blue Jays Game Has Died

A baseball fan has died after collapsing and receiving several minutes of CPR during Thursday's White Sox-Blue Jays contest at Rogers Centre.

The incident began as an apparent heart attack in the seating area along the third base line, with paramedics called in to attend to the afflicted patron. According to several outlets, including Toronto broadcaster Buck Martinez, the incident had been ongoing for several minutes before White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkillis requested "Time" from 3B Umpire Mark Wegner, who along with crew chief Mike Winters stopped the contest, allowing a flatbed golf cart to enter the field and retrieve the patient.

"It was not a good sight, it was bad," a visibly shaken Youkilis said after the game. "I could just see the guy pumping on him. It was happening too long. Finally, I was like, 'We got to stop this thing' and Mark [Wegner, third-base umpire] kind of saw Mike [Winters, second-base umpire] and kind of stopped."

According to CityNews Toronto, the fan was pronounced dead upon his arrival at an area hospital.

Ejections 123, 125: Angel Campos (4, 5)

HP Umpire Angel Campos ejected Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp for arguing a strike call in the top of the 2nd inning and Dodgers pitcher Joe Blanton for arguing a called ball in the top of the 5th inning of the Dodgers-Pirates game. Prior to the Kemp ejection, with none out and none on, Dodgers batter Andre Ethier took a 1-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located below the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants high and over the outside portion of the plate, the call was correct (px value of -0.464; norm_ht value of 0.5538).* Prior to the Blanton ejection, Pirates batter Pedro Alvarez took a 0-0 pitch from Blanton for a called ball (then subsequently homered on the 3rd pitch of the at bat), this was the first pitch of the last batter Blanton faced prior to his removal, then ejection from the game. A Balls/Strikes Exemption has been applied and replays indicate that all pitches thrown by Blanton in the top of the 5th inning were correctly adjudicated, the call was correct. At the time of the Kemp ejection, the Pirates were leading 3-0. At the time of the Blanton ejection, the Pirates were leading, 8-4. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 10-6.

These are Angel Campos (84)'s fourth and fifth ejections of 2012.
Angel Campos now has 18 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2*[3 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 18).
Crew Chief Tim Tschida now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew division (6 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 8).
*The call is correct pursuant to both the Miller and Kulpa rules.
**According to multiple outlets, Kemp was ejected after yelling, "Let's go 'Dre!" with Ethier at bat.
**Mattingly was suspended two games, while Kemp & Blanton were not suspended.

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 123rd and 125th ejections of 2012.
These are the 51st and 52nd player ejections of 2012.
This is Matt Kemp's first ejection of 2012 and first since August 19, 2011 (Ted Barrett; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Joe Blanton's first ejection of 2012 and first since July 8th, 2007 (Travis Reininger;  Irrecusable).
These are Angel Campos' first ejections since May 2nd (Rod Barajas & Clint Hurdle; QOC = Correct).
These are the Los Angeles Dodgers' 9th and 11th ejections of 2012, most in Major League Baseball.
These are the 7th and 8th ejections since the beginning of the week.

Wrap: Dodgers at Pirates 8/16/12

Video: While Ethier at bat, Kemp and Mattingly attempt to run through other umpires to get into Campos' face.
Video: Joe Blanton ejected during pitching change
Related Post: Ejection 124: Tim Tschida (5)

Ejection 124: Tim Tschida (5)

1B Umpire Tim Tschida ejected Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly for arguing a strike call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Dodgers-Pirates game. With none out and none on, Dodgers batter Andre Ethier took a 1-1 fastball from Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett for a called second strike by HP Umpire Angel Campos. Replays indicate the pitch was located below the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants high and over the outside portion of the plate, the call was correct (px value of -0.464; norm_ht value of 0.5538). At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading 3-0.

This is Tim Tschida (4)'s fifth ejection of 2012.
Tim Tschida now has 13 points in the UEFL (10 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmmate] = 13).
Crew Chief Tim Tschida now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew division (6 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 7).
*The call is correct pursuant to both the Miller and Kulpa rules.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 124th ejection of 2012.
This is the 61st Manager ejection of 2012.
This is Don Mattingly's sixth ejection of 2012 (the most for any non-umpire in MLB) and first since July 25th (Jeff Kellogg; QOC = Correct).

This is Tim Tschida's first ejection since July 24th (Ian Kinsler; QOC = Correct).
This is the Los Angeles Dodgers' 10th ejection of 2012, most in Major League Baseball.

Wrap: Dodgers at Pirates 8/16/12

Video: While Ethier at bat, Kemp and Mattingly are ejected and attempt to run through other umpires to get to Campos' face.
Related Post: Ejection 123: Angel Campos (4) 

Ejection 122: Vic Carapazza (1)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler for arguing a strike call in the top of the 8th inning of the Rangers-Yankees game. With one out and none on, Kinsler took a 1-2 cutter from Yankees pitcher David Robertson for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch, and the strike two pitch before it, were both located thigh high and over the inner edge of home plate (px -.721, -.718), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 3-2. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Vic Carapazza (85)'s first ejection of 2012.
Vic Carapazza now has 5 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct call = 7).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 122nd ejection of 2012.
This is the 50th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Kinsler was 0-4 in the contest.
This is the Rangers' 5th ejection of 2012, 1st in the AL West (TEX 5; LAA, OAK 4; SEA 1).
This is Ian Kinsler's first ejection since July 24 (Tim Tschida; QOC = Correct) and 3rd of 2012.
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejection since August 11, 2011 (Dave Hudgens; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Rangers at Yankees, 8/15/12
Video: After being called out on strikes to go 0-4, Kinsler argues Vic's call and is thrown out

Injury: Greg Gibson Spiked in Face after Slide at Home Plate

Umpire Greg Gibson was injured after being spiked in the face during the Indians-Angels game. With none out and on in the bottom of the 5th inning, Angels batter Kendrys Morales doubled off Indians pitcher Ramon Hernandez, baserunner Torii Hunter attempting to score from first base on the hit to the right field wall. As the relay arrived from right fielder Shin-Soo Choo to shortstop Brent Lillibridge to catcher Carlos Santana, Gibson moved into position along the first base line extended. Replays indicate that as Hunter slid head-first through home plate, his left foot rebounded off the dirt and swung wildly towards the stationary Gibson, sending the umpire to the ground as Hunter himself rolled over. At the time of the injury, the Angels were leading, 7-0.

*UPDATE 10:00 P.M.* According to MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez, Greg Gibson received stiches above his left eye and was taken to an Anaheim-area hospital for precautionary X-rays.

Umpiring Alignment, 1st through 5th inning
HP: Greg Gibson. 1B: Manny Gonzalez. 2B: Gerry Davis. 3B: Phil Cuzzi.

Umpiring Alignment, 5th inning through end of game
HP: Manny Gonzalez. 1B: Gerry Davis. 3B: Phil Cuzzi.

Wrap: Indians at Angels, 8/15/12
Video: Greg Gibson spiked, exits game with bloodied face

Ejections 120, 121: Mike Everitt (3, 4)

HP Umpire Mike Everitt ejected Red Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez and Manager Bobby Valentine for arguing an illegal pitch (quick pitch) no-call in the top of the 8th inning of the Orioles-Red Sox game. With none out and none on, Gonzalez hit a 1-2 fastball from Orioles pitcher Pedro Strop to second baseman Omar Quintanilla, to first baseman Mark Reynolds for a ground out. Replays indicate Strop, working out of Set Position, did not come to a complete stop pursuant to OBR Rule 8.01(b)[b]; however, Rule 8.01(b) Comment specifies that with no base runners, the pitcher is not required to come to a complete stop following his stretch unless the pitcher's action is a quick pitch as prescribed by Rule 8.05 Comment;^ this pitch was not illegal, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Orioles were leading, 5-3. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

These are Mike Everitt (57)'s third and fourth ejections of 2012.
Mike Everitt now has 9 points in the UEFL (1 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 9).
Crew Chief Tim Welke now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 2*[1 Correct] = 3).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been affirmed unanimously by the UEFL Appeals Board (6-0).
*The following action is illegal: "a pitcher delivers the ball in a deliberate effort to catch the batter off guard."
^"Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box."

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 120th and 121st ejections of 2012.
This is the 49th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Gonzalez was 1-4 in the contest.
This is the 60th Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Red Sox's 9th ejection of 2012, 1st in the AL East (BOS 9; NYY, TOR 4; TB 3; BAL 2).
This is Adrian Gonzalez's first ejection since May 1, 2010 (Rob Drake; QOC = Correct).
This is Bobby Valentine's first ejection since July 29 (Brian O'Nora; QOC = Correct).
This is Mike Everitt's first ejection since August 6 (Jim Tracy; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Red Sox at Orioles, 8/15/12
Video: Amid rumors of manager-player dischord, Bobby V is ejected backing A-Gon over pitch (UEFL)
Video: Sox duo ejected arguing that a quick pitch should have been called (Boston Feed)

Perfect Game 23: 3rd in 2012, 2nd at Safeco Field

With Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez hurling a perfect game, striking out the last batter he faced (looking), the baseball community has now seen the 23rd perfect game in MLB history, 1st in Mariners franchise history, third of the 2012 season and second at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington.

In April, the Mariners were victimized by White Sox pitcher Phil Humber's first career no-no and perfect game.

As Hernandez's perfecto marks the sixth no-hitter of the 2012 season, MLB remains on pace to break the all-time record dating back to George Bradley's no-hitter in 1876; since that time, baseball has never seen more than seven no-hitters during any single season.

Discussed after the Matt Cain no-hitter, several 2012 no-nos have had at least one close call or other controversy that has resulted in nearly one third of voters in this poll liken an incorrect call in favor of the defense during a no-hitter to the Jim Joyce-Armando Galarraga saga—in reverse.

This is pertinent information, as for the first time this season, a manager was ejected from the no-hitter in progress for arguing a potential missed call: Rays skipper Joe Maddon was run by home plate umpire Rob Drake for arguing a strike call replays indicate was the wrong one.
Related Post: Ejection 119: Rob Drake (2).

So, does Maddon have merit? Was Drake's strike zone lopsided in favor of King Felix? As is UEFL tradition for perfect games and no-hitters, here is the statistical breakdown of Hernandez's effort as called by Drake:

Ejection 119: Rob Drake (2)

HP Umpire Rob Drake ejected Rays Manager Joe Maddon for arguing a strike call in the top of the 7th inning of the Rays-Mariners game. With two out and none on, Rays batter Matt Joyce took a 0-1 fastball from Rays pitcher Felix Hernandez for a called first strike.* Replays indicate the pitch was located belt high and several inches off the outer edge of home plate (px -1.121), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 1-0.

This is Rob Drake (30)'s second ejection of 2012.
Rob Drake now has -4 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -4).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (5 Previous + 0 Incorrect call = 5).
*Hernandez pitched a no-hit, perfect game.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 119th ejection of 2012.
This is the 59th Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Rays' 3rd ejection of 2012, 4th in the AL East (BOS 7; NYY, TOR 4; TB 3; BAL 2).
This is Joe Maddon's first ejection since July 18 (Dan Iassogna; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Rob Drake's first ejection since May 4 (Charlie Manuel; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Rays at Mariners, 8/15/12
Video: During King Felix's perfect game bid, Maddon is tossed for arguing Drake's strike zone

Ejection 118: Jerry Layne (1)

1B Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Giants Manager Bruce Bochy for arguing a safe call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Nationals-Giants game. With one out and three on, Nationals batter Roger Bernadina hit a 0-1 curveball from Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong back to the mound, deflected by Vogelsong and then fielded by second baseman Ryan Theriot, who threw to first baseman Brandon Belt. Replays indicate that Belt caught the ball with his foot on the bag prior to Bernadina touching first base, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 5-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 14-2.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s first ejection of 2012.
Jerry Layne now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 6 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 6).
*After review, Quality of Correctness has been affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (5-0).

Umpire Jerry Layne gives Bochy a stare

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 118th ejection of 2012.
This is the 58th Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Giants' fourth ejection of 2012, 2nd in the NL West (LAD 8; SF 4; SD 3; AZ, COL 2).
This is Bruce Bochy's first ejection since April 8th (Mike DiMuro; CC).
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since July 28th (Jim Leyland; IC).

Wrap: Nationals at Giants 8/13/12

Video: Bochy argues safe call in 3rd inning, ejected quickly by Layne
Video: Play & Ejection with additional angles (UEFL)

Ejection 117: Mike Estabrook (1)

HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher for arguing a ball call in the top of the 1st inning of the Mariners-Angels game. With one out and none on, Mariners batter Kyle Seager took a 3-2 fastball from Angels pitcher Jered Weaver for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located thigh high and off the inner edge of home plate (px value of .996) while the 0-1 pitch ruled a ball was located belt high and slightly off the inner edge (px value of .840), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 4-1.

This is Mike Estabrook (83)'s first ejection of 2012.
Mike Estabrook now has 5 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).
Crew Chief Mike Everitt now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 117th ejection of 2012.
This is the Angels' 4th ejection of 2012, T-1st in the AL West (LAA, OAK, TEX 4; SEA 1).
This is Mike Butcher's first ejection since April 28, 2008 (Charlie Reliford; QOC = Correct).
This is Mike Estabrook's first ejection since July 8, 2011 (David Ortiz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kevin Gregg, Jim Johnson; QOC = Correct/Fighting [Under 2012 Rules, QOC would be "Irrecusable"]).

Wrap: Mariners at Angels, 8/12/12
Video: Angels coach Butcher argues early, is tossed & pushed away from Estabrook by Mike Scioscia