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| Farrell points a finger at Meals. |
This is Jerry Meals (41)'s first ejection of 2013.
Jerry Meals now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 + -4 = -2).
Crew Chief Gary Darling now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 8).
This is the 109th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 52nd Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Red Sox's 6th ejection of 2013, 2nd in the AL East (TOR 8; BOS 6; BAL, TB 4; NYY 2).
This is John Farrell's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 23, 2013 (Mike DiMuro; QOC = Correct).
This is Jerry Meals' first ejection since September 18, 2012 (Jesse Chavez; QOC = Irrecusable).
Wrap: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox, 7/29/13
Video: Rays turn a huge double play to preserve a 2-1 lead heading into the final inning of play (TB)
Video: After pivotal out call at home plate, Farrell disputes Meals' assertion and is tossed (BOS)
Hear that? Those are the baseball gods doling out justice for Ortiz's toddler tantrum in Baltimore. Couldn't have happened to a classier franchise :)
ReplyDeleteJerry Meals strikes again!
ReplyDeleteQuote from Meals: "I was wrong on my decision. From the angle I had, I did not see his foot get under Molina's shin guard."
ReplyDeleteNow that it's happened to MLB/ESPN's precious Boston Red Sox, we'll see instant replay next year.
Meals just couldn't have picked a worse angle to view that play. I completely believe his explanation that he couldn't see the foot get to the plate... he couldn't see anything other than Molina's backside. He needs to be in better position for that play.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunate misread for Meals here... When you watch the replay you can see he reads the play to be a swipe tag and it turned into a collision play completely blocking him off. So before all the trolls jump on the Farrell train and say this was "horseshit effort" out of Meals you can clearly see he made an effort to get the best look he could and unfortunately misread it. Kind of similar to Nava misreading the previous double he failed to score on. Meals will be the scapegoat for the media because it's easy, but when looking where to lay blame the Red Sox need not look further than their own clubhouse.
ReplyDeleteMeals sure does seem to have a difficult time with those calls at the plate. But I applaud him for standing up after the game and admitting he made a mistake. No one is perfect and mistakes happen.
ReplyDeleteThoughts:
ReplyDelete1) Several things wrong here. Meals needed to set himself [he did not]. Meals went to the standard spot [3BX], but moved to the right of F2. I am not sure why Meals moved to the right [his flaw, here]. PBUC recommends 1BX on plays that involve a block of the plate, but a seasoned umpire will tell you otherwise [You can see the block and the swipe from 3BX, whereas one could be prone to missing the swipe at 1BX]. But, then again, a seasoned umpire will inform you to work from the corner of the plate and pivot where appropriate [i.e., move left, rather than right]. Because Meals pivoted right, he took himself out of the play when F2 straight-lined him.
That being said, I might have thrown out the manual and went to 1BX. F7 made the shallow play and since the throw was coming from *left* field, a block was *likely* to ensue.
2) Meals should have dumped R3, too. Tossed the helmet; pointed at the plate. Either or may be grounds for removal; but a combination should have resulted in an ejection. Darling should have come in and removed both R3 and the on-deck player.
3) Gary Darling does not have eight CC points. If only ;-)
Awful call that cost the Sox a chance to take this game into extra innings. Plus he had the nerve to toss Farrell after he messed up. There have been some other monumental screwed up calls at the plate. Maybe it's time for more instant replay. This could have cost the Sox first place.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, Meals missed this call because he's short. Taller umpires could have seen the foot.
ReplyDeleteMeals meals nor any other umpire in MLB works for PBUC, and many of them never have in their career, therefore that recommendation means exactly **** to them. haha j/k... Actually pretty much agree with what you said. Was a little surprised Nava wasn't ejected as well.
ReplyDeleteThere you are! I wondered who would be the first Red Sox troll to spew ignorant nonsense. There is 162 games in the regular season and each team is given 27 outs in each of those contests. So through the course of the season that means you are given a MINIMUM of 4,374 opportunities to win your division. Meals made an incorrect call resulting in the loss of ONE of these. That is .02% of the season. This call didn't cost Boston first place, the season, or even the game.
ReplyDeleteBologna.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe Nava didn't get tossed. His actions were an automatic.
ReplyDeleteHe did not know he messed up when he tossed Farrell. He tossed Farrell on the assumption he had the call correct and only found out once he saw the replay that he had blown the call and unlike most umpires he admitted he made a mistake.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, yes it is true that this call went against the Sox but I can guarantee you over the course of the season there have been plenty of incorrect calls that went the Red Sox way and cost their opponent as well. Over the course of the season a team will have plenty of missed calls that help them and plenty that hurt them.
So I take it taller umpires have x-ray vision and can see through Molina then?
ReplyDeleteThis is a common thing people like to say, so even though someone has already said it I feel the need to emphasize: Meals did not know he had messed up with he ejected Farrell. He had no way of knowing he missed the call until after the game when he would have been able to see a replay.
ReplyDeleteUm... no.
ReplyDeleteNava, and any UEFL members who have Meals, should be very happy that he somehow got away with not one, not two, but THREE actions that should have been immediate ejections. Throwing the helmet, pointing to the plate, and going back to the dugout and then coming back out for more.
ReplyDeleteGetting straightlined on a call sucks, since you're essentially guessing. Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it, but in this case Meals moves himself to the wrong side of the plate.
To an extent, I disagree. I am not saying that he "knew that had he messed up," but there's a strong chance that he knew that he *might* have messed up.
ReplyDelete1) He acknowledged that he had a poor angle.
2) R3's reaction was unique. When's the last time you saw a player react like that [safe/out at plate] and be wrong?
3) R3 should have been ejected.
4) Farrell on Meals: "He said nothing." But, the ejection of Farrell, under the circumstances, was warranted. Nothing to do with nerves.
I wish I could read all of your supportive comments below, but I'm blind.
ReplyDeleteESPN didn't have to fabricate this one, but I guarantee they will beat this drum way out of proportion. Knowing how ESPN operates they will likely say this call and this call alone cost the BoSox the World Series.
ReplyDeleteHere's why the Sox, not Meals, lost that game last night:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2013/07/a_bizarre_finish_and_loss_for_the_red_sox.html
Just as I suspected it was a nut cutter play. The plumbers and Red Sox trolls act like Meals missed it by a mile. That play didn't turn into a block of the plate until a millisecond before Molina slid over. There is no way humanly possible Meals can switch from positioning for a highly likely swipe tag to an oh shit block play. Ya he missed it but any umpire in that same play with what he had to read will take that play from there.
ReplyDeleteJerry Meals strikes again! Every game he works is a potential embarrassment. If MLB umpires were held accountable for poor performance, Meals would have been gone long ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks troll...and how many games have you umpired?
ReplyDeleteI would also like to clear something up. PBUC is designed to develop umpires from rookie ball all the way up to AA. PBUC has developed their curriculum and evaluation course to teach the 2 man system. They also teach a course in the fall to guys promoted in the fall to work 3 man in AA. Once you get to AAA and are on the radar you are supervised by MLB supervisors. A lot of people take shots at PBUC at the amateur level and big league level because they fail to understand what PBUC is designed for.
ReplyDeleteTroll? Hardly. Am a big defender of MLB umpires. And I'll put my umpire resume up against anyone on this board.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't defend incompetence. And I don't defend the lack of accountability MLB umpires have. Look at Meals' performance over the past 5 years. You're telling me he's one of the 68 best umpires in baseball? You're telling me his performance is MLB quality? Watch some AAA guys (fill-ins and otherwise)...Meals' performance is better than some of them? Please.
Pattern. Of. Behavior.
ReplyDeleteGerry Davis misses this call, NBD.
Pattern. Of. Behavior.
Yep, SportsCenter led with nearly 10 minutes of the call on the overnight broadcast. "Calls for replay from stadiums around the nation." Well, with ESPN pounding the drum like a war call and most sports fans being too stupid to know they are being herded into an opinion, the calls will be there. And ESPN knows it and does it for so many things.
ReplyDeleteThe saving grace (partially) was that John Kruk was in-eloquently trying to explain why Meals was in the wrong spot (swipe play that quickly turned into a block play) and that Meals could not do much about it. Nomar and the other buffoon in the segment were definitely on the attack (and clamoring for replay--notice the theme from ESPN).
In my 30+ years of experience officating other sports, I found nothing worse than making a mistake that affected the outcome of a game. Poor position -- how could you let yourself get blocked out like that? -- led to a poor decision, just like in the sports I worked.
ReplyDeleteI'll call your bluff....put your "resume" up.
ReplyDeleteI think this video is a pretty good indication as to why Meals doesn't rack up ejections. Long leash.
ReplyDeleteMost umpires would have tossed Nava when he threw his helmet down. If they let that one slide, him bending over and touching the plate in an obviously manner of display would have done it.
Pittsburgh screamed, "Hey! Where's our out call?"
You know I can't do that as an active umpire. Just like you can't put yours up either (if you have one). Moreover, given the anonymity of this forum, you couldn't verify I was telling the truth. Nor I, you.
ReplyDeleteBut this is irrelevant to the point that Meals is one of the lowest quality umpires in MLB, a point you have you refuted. Indeed, all you have done is name call ("troll") and somehow imply that I don't work games. And even if I wasn't an active umpire, which I am, that somehow my assessment of Meals' performance is somehow invalid or incorrect. One doesn't need to be an auto mechanic to know one's brakes are failing.
So, go ahead, defend your boy Meals. Defend his consistent pattern of blown calls. Or his pattern of letting players and managers walk all over him and fail to eject. Or his terrible plate mechanics.
Or you can continue to be non-responsive and blindly defend him. The biggest threat to umpiring is bad umpires. And the sooner MLB purges itself of substandard umpires, the better the quality umpires (of which there are about 60) will be perceived.
So much for "I'll put my umpire resume up against anyone on this board."
ReplyDeleteOkay, I was a AAA umpire for 8 years, including 3 as a fill-in. Since, I have worked D1 baseball for 16 years, 5 super regionals, and 1 CWS. And you should believe me, because I am telling the truth. Because everyone who is anonymous on the internet tells the truth. Just like your real name is mnyakko.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for addressing the substantive points raised above.
I doubt this, seriously. Drop your name.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't care less about the pissing contest on who knows more about what happened and why.
ReplyDeleteI simply pointed out the fact that one post pretty much challenges everyone to accept your presence b/c your resume stacks up with anyone else's and then immediately denied putting up said resume when challenged.
That was a knock on credibility...even if you had said you were a MLB umpire for 20 years, it became instantly difficult to take you at face value. And while I may not have the experience as most of the regulars on this site at only 20 years, and while many have more training than my being trained by Voltaggio, that is all in my part-time hobby. My full time job as a consultant includes my experience in speech/communication...and I know shot credibility when I see it.
Seriously, dude, I was responding to being called a troll.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you think anything is "credible" on an anonymous forum, well.....I've just got nothing.....No matter what was said, it should not be taken at "face value." That's the point....address the argument/points made, not the person making them. That's been my point since the first post. Not sure how much clearer it could be.
JFC, shoot me now.
ReplyDeleteI knew you wouldn't post your resume. If you did post your resume it would have been an indictment on you not me. Your credibility as an umpire along with your character and integrity is what I'm calling into question. As umpires we are part of a fraternity or brotherhood. Part of the unwritten rule is don't go and roll you fellow umpires under the bus. Whether you are the guy working Little League and doing the best job you know how or the Gerry Davis working his umpteenth WS you still respect the fraternity and the brotherhood. Frankly, no one on here is interested in your opinion of Jerry Meals but one thing is certain...he's in the game and it's safe to assume your not. Unless you are Charlie Reliford or Chuck Merriweather or Randy Marsh masquerading as Yeezus you don't have the credibility or the knowledge to determine that Jerry Meals should be fired for incompetence. I'm not defending Meals call, Meals himself admitted his mistake. It happens. I'm defending Meals character and integrity as a fellow umpire who understands what's on the line every night he goes out to work. He understands that he may miss a call for whatever reason and jacklegs like you will come on here and crucify him night in and night out. He knows that. That's what he signed up for. When I engage clowns like you I do so knowing I have 10-12 guys in the Game who bust their ass every night to try to get better knowing clowns like you will stab them in the back in a heartbeat. I'd go so far to say you're the type of clown who would probably scab if given the opportunity because you've clearly demonstrated a lack of respect for those in the brotherhood. I use this sight as a tool to learn. Occasionally I comment on how an umpire may have called a play a certain way. Sometimes there is room for constructive criticism in the interest of other people gaining some perspective. You, however, coming on here and outright blasting Jerry Meals for a call he made and calling for him to be fired/replaced...blah, blah, blah makes you just what I called you....a troll..and frankly that's being nice about it because if I was at one my association meetings I will call you something far worse because I despise ilk like you in our avocation/profession.
ReplyDeleteGot it....so as an umpire, it is my duty to never criticize another umpire. Even when an umpire has demonstrated time and again that he isn't very good. It is my duty to support him, no matter what. Phew. Missed that at my training.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, it is attitudes like yours that cause players and fans to despise us. We work hard and sometimes mess up. No big deal. But when you mess up consistently at your job, there should be accountability. There is in the NFL. There is in MiLB. There is in the NCAA. There is *not* in MLB. Torre is trying to change things, but he is getting a lot of resistance from the union. Good umpires *want* accountability, but they understand it makes them better. We have an incentive to do our jobs better when we know we are held accountable.
And it is not "stabbing in the back" to point out someone isn't good at their job. This isn't one isolated event. This is a pattern with him. And Meals isn't alone; there are other MLB umpires who are subpar. And should be held accountable. Just like every other employee in every other profession.
As for your personal attacks....you need to relax and see a therapist. So much anger and hatred are not healthy. And while you're at it, I'd see someone about your writing, too. It looks unprofessional when you don't know the difference between "site" and "sight," not to mention "your" and "you're."
yaaawwwwnnnnnn.....you probably should put your resume up so when I need a good plumber I know where to look. Good day.
ReplyDeleteAnother substantive response, just what I've come to expect. It's a shame, really, because I think we'd agree more than we disagree. (If, in fact, you actually are an umpire.) But you choose not to engage substance. At all. Again. So there is really no point in trying to have a conversation/discussion with someone who demonstrates no ability to do so.
ReplyDeleteI am in no way defending meals nor am I against him. However in the last 5 years I remember him missing 2 calls. They just happen to be game changers. I do agree he has way to short of leash and I really don't know how good or bad he is with balls or strikes. That being said I really don't think he should be fired over 2 bad calls in 5 years.
ReplyDeleteI've been in umpiring a while, but I've never heard the term "nut cutter" play. What does that mean exactly?
ReplyDeleteNut cutter typically is a close play that could cut the balls, one on each side the play.
ReplyDeleteOf course he knew he "might" have. I've been straightlined myself enough to be familiar with that feeling. It's just the phrasing I don't like, essentially "how dare he eject him after he missed the call" when you know that at that point Meals has no idea that he's wrong.
ReplyDeleteRed sox trolls are just that trolls, but you also got to think maybe some of them are faking it just to label sox bad. Look the ball didn't beat him by miles even nava admit he should of scored before. I am happy meals admit he miss the call
ReplyDeleteI rather have jerry meals anyday before you fans can speak
ReplyDeletewonderful said, I agree with everything you said. These fans think they know rules when they don't. They also act like umpire are so bad with just one miss call
ReplyDeleteIf you anything about being an umpire it tell you right in the rule you should never ever seek reserves or citizens an umpire i take that with a full heart. I will back an umpire up on there call If they were wrong or right. If they ask me i help them if they didn't that alright to
ReplyDeleteI am red sox fan but red sox had more than once chance to score more than 3 runs
ReplyDeleteI meant to say to long of leash.
ReplyDeleteDid Jerry Meals get the full time job over you and then you got released?
ReplyDeleteJerry Layne just tossed Mike Scioscia. The ejection was almost identical to Layne's ejection of Bochy last year. A close play at first base, the Manager comes out and is almost instantly ejected by Layne and then Layne is argued with by the Manager but doesn't say one word. Also in both instances the Manager ran off the field after being ejected. You rarely ever see that
ReplyDeleteEric Cooper needs a SUSPENSION for his actions today in Pittsburgh.
ReplyDeleteThe sportscasters on ESPN compared this to the play Meals "blew" in Pittsburgh in 2011. I can't remember offhand if he did indeed "blow" that one or not. This one is closer than some folks (ESPN - pundits, scallywags...) give Meals credit for. He did not get it right but it is close. And I agree that his positioning sucked.
ReplyDeleteESPN -- has agenda, will push it ad nauseum.
ReplyDeleteThe play in Pittsburgh was, I think, the runner was beat and clearly tagged about 5-8 feet up the line, the runner never slid but tried to run by.
The call against Pittsburgh they are referring to, if its the one I'm thinking of, actually took place in Atlanta. That was the night when the Braves Julio Lugo was called safe at the plate when he was clearly tagged out about three feet in front of it. The call secured a 19 inning win for the Braves. It also started a skid that the Pirates never recovered from that season. To make matters worse, Meals' zone that night was all over the place and Nate McClouth was tossed after he got called out on strikes a second time. Freddie Gonzalez also got tossed during the argument. It was an epic game that featured some epic poor umpiring.
ReplyDeleteThat is the one they were comparing it too.
ReplyDeleteThat's an absurd simplification of the issue. Not all outs are equal. There's a reason we distinguish between situations (and outs) with runners in scoring position and empty bases. If a division is won by one game, then every one of those 162 games will have been important. This incorrect out cost Boston a run, in a 1 run game, in the bottom of the 8th, in a closely contested division. The stakes were high. Did it cost the Red Sox first place? You can't actually say until the season is over. If the Red Sox win or lose by more than one game, then this isolated bad call, Ceteris Paribus, was irrelevant. Of course other teams are on the receiving end of bad calls, some bad calls go Boston's way, and yes, if a team just goes out and gets it done then they will win by enough any given bad call doesn't matter...
ReplyDeleteIt's too complicated to just brush off. ESPN should beat the drum on instant replay because I think given the situation Meals tried his best, but got it wrong. It's not for lack of trying but these calls should be correctly made (practically) every time at the professional level.