Ejections 158, 159: Tim Timmons (2, 3)

HP Umpire Tim Timmons ejected Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera and 3B Coach Gene Lamont for unsportsmanlike-NEC in the top of the 4th inning of the Tigers-Angels game. With one out and one on, Cabrera took a 2-0 cutter and 2-1 fastball from Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson for called first and second strikes. Cabrera would ground into a double play before teammate Prince Fielder struck out on a foul tip. Replays indicate the pitches were correctly officiated (both px and pz values well within acceptable ranges), though Cabrera and Lamont's post-inning ejections are unsportsmanlike-NEC by rule, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Angels were leading, 5-1. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

These are Tim Timmons (95)'s second and third ejections of 2012.
Tim Timmons now has 2 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 2).
Crew Chief Eric Cooper now has 2 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 2 = 2).

*Originally the UIC, Jeff Kellogg left due to injury earlier in this game; therefore Eric Cooper is the crew chief.

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 158th and 159th ejections of 2012.
This is the 69th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Cabrera was 0-2 in the contest.
This is the Tigers' 11th ejection of 2012, 1st in the AL Central (DET 11; CLE, CWS 8; KC 7; MIN 6).
This is Miguel Cabrera's first ejection since May 11, 2011 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Correct).
This is Gene Lamont's first ejection since May 28 (Tim Tschida; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Tim Timmons' first ejection since May 5 (Ted Lilly; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 9/8/12

Video: Arguing to no avail during his at-bat, after GIDP, Cabrera & Coach Lamont ejected between innings

Ejection 157: Mike Estabrook (2)

HP Umpire Mike Estabrook ejected Rays first baseman Carlos Pena for arguing a strike three call following the Rangers-Rays game. With two out and one on in the bottom of the 10th inning, Pena took a 2-2 slider from Rangers pitcher Joe Nathan for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located thigh high and off the outer edge of home plate (px = -1.144), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers had won the contest, 4-2.

This is Mike Estabrook (83)'s second ejection of 2012.
Mike Estabrook now has 3 points in the UEFL (5 Previous + 3 AAA + -1 Penalty + -4 Incorrect = 3).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 11 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (11 Previous + 0 = 11).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 157th ejection of 2012.
This is the 68th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Pena was 0-2 in the contest.
This is the Rays' 5th ejection of 2012, T-2nd in the AL East (BOS 10; NYY, TB, TOR 5; BAL 4).
This is Carlos Pena's first ejection since May 19, 2005 (Gary Cederstrom; QOC = Unknown).
This is Mike Estabrook's first ejection since August 12 (Mike Butcher; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays, 9/8/12

Video: Carlos Pena is ejected after striking out to end the game

Ejection 156: Mark Carlson (3)

HP Umpire Mark Carlson ejected White Sox bench coach Mark Parent for arguing a safe call in the top of the 3rd inning of the Royals-White Sox game. With two out and two on, Royals batter Billy Butler hit a 1-0 changeup from White Sox pitcher Chris Sale to right field for a single, right fielder Alex Rios throwing home to catcher Tyler Flowers as Royals baserunner R2 Lorenzo Cain attempted to score. Replays indicate Flowers' glove appeared to tag Cain prior to Cain's foot touching home plate, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Mark Carlson (6)'s 3rd ejection of 2012.
Mark Carlson now has 6 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 6).
Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 0 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 = 0).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 156th ejection of 2012.
This is the 8th White Sox ejection of 2012, T-2nd in the AL Central (DET 9; CLE, CWS 8; KC 7; MIN 6).
This is Mark Parent's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mark Carlson's first ejection since May 13 (Andre Ethier & Don Mattingly; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Royals at White Sox, 9/8/12

Video: After safe call at home plate, Parent argues and is ejected

Ejection 155: Todd Tichenor (2)

HP Umpire Todd Tichenor ejected Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the 1st inning of the Marlins-Nationals game. With two out and none on, Marlins batter Giancarlo Stanton hit a 3-1 fastball from Nationals pitcher Ross Detwiler for a home run. Replays indicate the 2-1 pitch was located at the hollow of the knee and over the heart of home plate (sz_bot = 1.620, pz = 1.662), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Marlins were leading, 2-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 10 innings.

This is Todd Tichenor (97)'s second ejection of 2012.
Todd Tichenor now has 2 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 2).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 0 = 7).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 155th ejection of 2012.
This is the 67th player ejection of 2012.
This is the Nationals' 3rd ejection of 2012, T-3rd in the NL East (NYM 8; ATL 4; MIA, PHI, WSH 3).
This is Gio Gonzalez's first career MLB ejection.
This is Todd Tichenor's first ejection since May 13 (Frank Francisco; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Marlins at Nationals, 9/8/12
Video: Tichenor ejects bench player Gonzalez, who argued balls/strikes from the dugout in 1st inning

Ejection 154: Gary Darling (8)

HP Umpire Gary Darling ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a safe call in the top of the 6th inning of the Cubs-Pirates game. With none out and one on, Cubs batter Darwin Barney hit a 1-2 knuckle curve from Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett to shortstop Josh Harrison, who threw to third baseman Pedro Alvarez in an attempt to retire baserunner R2 Brett Jackson, who was attempting to advance on the play. Replays indicate Alvarez's glove tagged Jackson on the right side of his body prior to Jackson's right hand touching third base, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 4-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 12-2.

This is Gary Darling (37)'s MLB-leading eighth ejection of 2012.
Gary Darling now has 18 points in the UEFL (20 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 18).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 10 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (10 Previous + 0 = 10).
*Quality of Correctness has been affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (3-1).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 154th ejection of 2012.
This is the 73rd Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the third consecutive Cubs game with at least one ejection.
This is the Pirates' 5th ejection of 2012, T-3rd in the NL Central (CHC 8; MIL 6; HOU, PIT 5; STL 4; CIN 3).
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since August 4 (Brian Gorman; QOC = Irrecusable).
This is Gary Darling's first ejection since August 29 (Asdrubal Cabrera; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Cubs at Pirates, 9/7/12
Video: Darling rules Jackson "safe" at third on close play, Hurdle ejected after prolongued argument (PIT)

MiLB Ejection of the Week: Rich Gonzalez

Has Chicago found its next Hawk Harrelson in the minor leagues? This week's Minor League Baseball ejection of the week comes to us from Winston-Salem during the post-season matchup between the Class-A Advanced Myrtle Beach Pelicans and W-S Dash and features HP Umpire Rich Gonzalez.

Rich Gonzalez makes the "out" call at home plate.

Down by one game heading into Game 2 of the Carolina League Southern Division's Pelicans-Dash series, W-S needed a victory to keep its playoff hopes alive. Down 2-1 in the bottom of the third inning, the following took place:

HP Umpire Rich Gonzalez ejected Dash Manager Tommy Thompson for arguing an out call. With one out and one on, Dash batter Daniel Wagner hit a 0-1 fastball from Pelicans pitcher Joe Van Meter to center field as baserunner R3 Chris Curley prepared to tag from third with the tying run. As Pelicans center fielder Teodoro Martinez's throw to catcher Vincent DiFazio arrived at home plate, so did Curley, who replays indicate slid under and ahead of DiFazio's tag, replays suggest the call may have been incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Pelicans were leading, 2-1. The Dash ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

Nonetheless, perhaps the most striking feature of this play was "Voice of the Dash" Brian Boesch, who channeled his inner Hawk Harrelson in chiding Gonzalez in between his pitch-calling during the ensuing fourth inning. The Dash are a minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

With remarks such as, "This isn't an opinion, this is a fact: That was an absolutely atrocious call by home plate umpire Rich Gonzalez," and "Rich Gonzalez missed the call in the postseason, that's a shame," to go along with characterizations of, "Gonzalez's terrible call," and "that wasn't even close ... the throw was caught above DiFazio's head," and the raw emotion of "Wow .... man, that's just frustrating when you deserve a run and you don't get one," it appears the Sox may be developing more than just player talent down on the farm.

Wrap: Myrtle Beach Pelicans at Winston-Salem Dash, 9/6/12
Video: Gonzalez calls the out at home, Brian Boesch continues his scathing critique during the next inning

MiLB: Triple-A Playoffs, Semifinal Round

Now that the Triple-A Playoffs have started, here are the crews working those Playoff Series. This information comes to us courtesy of UEFL'er and MiLB expert contributor Russ.

Triple-A postseason umpiring consists of four, 4-man crews while during the regular season, 3-man crews are generally employed. Regular season rovers are ineligible for the Playoffs. Out of the 8 Umpires from this semifinal round, PBUC will select the top 4, usually 2 from each series, to work the Championship series in each respective League.

International League Playoffs:
Charlotte Knights VS. Indianapolis Indians:
**Mark Lollo (2 ejections)
*Toby Basner (0 ejections)
*David Soucy (3 ejections)
Adam Hamari (8 ejections)

Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees VS. Pawtucket Red Sox
**Craig Barron (5 ejections)
Jeff Gosney (4 ejections)
*Brad Myers (5 ejections)
*Chad Whitson (3 ejections)

Pacific Coast League Playoffs:
Albuquerque Isotopes VS. Omaha Storm Chasers
**Eric Loveless (3 ejections)
*John Tumpane (5 ejections)
*Michael Lusky (1 ejection)
Matt Schaufert (5 ejections)

Reno Aces VS. Sacramento River Cats
**Brian Larson (3 ejections)
*Mark Ripperger (2 ejections)
Jason Arends (10 ejections)
Brian Sinclair (3 ejections)

**-Crew Chief of the Crew
*-Regular Season Crew Chief

Ejections 150, 151, 152, 153: Jerry Layne (2, 3, 4, 5)

HP Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Cubs Bench Coach Jamie Quirk in the bottom of the 5th inning and Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger & pitcher Manuel Corpas and Nationals pitcher Michael Gonzalez for fighting in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Cubs-Nationals game. In the 5th, with two out and three on in the 5th, Nationals batter Jayson Werth fouled a 3-0 fastball from Cubs pitcher Lendy Castillo out of play, after which catcher Clevenger returned to the Chicago dugout to repair the webbing on his glove. As Clevenger approached the dugout, Quirk engaged Nationals 3B Base Coach Bo Porter in an animated shouting match, eventually resulting in both benches and bullpens clearing, though this stoppage remained benign and play resumed without incident. In the 6th, with none out and none on, Nationals batter Bryce Harper took a first-pitch fastball inside and thigh-high, sparking the second bench clearing incident, which flared into a brawl during which 1B Umpire Bill Miller fell to the ground after Nationals' SS Ian Desmond was pushed into him. At the time of the first ejection, the Nationals were leading, 7-2. At the time of the final ejections, the Nationals were leading, 9-2. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 9-2.

These are Jerry Layne (24)'s second, third, fourth and fifth ejections of 2012.

Jerry Layne now has 6 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 4*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 6).

Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 11 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 4*[1] = 11).

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 150th, 151st, 152nd and 153rd ejections of 2012.
These are the 64th, 65th and 66th player ejections of 2012.

This is the Cubs' 6th ejection of 2012, T-1st in the NL Central (CHC, MIL 6; HOU 5; PIT, STL 4; CIN 3).

This is the second consecutive Chicago-Washington contest with a Cubs ejection.

This is Jamie Quirk's first ejection since September 11, 2007 (Mike DiMuro; QOC = Correct).
This is Steve Clevenger's first ejection since August 9 (Jeff Nelson; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Manuel Corpas' first career MLB ejection.
This is Michael Gonzalez's first ejection since July 10, 2011 (Marty Foster; QOC = Irrecusable) [Fight].

This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since August 13 (Bruce Bochy; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Cubs at Nationals, 9/6/12

Video: Quirk yells at Porter after Werth swings at a 3-0 pitch in a 7-2 ballgame, Quirk tossed

Video: Fight in Washington, DC after Harper thrown at, warnings issued after brawl and ejections

NFL Replacement Officials Open 2012 Regular Season

The NFL's replacement referee corps opened the regular season Wednesday in New Jersey with the apt-named Jim Core serving as Referee of the seven-man officiating crew as NFL regulars Ed Hochuli, Mike Carey and the regular bloc remain locked out in the midst of a labor dispute between the League and the Referees' union.

Referee Core & Crew.            Photo: Julio Cortez/AP

Referee Core, Umpire Bob Shoulders, Head Linesman Gregory Maxwell, Line Judge Joshua Thurow, Side Judge Brian Stropolo, Field Judge Thaddious Foster and Back Judge Larry Babcock joined Replay Official and NFL veteran Dale Hamer—who is not affected by the labor stoppage—in officiating the hotly contested midweek debut at MetLife Stadium with the Cowboys coming away with the 24-17 victory.

The only significant play drawing the ire of media pundits occured in the second quarter, when it appeared Dallas' Orlando Scandrick was incorrectly not called for a hold against New York's Victor Gruz near the goal line, a no-call that some writers believe cost New York four points.

As for the NFLRA-NFL labor dispute itself, Commissioner Roger Goodell explained, "I have to look at this long-term ... It will get solved."

Final review? As much as advocates may have been looking for a replacement-induced mishap, Wednesday's season opener was decidedly smoother than expected. As NFL executive Ray Anderson summized: "No problems, just as we've been saying all along."

Wrap: Cowboys at Giants (NFL), 9/5/12

Ejection 149: Larry Vanover (3)

HP Umpire Larry Vanover ejected Cubs Manager Dale Sveum for arguing balls and strikes in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Cubs-Nationals game. With none out and one on, Nationals batter Michael Morse drew a four-pitch walk from Cubs pitcher Chris Volstad. Replays indicate all pitches during Morse's at-bat were accurately officiated, the call was correct. This ejection is not eligible for a Balls/Strikes Exemption as the only batter prior to Morse in the bottom of the 5th inning, Adam LaRoche, hit a first-pitch Voldstad sinker for a line drive single. At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 5-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 9-1.

This is Larry Vanover (27)'s third ejection of 2012.
Larry Vanover now has 12 points in the UEFL (8 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 12).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct = 7).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 149th ejection of 2012.
This is the 72nd Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Cubs' 5th ejection of 2012, T-2nd in the NL Central (MIL 6; CHC, HOU 5; PIT, STL 4; CIN 3).
This is Dale Sveum's first ejection since July 28 (Mike Winters; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Larry Vanover's first ejection since August 8 (Chris Young; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Cubs at Nationals, 9/5/12

Video: Sveum ejected after ball call, just prior to Giants-Cowboys kickoff

Pitcher Wristbands and Bracelets: Flourish or Distraction?

Plate umpire Jim Reynolds instructed Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello to remove a bracelet (CLE Feed / UEFL Video) prior to the first inning of Tuesday's Indians-Tigers game, a gesture unnoticed by either broadcast, but expertly deciphered by Kcreasy, who wrote to us:

After Tigers catcher Avila threw to second before top of the 1st, Reynolds walked out to the mound, handed Porcello a new ball and you could see them talking. Reynolds walked away and you could see Porcello go to his glove hand and remove a bracelet and place it in his back pocket. This was the same crew that had RA Dickey remove a bracelet his daughter made. I took a video of it off my tv...

Felix Hernandez wearing a band? There goes the ad campaign...

MLB Rule 1.15 states that a pitcher's glove may not be distracting in any manner, while 1.11 mandates all uniforms and undershirts be identical and distinctively equivalent. Rule 9.01(c), of course, bestows upon umpires the authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in the Official Baseball Rules.

However, such action may instead fall under the purview of a recent MLB Directive, as eluded to by Mets Manager Terry Collins in August, when this same umpiring crew enforced this same policy, as Crew Chief Jim Joyce requested Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey remove bracelets from his wrist in the midst of a 6-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Joyce received flak for his enforcement of policy when Dickey told reporters, "I was a little bit angry because those were a couple of bracelets my girls had made for me before I went to Kilimanjaro. I'd had them on every day since January."

If indeed MLB sent out a bulletin mid-season with such a policy addendum, umpires were simply enforcing policy and no further issue appears at play. However, problems and controversy arise when rules are enforced inconsistently wherein one umpire allows the item while another orders its removal, especially if this certain alluded-to Directive is a policy that has, in one form or another, been in place for several years. History and precedent support the removal of distracting wrist garb on pitchers.

A 2006 ESPN Page 2 piece addressed the issue of MLB pitchers and players wearing bracelets. In regards to pitchers, the article pointed out that Huston Street often wore a green WWJD bracelet on his glove hand, while Angels Manager Mike Scioscia asked for its removal. A's pitcher Kirk Saarloos was known to have worn a pink Livestrong-style band before being asked by umpires to remove the item.

Even earlier, in 2003, Bobby Cox asked umpires to remove Mets pitcher Jae Weong Seo's Buddhist bracelet.

UEFL Video: Reynolds instructs Porcello to remove bracelet prior to Shin-Soo Choo leadoff AB

Ejection 148: Tony Randazzo (2)

HP Umpire Tony Randazzo ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 4th inning of the Yankees-Rays game. With two out and one on, Yankees batter Chris Dickerson attempted to request "Time" prior to taking a 1-2 fastball from Rays pitcher Alex Cobb for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located midpoint high and over the heart of home plate; Though pitch f/x determined the top of Dickerson's specific strike zone was associated with a sz_top value of 3.001 and the strike three pitch was associated with a pz (height) value of of 3.240, replays overwhelmingly suggest this computerized balls/strikes determination was inaccurate, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rays were leading, 3-2. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Tony Randazzo (11)'s second ejection of 2012.
Tony Randazzo now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (6 Previous + 1 Correct = 7).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 148th ejection of 2012.

This is the 71st Manager ejection of 2012.

This is the second consecutive NYY-TB game with an ejection.

This is the Yankees' 5th ejection of 2012, T-2nd in the AL East (BOS 10; NYY, TOR 5; BAL, TB 4).
This is Joe Girardi's first ejection since August 9 (Tim Welke; QOC = Correct).
This is Tony Randazzo's first ejection since June 23 (Coco Crisp; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Yankees at Rays, 9/4/12

Video: Randazzo does not grant late "Time" request, rings up Dickerson on high strike

Pitch f/x plot courtesy Brooks Baseball, UEFL

The Pitch f/x conundrum, illustrated. Because individual strike zone plots measure location in actual (not normalized) feet, the plot automatically applies the estimation of an average player's strike zone of 1.5 to 3.5 feet, as opposed to the batter's individualized, or normalized strike zone, which in the case of Dickerson, topped out at a height of 3.001 feet, as opposed to the standard 3.5 feet.

Late-Game Appeal Play: Losing the Runner

An appeal play out call in St. Louis by 1B Umpire David Rackley effectively transformed a zero out, ninth inning rally attempt by the New York Mets into an impending save opportunity for the Cardinals and closer Jason Motte. With none out and none on, Mets batter Andres Torres hit a 3-2 cutter from Motte into right field for an apparent double. As subsequent batter Ronny Cedeno stepped in with none out and the game-tying runner on second base, Motte stepped off the pitcher's plate and threw to first baseman Matt Carpenter, who stepped on first base as Rackley ruled Torres out subsequent to Rule 7.10 (Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when), explaining to Mets Manager Terry Collins that Torres had missed first base and was liable to be put out pursuant to 7.10(b) ("He fails to touch each base in order before he, or a missed base, is tagged"). Though replays from one angle (1st base camera well) suggest Torres' left foot may have touched first base, another angle (center field) is ultimately inconclusive, though both angles show Rackley moving to observe the touch/no-touch at first base. At the time of the call, the Cardinals were leading, 5-4. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

Wrap: Mets at Cardinals, 9/3/12

Video: Torres ruled out for failing to touch first base, Collins argues but is not ejected

Ejection 147: Bob Davidson (5)

2B Umpire Bob Davidson ejected Rays Manager Joe Maddon for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Yankees-Rays game. With none out and one on, Rays baserunner R1 Rich Thompson was caught stealing second base, thrown out on a pitchout, Yankees catcher Russell Martin to shortstop Derek Jeter. Replays indicate Thompson was tagged on the backside prior to contacting second base with his hand, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 3-3. The Rays ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Bob Davidson (61)'s fifth ejection of 2012.
Bob Davidson now has 6 points in the UEFL (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 6 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (5 Previous + 1 Correct = 6).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 147th ejection of 2012.
This is the 70th Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Rays' 4th ejection of 2012, T-3rd in the AL East (BOS 10; TOR 5; BAL, NYY, TB 4).
This is Joe Maddon's first ejection since August 15 (Rob Drake; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Bob Davidson's first ejection since July 25 (Luke Hochevar; QOC = Irrecusable).

Wrap: Yankees at Rays, 9/3/12

Video: Joe Girardi elects to pitch out, nails runner; Maddon tossed in extended argument