Ejection 146: Andy Fletcher (1)

HP Umpire Andy Fletcher ejected Reds 2B Brandon Phillips for arguing a strike (swinging) call in the top of the 8th inning of the Reds-Astros game. With none out and none on, Phillips attempted to check his swing on a 0-2 slider from Astros pitcher Hector Ambriz. Replays indicate Phillips attempted to strike the pitch and his checked attempt was unsuccessful, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Andy Fletcher (49)'s first ejection of 2012.
Andy Fletcher now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 6 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (5 Previous  + 1 Correct = 6).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 146th ejection of 2012.
This is the 63rd player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Phillips was 0-4 in the contest.
This is the Reds' 3rd ejection of 2012, 6th in the NL Central (MIL 6; HOU 5; CHC, PIT, STL 4; CIN 3).
This is Brandon Phillips' first career MLB ejection.
This is Andy Fletcher's first ejection since June 26, 2011 (Elvis Andrus/Ron Washington; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Reds at Astros, 9/01/12

Video: Fletcher rings Phillips up, deems no need to appeal (CIN)

Umpire Count Error & a Lesson in Situation Handling

HP Umpire Paul Emmel missed a strike during A's LF Seth Smith's 5th inning at-bat on Thursday, yet Emmel's situation handling after the fact resolved the incident and while it did not resolve the error, Smith and Oakland Manager Bob Melvin's tempers were quelled after a calm discussion. (Video: Emmel's discussion)

With none out and one on, Smith stepped to the plate against Cleveland pitcher Chris Seddon...

• Pitcher

  C. Seddon

• Batter

  S. Smith

	Speed	Pitch	Result
1	90	Fastball (Four-seam)	Foul
2	89	Fastball (Four-seam)	Ball In Dirt
3	81	Slider	Swinging Strike
4	75	Slider	Swinging Strike

After pitch #2, Smith attempted to check his swing on a low-and-away slider, with Emmel ruling "no swing" before third base umpire Gary Darling called "swinging strike" on appeal. Nonetheless, Emmel appeared to communicate to Smith the count was two balls, one strike, as opposed to 1-2. After Smith swung and missed the ensuing pitch, Darling whistled to Emmel, alerting him of the strikeout.

When Emmel then informed Smith, "strike three," Smith understandbly responded with an emotional plea: "You just told me it was 2-1!"

Instead of arguing the point, Emmel immediately conceded, claiming responsibility for his crew's error in communication: "I know, I did. I told you it was 2-1," before addressing Melvin:

Listen Bob, he's got a beef. I told him the pitch was 2-1, but they're saying the pitch was strike three ... we've got make what's right, right. I'm admitting to that, I told him it was 2-1 before the pitch. By the books, it was strike three and that's what we've got to go with ... You've got an argument.

Whether Emmel's calm approach and demeanor helped end the argument and prevent its escalation or whether it was the lopsided score at the time, 8-2, Oakland, Emmel's proper handling of the situation was what all administrators like to see: Professionalism, accountability, understanding and a firm adherence to rules enforcement.

Nonetheless, Emmel did not fare as well with Indians pitching coach Ruben Niebla in inning 7, whom Emmel ejected for arguing an incorrectly ruled ball during George Kottaras' at bat (Ejection 144).

Wrap: A's-Indians, 8/30/12
Video: Emmel and Darling suffer communciation breakdown, yet Emmel peacefully resolves dispute (UEFL)

Ejection 145: Bill Welke (3)

HP Umpire Bill Welke ejected Rangers RF Nelson Cruz for arguing a strike call in the top of the 7th inning. With one out and one on, Cruz took a 1-1 slider from Indians pitcher Esmil Rogers for a called second strike. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch was located belt high and slightly outside the outer edge of home plate (px of .927), the call was incorrect. The call is now correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 4-1. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Bill Welke (52)'s third ejection of 2012.
Bill Welke now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Jeff Nelson now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct = 1).
*Quality of Correctness was challenged and summarily overturned pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 145th ejection of 2012.
This is the 62nd player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Cruz was 0-4 in the contest.
This is the Rangers' 6th ejection of 2012, 1st in the AL West (TEX 6; LAA, OAK 4; SEA 1).
This is Nelson Cruz's first career MLB ejection.
This is Bill Welke's first ejection since May 28 (Jim Leyland; QOC = Irrecusable).

Wrap: Rangers at Indians, 8/31/12
Video: Following a swinging strikeout, Cruz slams his bat, barks at Welke and is thrown out (TEX)

MiLB Ejection of Week: Ben May (1)

Umpire Ben May and the Toledo Mud Hens have our MiLB Ejection of the Week, with second baseman Danny Worth ejected between innings during Toledo's walk-off victory vs. the Indanapolis Indians on Thursday in AAA's International League. (Video: Fair/Foul call precedes inning break ejection)

Ejected during inning break after reaching base, scoring

With one out and none on in the bottom of the 6th inning, Worth hit a 0-1 fastball from Indians pitcher Bryan Morris down the right field line, ruled a foul ball by 1B Umpire May. Worth reached first base on the next pitch following what was ruled a passed ball and throwing error by Indians catcher Tony Sanchez and scored on consecutive singles by teammates Audy Ciriaco and Bryan Holaday. Though replays suggest the ball may have landed in fair territory, Worth was ejected arguing the call after the inning's conclusion, rendering QOC "irrecusable." At the time of the ejection, the Mud Hens were leading, 4-2. The Mud Hens ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

Other notable Minor League Ejections, 8/27-30 include (with thanks again to Russ for assistance in reporting):
— HP Umpire Andy Dudones: Syracuse Chiefs 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir (3rd strike), Int'l (8/30)
— 1B Umpire Mark Ripperger: Las Vegas 51s P Brett Cecil (out at 1st base), PCL (8/30)
— 1B Umpire Junior Valentine: Hagerstown Suns DH Caleb Ramsey, M Brian Daubach (DP), South A (8/29)
— HP Umpire Morgan Day: Rome Braves DH William Beckwith (check swing), South Atlantic (8/29)
— HP Umpire Seth Buckminster: Louisville Bats 2B Henry Rodriguez (balls/strikes), International (8/28)
— HP Umpire Ron Teague: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes SS Garbiel Suarez (balls/strikes), California (8/27)
— HP Umpire Scott Mahony: Fresno Grizzlies LF Xavier Nady (balls/strikes), Pacific Coast (8/27)
— 1B Umpire Luke Engen: Timber Rattlers C Cameron Garfield (safe call), Midwest League (8/27)
— Referee Miguel Angel Perez: Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao (straight red card for insulting Perez' mother), La Liga Soccer (Honorary Ejection, 8/27)

Wrap: Indians at Mud Hens (MiLB), 8/30/12
Video: Though he scored a run, Worth is ejected after continuing to argue a 6th inning foul call (TOL/UEFL)

Ejection 144: Paul Emmel (3)

HP Umpire Paul Emmel ejected Indians pitching coach Ruben Niebla for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the 7th inning of the A's-Indians game. With one out and two on,  A's batter George Kottaras took a 3-0 fastball from Indians pitcher Tony Sipp for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located knee high and over the heart of home plate (sz_bot = 1.540, pz = 1.570), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the A's were leading, 10-6. The A's ultimately won the contest, 12-7.

This is Paul Emmel (50)'s third ejection of 2012.
Paul Emmel now has -6 points in the UEFL (-4 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -6).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 10 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (10 Previous + 0 Incorrect = 10).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 144th ejection of 2012.
This is the second consecutive OAK-CLE contest with a Balls/Strikes ejection.
This is the Indians' 8th ejection of 2012, 2nd in the AL Central (DET 9; CLE 8; CWS, KC 7; MIN 6).
This is Ruben Niebla's first career ejection.
This is Paul Emmel's first ejection since May 24 (Tom Brookens, Jim Leyland; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: A's-Indians, 8/30/12
Video: Following three consecutive walks, Niebla ejected during mound visit with reliever Sipp (Soon)

Ejection 143: CB Bucknor (2)

1B Umpire CB Bucknor ejected Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper for arguing an out call in the top of the 9th inning of the Nationals-Marlins game. With none out and one on, Harper hit a 0-2 fastball from Marlins pitcher Heath Bell to first baseman Carlos Lee, to shortstop Jose Reyes and returned to Lee as Harper arrived. Replays indicate the ball was received at first base prior to Harper's arrival, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 8-4. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is CB Bucknor (54)'s second ejection of 2012.
CB Bucknor now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Dale Scott now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct = 8).
*The prop prediction for Name of Ejector: 1st Nats ejection received zero correct wagers.

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 143rd ejection of 2012.
This is the 61st player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Harper was 2-5 in the contest.
This is the Nationals' 1st ejection of 2012, 5th in NL East (NYM 8; ATL 4; MIA, PHI 3; WSH 1).
This is Bryce Harper's first career ejection.
This is CB Bucknor's first ejection since July 15 (Dan Warthen; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Nationals-Marlins, 8/29/12
Video: Bryce Harper earns first career ejection spiking helmet after grounding into double play (WSH)
News: Harper, Johnson comment on managing emotions following Harper's inaugural heave-ho

Ejection 142: Gary Darling (7)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera for arguing a called strike in the bottom of the 1st inning of the A's-Indians game. With one out and none on, Cabrera took a 3-2 curveball from A's pitcher Travis Blackley for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located at the hollow of the knee and over the inner half of home plate (sz_bot = 1.590; pz = 1.577; MoE = 0.0833), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 0-0. The A's ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Gary Darling (27)'s seventh ejection of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 20 points in the UEFL (16 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 20).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 10 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (9 Previous + 1 Correct = 10).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 142nd ejection of 2012.
This is the 60th player ejection of 2012.
This is the Indians' 7th ejection of 2012, T-2nd in the AL Central (DET 9; CLE, CWS, KC 7; MIN 6).
This is Asdrubal Cabrera's first career ejection.
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since August 11 (Carlos Gomez; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Athletics at Indians, 8/29/12
Video: Cabrera ejected for arguing a called strike in the first inning of the Oakland-Cleveland game (OAK)

Detroit-KC Contested Replay Reflects Video Inequality

1B Umpire Ted Barrett and crew, supported by instant replay review, affirmed Barrett's "foul" call on a 9th inning drive down the right field line off the bat of the Tigers' Delmon Young. With the Royals leading 9-8 with two out and two on in the 9th, stakes were high as the umpires convened to review the play via video.

Video: Young's potential go-ahead HR is ruled foul by 1B Umpire Ted Barrett, upheld via replay (DET)

Conclusively correct, the close call nonetheless brought to light two glaring deficiencies with the instant replay review process, specifically the angular optical illusion and inequality and inconsistency between ballparks.

(1) Angular Optical Illusions
To illustrate the principle of angular optical illusion, consider an April 15, 2011 Adam Lind home run hit at Fenway Park (Video). Hit near Pesky's Pole in right field, Paul Nauert's initial call of HR was overturned after instant replay review when umpires judged the ball's trajectory carried the projectile to the right of the foul pole, rendering it a foul ball. From the angle at or near first base, the drive appeared fair, as the vertical yellow line drawn into the wall, next to the advertisement sign, appears in congruence with the foul pole itself; from the infield foul line, this would appear to be a home run as the ball landed to the left of the vertical line drawn on the wall, suggesting a fair ball.

However, and as the above image indicates, a view from above third base captures the true nature of this illusion: To maintain an appearance of one continuous vertical line when viewed from the infield, the right field corner's foul line is segmented into three separate borders: one on the lower wall, another on the padding and the third being the foul pole itself. This phenomena has also been detailed in "Papi Foul: Red Sox DH David Ortiz Loses Hit to Pesky Angle, Ad Placement."

It is this principle of angular optical illusion that creates the appearance of a fair ball from one angle, and foul from another. As such, instant replay decisions based on one angle may be flawed: When two angles appear to show two separate events, replays can no longer be clear, convincing or conclusive, and it behooves umpires to uphold the original call.

(2) Ballpark Broadcast Inequality
It is no secret that certain MLB teams are far richer than others, in terms of payroll, operations cost or otherwise. That otherwise, of course, includes broadcasting, wherein certain teams have the means with which to allocate a greater amount of funds to their broadcast than others do. For instance, the Yankees' regional sports network (RSN), the YES Network, pays the team a significant rights fee, which is higher than an according fee paid by, say, Fox Sports Kansas City to the Royals or Sun Sports to the Rays.

Case Plays: Infield Interference, Foul Fly or Complete Chaos

Umpires encountered a most unusual blend of infield fly & interference Sunday, merging the safe/out call with the fair/foul call and even throwing an interference/obstruction equation to the mix—if this was an ejection, "Reason for Ejection" might have been most difficult to categorize as simply one type.

Video: Broadcaster Vin Scully says: "Hold everything, forget the play. Forget the play." (LAD)
Video: One out, one swing—and an atypically long trialogue between umpires and both managers (MIA)

Get out those rule books because this play is a head-scratching dream of a brain-teaser.

Tichenor points at the infraction.

Answer: When B1 Cruz hit his fly ball 45' down the first base line, the umpires declared "Infield Fly, if Fair," after which R1 Ethier interfered with F3 Lee, which U1 Tichenor judged as the one fielder most entitled to attempt a play on the batted ball. R1 is out for interference and the play is dead, Rules 2.00 [Interference], 7.08(b), 7.09(j). What followed—F2 Brantly botched the catch, with PU Randazzo declaring a fair ball, R2 tagged at third base—is irrelevant as the play became dead upon the interference call. Crucial to successfully adjudicating this play in regards to B1 is the distinction between: "Fair Ball," "Foul Ball," "Not a Fair Ball," and "Probable Fair Ball."

B1 is not out on the Infield Fly Rule, because "Infield Fly" was never declared as the ball was not timely deemed "Fair Ball" or "Probable Fair Ball." Instead, the umpires ruled "Infield Fly, if Fair," meaning that the status of the ball (fair/foul) was unclear and the "Infield Fly," therefore was dependent on a future ruling of fair/foul/probable-fair. Rule 2.00 [Infield Fly] instructs officials to declare "Infield Fly" when "it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield fly," or when status changes from "Not a Fair Ball" to "Probable Fair Ball." Rule 6.05(e) states that the batter is out when "Infield Fly" is declared, which means B1 is out when status becomes "Probable Fair Ball." Ergo, had the umpires deemed status as "Probable Fair Ball" and declared "Infield Fly" prior to the interference and associated dead ball, B1 would have been out on the Infield Fly rule. Instead, the status of the ball was not yet fair/foul/probable-fair: It was "Not a Fair Ball," which means it was not yet an Infield Fly. The ensuing action on the ground is irrelevant as the play was killed upon the interference call. For this reason, OBR instructs: "Decision [of IFF] should be made immediately."

Finally, the question of whether B1 has completed his time at bat relies on Rule 6.04, which states a batter has legally completed his time at bat when he is put out or becomes a runner. Because B1 has not been put out, and we are not looking at an inning- or game-ending play that would prematurely terminate the batter's at-bat, we consider whether he has become a runner. Rule 6.09 states eight criteria under which a batter may become a runner, though only one is relevant in this scenario: 6.09(a): "He hits a fair ball." As mentioned above, status was "Not a Fair Ball" at the time of interference. Therefore, the batter has not become a runner and has not completed his time at bat.

Ruling: R1 out for interference, B1 resumes the at-bat, R2 returned to second base; Two outs, R2.

Track & Field Official Killed in Javelin Throw Accident

A sports judge has died after being struck in the throat by a javelin throw at a German youth track meet in Duesseldorf, resulting in the immediate cancellation of the Wilhelm Unger Games.

74-year-old athletics sports official Dieter Strack was reportedly taking a measurement of a previous athlete's javelin throw when he was struck in the throat by a subseqent contestant's javelin, the spear exiting through Strack's neck, severing his carotid artery and causing severe and fatal blood loss.

According to the USA Track & Field's Throwing Officials' Manual, which is similar to international guidelines, field judges should remain at least 15 feet away from where they anticipate a throw will land, though IAAF measurement timing regulations may require an official to respond to a mark before the projectile falls, while the triangulation method may delay a mark from being achieved immediately.

Nonetheless, USATF recognizes the severe hazards associated with discuss, hammer and javelin officiating safety, suggesting that all throwing officials carry, among other devices, band aids and ear plugs (for events near starter). It is unknown whether Strack was wearing ear plugs at the time nor whether he had any warning of the fatal throw.

News: German police: Javelin Kills Athletics Official, 74

Ejection 141: Dan Bellino (5)

1B Umpire Dan Bellino ejected Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Royals-Red Sox game. With one out and one on, Red Sox batter Dustin Pedroia hit a 1-0 changeup from Royals pitcher Will Smith to third baseman Tony Abreu, throw to first baseman Eric Hosmer for the out. Replays indicate Hosmer failed to catch the ball and legally tag prior to Pedroia contacting first base, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 4-3. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 8-6.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s fifth ejection of 2012.
Dan Bellino now has 8 points in the UEFL (10 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 8).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 6 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (6 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 141st ejection of 2012.

This is the 69th Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Red Sox's 10th ejection of 2012, 1st in the AL East (BOS 10; TOR 5; BAL, NYY 4; TB 3).
This is Bobby Valentine's first ejection since August 15 (Mike Everitt; QOC = Correct).
This is Dan Bellino's first ejection since July 16 (Miguel Cairo; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Royals at Red Sox, 8/25/12

Video: After Abreu bobble, Pedroia ruled out at first base as Hosmer pulls foot (KC)
Video: Bobby Valentine is ejected, yells at Bellino after contested play against Boston (BOS)

Ejection 140: David Rackley (1)

HP Umpire David Rackley ejected Astros SS Marwin Gonzalez for arguing an out call in the top of the 9th inning of the Astros-Mets game. With one out and one on, Astros batter Ben Francisco hit a 3-2 fastball from Mets pitcher Bobby Parnell to left fielder Lucas Duda, who threw home as baserunner R2 Gonzalez was attempting to score. Replays indicate Mets catcher Kelly Shoppach successfully blocked access to home plate while fielding the throw and applied a legal tag on Gonzalez, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is David Rackley (86)'s first ejection of 2012.

David Rackley now has 5 points in the UEFL (3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 5).

Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 7 points in the Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct = 7).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 140th ejection of 2012.

This is the 59th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Gonzalez was 2-4 in the contest.
This is the Astros' 5th ejection of 2012, 2nd in the NL Central (MIL 6; HOU 5; CHC, PIT, STL 4; CIN 2).
This is Marwin Gonzalez's first career MLB ejection.

This is David Rackley's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Astros vs. Mets, 8/25/12

Video: Marwin spikes helmet, is ejected for overt protest by Rackley (HOU)