World Baseball Classic Ejection 01: Will Little (1)

HP Umpire Will Little ejected Germany Manager Gregory Frady for arguing a balk call in the top of the 8th inning of the Canada-Germany game. With one out and one on, Canada batter Jimmy Van Ostrand prepared to receive a 1-1 pitch from Germany pitcher Harry Glynne. Replays indicate Glynne failed to step towards first base during the commission of his throw, in violation of Rule 8.05(c), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, Canada was leading 10-6. Canada ultimately won the contest, 16-7.

This is Will Little (19)'s first ejection of the 2013 World Baseball Classic Qualifier Stage.

This is the 1st ejection of the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
This is the 1st Manager ejection of the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
This is Germany's first ejection of the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Wrap: Canada at Germany (Regensberg), 9/22/12
Video: Little calls a no-step balk before 1B Umpire Ben May calls baserunner R1 out; Frady ejected (UEFL)

Ejection 175: Ed Hickox (2)

1B Umpire Ed Hickox ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for arguing a balk call in the bottom of the 4th inning of the White Sox-Angels game. With none out and two on, Angels batter Mike Trout prepared to receive a 0-1 pitch from White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana when Quintana attempted to pick off baserunner R1 Chris Ianetta at first base, 1B Umpire Ed Hickox eventually mirrored by HP Umpire Angel Hernandez and 2B Umpire Chris Conroy in identifying the balk. Replays indicate first baseman Paul Konerko had not occupied the first base position when the pickoff throw was made, such that Quintana failed to throw directly to first base from the rubber, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Angels were leading, 4-1. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Ed Hickox (15)'s second ejection of 2012.
Ed Hickox now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 1 point in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct = 1).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 175th ejection of 2012.
This is the 80th Manager ejection of 2012 and Robin Ventura's fourth ejection of 2012.
This is the White Sox's 9th ejection of 2012, 2nd in the AL Central (DET 12; CWS 9; CLE, KC 8; MIN 6).
This is Robin Ventura's first ejection since August 25 (Lance Barrett; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Ed Hickox's first ejection since August 22 (Manny Acta; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 9/22/12
Video: Quintana called for balk, umpire Hickox ruling Konerko was not in position to make a play (LAA)
Audio: After balk call, Hawk rues Hickox's alleged second blown call of the night (After the Jump)

Ejection 174: Tim Timmons (4)

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

Roster: World Baseball Classic Qualifying Umpires

With the MiLB season in the books, umpires and baseball turns to WBC, the World Baseball Classic.

WBC Umpire Sean Barber (USA, IL).

With baseball out of the Summer Olympic Games, the WBC is the premiere international baseball competition.

2013 World Baseball Classic qualifying games began Wednesday, September 19, with Team Israel's 7-3 victory over South Africa at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. The following is a list of umpires, many taken from the minor league ranks, who have made an appearance during the WBC qualifying stage, along with their country of representation. This list will be updated throughout the qualification stage of the tournament:

9/19/12: Israel vs. South Africa (Florida, USA; 7-3 ISR); HP: Chris Segal (USA, IL). 1B: Sean Barber (USA, IL). 2B: Trevor Grieve (Canada, SAr). 3B: Jens Waider (Germany).
9/20/12: Canada vs. Great Britain (Regensburg, Germany; 11-1 CAN); HP: Stephen Barga (USA, PCL). 1B: Will Little (USA, IL). 2B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (Chinese Taipei). 3B: Marco Screti (Italy).
9/20/12: Spain vs. France (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 8-0 ESP); HP: Quinn Wolcott (USA, PCL). 1B: Jairo Mendoza (Nicaragua). 2B: Sean Barber (USA). 3B: Trevor Grieve (CAN).
9/21/12: Germany vs. Czech Republic (Regensburg, Germany; 11-1 GER); HP: Ben May (USA, IL). 1B: Michael Ulloa (Spain). 2B: Marco Screti (ITA). 3B: Will Little: (USA).
9/21/12: Israel vs. Spain (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 4-2 ISR); HP: Sean Barber (USA). 1B: Chris Segal (USA). 2B: Jens Waider (GER). 3B: Jairo Mendoza (NIC).
9/21/12: South Africa vs. France (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 5-2 RSA); HP: Trevor Grieve (CAN). 1B: Jairo Mendoza (NIC). 2B: Quinn Wolcott (USA). 3B: Chris Segal (USA).
9/22/12: Great Britain vs. Czech Republic (Regensburg, Germany; 12-5 GBR); HP: Marco Screti (ITA). 1B: Stephen Barga (USA). 2B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (TPE). 3B: Ben May (USA).
9/22/12: Canada vs. Germany (Regensburg, Germany; 16-7 CAN); HP: Will Little (USA). 1B: Ben May (USA). 2B: Michael Ulloa (ESP). 3B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (TPE).
9/22/12: Spain vs. South Africa (Jupiter, Florida, USA; 13-3 ESP); HP: Quinn Wolcott (USA). 1B: Sean Barber (USA). 2B: Jairo Mendoza (NIC). 3B: Jens Waider (GER).
9/23/12: Germany vs. Great Britain (Regensburg, Germany; 16-1 GER); HP: Stephen Barga (USA). 1B: Ben May (USA). 2B: Michael Ulloa (ESP). 3B: Liang-Kuei Hsieh (TPE).
9/23/12: Spain vs. Israel (Jupiter, Florida, USA).

*Remaining Games TBD*

Ejection 173: Bob Davidson (6)

HP Umpire Bob Davidson ejected Mets left fielder Jordany Valdespin for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Phillies-Mets game. With none out and none on, Valdespin took a 1-2 fastball from Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located thigh high and off the outer edge of home plate (px = -1.303), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 3-2. The Phillies ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Bob Davidson (61)'s sixth ejection of 2012.
Bob Davidson now has 4 points in the UEFL (6 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = 4).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 7 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (7 Previous + 0 = 7).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 173rd ejection of 2012.
This is the 77th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Valdespin was 0-1 in the contest.
This is the Mets' 9th ejection of 2012, 1st in the NL East (NYM 9; ATL, MIA, WSH 4; PHI 3).
This is Jordany Valdespin's first career MLB ejection.
This is Bob Davidson's first ejection since September 3 (Joe Maddon; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets, 9/19/12
Video: After striking out, Valdespin protests Davidson's strike zone and is ejected (12:30/NYM)

Rule 7.09: Base or Batter-Runner Interference

A baserunner's interference call brought both managers out onto the field in San Francisco Tuesday night, creating the rare double-argument wherein both teams disputed the same play and call.

With one out and two on (R1, R2) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Rockies-Giants game, Giants batter Brandon Crawford hit 2-2 curveball from Rockies pitcher Carlos Torres towards second base. As second baseman DJ LeMahieu attempted to field the high chopper, baserunner R1 Xavier Nady attempted to advance to second base, while the baseball remained loose following what appeared to have been minor contact between the two players. (Video: 2B Umpire Conroy rules interference, fielder's choice)

Tracy and Conroy discuss the play.   AP Photo

As Tracy argued with 2B Umpire Chris Conroy, claiming the Rockies should be awarded a double play based on perceived "intentional" interference, Bochy alleged the Giants should have escaped with a bases loaded, zero out situation for lack of willful interference. Who was right?

Conroy had ruled "simple" offensive interference pursuant to Rule 7.09(j), which states, in part, that when a runner fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, the runner is out and the ball is dead. Because, in the umpire's judgment, LeMahieu was in the act of attempting to field a batted ball, and he was the one player who was entitled to field this specific batted ball, Nady's failure to avoid LeMahieu constituted interference, the penalty for which places the guilty runner out, the batter-runner on first base and R2 must return to second base on the fielder's choice. Recall, a fielder has "right of way" priveleges in regards to a batted ball, meaning the onus is on the runner to avoid the fielder.

Contrary to baseball mythology, contact is not necessary for an interference call and who initiated contact is not necessary to determine legality. All that matters is whether the offensive player interfered with the defense whereby he failed to avoid the one fielder entitled to play the batted ball.

Pursuant to this and several following criteria, Tracy and Bochy were partially correct, while Conroy was right.

Rule 7.09(j) interference is one of 11 varieties of base or batter-runner interference as prescribed by Rule 7.09. The following list, with video where available, documents the other 10 instances of this interference:

Ejection 172: Jordan Baker (3)

HP Umpire Jordan Baker ejected Mariners left fielder Michael Saunders for arguing a strike call in the bottom of the 10th inning of the Orioles-Mariners game. With two out and two on, Saunders took a 3-2 slider from Orioles pitcher Darren O'Day for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located thigh high and off the outer edge of home plate (px = -1.280), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 2-2. The Orioles ultimately won the contest, 4-2, in 18 innings.

This is Jordan Baker (71)'s third ejection of 2012.
Jordan Baker now has -1 points in the UEFL (1 Previous + 3 AAA + -1 Penalty + -4 Incorrect Call = -1).
Crew Chief Wally Bell now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 Previous + 0 = 3).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 172nd ejection of 2012.
This is the 76th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Saunders was 0-5 in the contest.
This is the Mariners' 2nd ejection of 2012, 4th in the AL West (TEX 6; OAK 5; LAA 4; SEA 2).
This is Michael Saunders' first career ejection.
This is Jordan Baker's first ejection since August 19 (Daniel Murphy; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Baltimore Orioles at Seattle Mariners, 9/18/12
Video: Called out to end an extra inning, Saunders is ejected arguing Baker's strike zone (SEA)

Ejection 171: Jerry Meals (3)

HP Umpire Jerry Meals ejected A's pitcher Jesse Chavez for throwing at Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder in the bottom of the 8th inning of the A's-Tigers game. With none out and none on, Fielder took a 1-2 fastball from Chavez for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located shoulder high and inside, the call was irrecusable. Prior to the HBP, Tigers batter Miguel Cabrera had hit a grand slam off Chavez. At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 12-2. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 12-2.

This is Jerry Meals (41)'s third ejection of 2012.
Jerry Meals now has 4 points in the UEFL (2 Previous + 2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call = 4).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 13 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (12 Previous + 1 Irrecusable = 13).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 171st ejection of 2012.
This is the 75th player ejection of 2012.
This is the A's' 5th ejection of 2012, 2nd in the AL West (TEX 6; OAK 5; LAA 4; SEA 1).
This is Jesse Chavez's first career MLB ejection.
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since June 17 (Don Mattingly; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers, 9/18/12
Video: After surrendering a grand slam, Chavez hits the next batter he faces and is tossed (OAK)

Rule 7.10: How a Runner is Out on Appeal

Appeal plays occur in baseball when the defense claims a violation of the rules by the offensive team (Rule 2.00 [APPEAL]), while Rule 7.10 appeals occur when a fielder claims a violation by a runner.

For instance, on Saturday, the Cleveland Indians appealed that Tigers baserunner Alex Avila violated OBR Rule 7.02 by failing to touch first, second, third and home bases in order en route to scoring a run. With two out and one on, baserunner R2 Avila attempted to score from second base after Indians F6 Asdrubal Cabrera overthrew third base during an attempted fielder's choice. After the play's conclusion, the Indians appealed to third base umpire Wally Bell that Avila never touched third base, a ruling affirmed as Avila was declared out on appeal for failing to touch all bases pursuant to Rules 7.02 and 7.10(b) [failure to touch each base in order]. The ruling negated the run Avila had attempted to score during the previous play.

This table of possible outcomes for each sequence
demonstrates that the order in which an appeal is
executed is of tantamount importance.

Video: Avila ruled out on appeal for missing third base

Similarly of note, Rule 7.10 appeals must be made prior to the next pitch or any play or attempted play, while Rule 7.10 appeals themselves are not to be be interpreted as plays. Appeals are made while the ball is live.

In essense, if a runner misses third base, as in the video above, a Rule 7.10 appeal must be executed prior to the next pitch, as in the video above. Similarly, the Rule 7.10 appeal must be made before an ensuing play or attempted play.

In the video above, new baserunner R2 Quintin Berry tried to induce an attempted play by running towards third base and providing the Indians the opportunity at an easy out if they were to tag Berry while he was off his base. Had the Indians made a play or attempted play on Berry (e.g., by tagging him out) prior to completing their appeal play (e.g., by tagging third base), they would have lost their chance to appeal Avila's miss of third base.

Instead, as the video shows, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall tagged third base pursuant to the procedure for a Rule 7.10 appeal prior to tagging Berry, who was still off his base. Because Chisenhall tagged third base and executed his appeal prior to making a play on Berry, the appeal was eligible for review and affirmation by umpire Bell. Had Chisenhall reversed the order and tagged Berry before stepping on third base, the appeal would not have been eligible for review, Bell would not have been able to declare Avila out for missing third base, and Avila's run would have stood.

Other 7.10 appeals include leaving early on a fly ball & losing overrun protection at first base, as seen here... Also listed is the rarely-seen "fourth out" play which, in tandem with a time play, occurred during a Major League contest from 2009:

Ejection 170: Brian Knight (6)

1B Umpire Brian Knight ejected Tigers Manager Jim Leyland for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Tigers-Indians game. With one out and two on, Indians batter Lonnie Chisenhall hit a 1-2 fastball from Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello on the ground to Porcello, who threw to shortstop Jhonny Peralta for the force out at second before first baseman Prince Fielder picked Peralta's throw from the dirt as Chisenhall arrived at the bag. Replays indicate Fielder did not gain possession of the baseball prior to Chisenhall's foot contacting the bag, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Indians were leading, 4-3. The Indians ultimately won the contest, 7-6.

This is Brian Knight (91)'s sixth ejection of 2012.
Brian Knight now has 0 points in the UEFL (-4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 0).
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct = 4).
*Quality of Correctness has been affirmed by the UEFL Appeals Board (4-0).

UEFL Standings Update

This is the 170th ejection of 2012.
This is the 78th Manager ejection of 2012 and Leyland's 5th ejection of 2012.
This is the Tigers' 12th ejection of 2012, 1st in the AL Central (DET 12; CLE, CWS, KC 8; MIN 6).
This is Jim Leyland's first ejection since August 5 (Joe West; QOC = Irrecusable).
This is Brian Knight's first ejection since August 7 (Eric Wedge; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians, 9/16/12

Video: A cumulation of two close calls nixing double plays at first base results in Leyland's ejection (DET)

Ejections 168, 169: Paul Emmel (4, 5)

HP Umpire Paul Emmel ejected Rays Manager Joe Maddon for arguing warnings (Unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the bottom of the 3rd inning and Rays designated hitter Matt Joyce for arguing a strike call in the top of the 8th inning of the Rays-Yankees game. In the 3rd, with two out and none on, Yankees batter Curtis Granderson took a 1-0 fastball inside for ball two, resulting in warnings issued for intentionally throwing at a batter. Replays indicate the pitch was located head high and significantly off the inner edge of home plate, occurring during a five-run inning after Yankees batter Russell Martin had hit a three-run home run, the call was irrecusable. In the 8th, with two out and none on, Joyce took a 2-2 curveball from Yankees pitcher David Robertson for a called third strike. Replays indicate all pitches were correctly called during Joyce's at-bat, including the third strike (sz_bot = 1.5, pz = 1.721), the call was correct. At the time of the Maddon ejection, the Yankees were leading, 5-0. At the time of the Joyce ejection, the Yankees were leading, 6-4. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

These are Paul Emmel (50)'s fourth and fifth ejections of 2012.
Paul Emmel now has 0 points in the UEFL (-6 Previous + 2*[2 MLB] + 0 Irrecusable + 2 Correct Call = 0).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 12 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (11 + 0 + 1 = 12).

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 168th and 169th ejections of 2012.
This is the 77th Manager ejection of 2012 and Maddon's 4th ejection of 2012.
This is the 74th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Joyce was 0-4 in the contest.
This is the Rays' 7th ejection of 2012, 2nd in the AL East (BOS 13; TB 7; NYY, TOR 5; BAL 4).
This is Joe Maddon's first ejection since September 3 (Bob Davidson; QOC = Correct).
This is Matt Joyce's first ejection since April 29, 2011 (Tom Hallion; QOC = Correct).
This is Paul Emmel's first ejection since August 30 (Ruben Niebla; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees, 9/16/12

Video: Granderson avoids first-pitch chin music heater, warnings are issued (NYY)
Video: Joyce ejected arguing Emmel's strike zone (TB)