MLB Ejection 146: Paul Nauert (2; Justin Upton)

HP Umpire Paul Nauert ejected Braves LF Justin Upton for arguing a strike one call in the top of the 6th inning of the Braves-Cardinals game. With one out and one on, Upton took a 0-0 fastball from Cardinals

Upton was restrained after his ejection.

pitcher Adam Wainwright for a called first strike before grounding out and on a 0-1 cutter. Replays indicate the first pitch was located thigh high and over the outer edge of home plate (px 0.617; sz_bot 1.570, pz 1.812), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

This is Paul Nauert (39)'s second ejection of 2013.
Paul Nauert now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 + 2 MLB + 2 Y = 8).
Crew Chief Dana DeMuth now has 9 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 + 1 Correct Call = 9).

This is the 146th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 66th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Upton was 0-3 in the contest.
This is the Braves' 8th ejection of 2013, T-1st in the NL East (ATL, WAS 8; NYM 6; PHI 4; MIA 2).
This is Justin Upton's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since August 8, 2012 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = Correct).
This is Paul Nauert's first ejection since August 10, 2013 (Tom Foley; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 8/23/13
Video: Upon grounding out to go 0-3 on the day, Upton is tossed and has choice words for Nauert (ATL)

MLB Ejection 145: Greg Gibson (2; Robin Ventura)

3B Umpire Greg Gibson ejected White Sox Manager Robin Ventura for arguing a dead ball no-call (lodged/stuck) in the top of the 3rd inning of the Rangers-White Sox game. With one out and none on, Rangers batter Ian Kinsler hit a 1-0 changeup from White Sox pitcher Chris Sale for a line drive down the left

Gibson signals a fair ball as Viciedo retrieves it.

field line. After struggling to locate the baseball, White Sox left fielder Dayan Viciedo attempted to request "time," which was not granted by Gibson; Viciedo eventually retrieved the ball and fired home as Kinsler attempted to score, resulting in an inside-the-park home run. Replays indicate the fair bounding ball caromed off the base of the left field wall, appearing to follow a tract underneath the wall's padding as it remained loose; as the ball was not stuck pursuant to OBR Rule 6.09(f) and as suggested by the Universal Ground Rules, came to rest but was not lodged, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Rangers were leading, 5-3. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 11-5.

This is Greg Gibson (53)'s second ejection of 2013.

Greg Gibson now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).

Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 9 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (8 + 1 Correct Call = 9).

*Rule 6.09(f) states, in part, that a batter becomes a runner and is entitled to two bases when "any fair ball...sticks in a fence or scoreboard."

*Rule 6.09(e) entitles a batter to two bases if a fair ball after touching the ground "passes under a fence."

This is the 145th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.

This is the 69th Manager ejection of 2013.

This is the White Sox's 4th ejection of 2013, 3rd in the AL Central (DET 8; CLE 6; CWS 4; KC 3; MIN 2).
This is Robin Ventura's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since July 24, 2013 (Gary Darling; QOC = Correct).
This is Greg Gibson's first ejection since August 7, 2013 (Don Cooper; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox, 8/23/13

Video: After ball evades Viciedo's sight near the wall, Kinsler collects a HR; Ventura an ejection (TEX)
Video: Ventura tossed as Hawk admits, "Viciedo doesn't know the rules," calls for common sense (CWS)
Video: Kinsler able to score as confusion reigns along the left field fence line (MLB/Must C)

MLB Ejections 143, 144: Scott Barry, Ted Barrett (2, 2)

1B Umpire Scott Barry ejected Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons and 3B Umpire Ted Barrett ejected Blue Jays P Mark Buehrle for arguing Barry's no catch call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Blue Jays-Yankees

Replay suggests Davis made the catch.

game. With one out and three on, Yankees batter Vernon Wells hit a 0-0 changeup from Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ to center fielder Rajai Davis, who threw to second baseman Munenori Kawasaki, who tagged baserunners R2 Chris Stewart (tagged off base) and R1 Ichiro Suzuki (tagged while on second base), ruled out and safe, respectively, by 2B Umpire Alfonso Marquez. Replays indicate Davis appeared to capture the ball in his glove and demonstrate secure possession before releasing the ball (and that Barry immediately signaled "safe" while Barrett did not mechanize any call), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Yankees were leading, 2-1. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Scott Barry (87)'s second ejection of 2013.
This is Ted Barrett (65)'s second ejection of 2013.
Scott Barry now has -2 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Incorrect Call = -2).
Ted Barrett now has 4 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 4).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (4 + 0 Incorrect Call = 4).

These are the 143rd and 144th ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 68th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the 65th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Buehrle did not participate in the contest.
This is the Blue Jays' 11/12th ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL East (TOR 12; BOS 8; BAL, TB 5; NYY 3).
This is John Gibbons' 5th ejection of 2013 and first since July 2, 2013 (Alan Porter; QOC = Correct).
This is Mark Buehrle's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since May 26, 2010 (Joe West; QOC = Correct).
This is Scott Barry's first ejection since May 8, 2013 (Joe Maddon; QOC = Incorrect [Crewmate]).
This is Ted Barrett's first ejection since yesterday, August 21, 2013 (Jose Reyes; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees, 8/22/13
Video: Yankees score a run on an odd play that is ultimately scored an RBI forceout; Gibbons tossed (NYY)

MLB Ejection 142: Ted Barrett (1; Jose Reyes)

HP Umpire Ted Barrett ejected Blue Jays SS Jose Reyes for arguing a strike three call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Blue Jays-Yankees game. With two out and one on, Reyes took a 2-2 changeup from Yankees

Barret ejects Reyes after a wayward helmet toss.

pitcher Adam Warren for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located knee high and over the outer half of home plate (sz_bot 1.520, pz 1.593) and the previous two called strikes were also properly officiated (pz 1.602)(px 0.824), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Blue Jays were leading, 1-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 4-2.

This is Ted Barrett (65)'s first ejection of 2013.
Ted Barrett now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 MLB + 2 Y = 4).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 4 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 + 1 Correct Call = 4).

This is the 142nd ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 64th player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Reyes was 0-2 in the contest.
This is the Blue Jays' 10th ejection of 2013, 1st in the AL East (TOR 10; BOS 8; BAL, TB 5; NYY 3).
This is Jose Reyes' 1st ejection of 2013 and first since May 10, 2010 (Laz Diaz; QOC = Correct).
This is Ted Barrett's first ejection since August 19, 2011 (Matt Kemp; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees, 8/21/13
Video: Upset about his strikeout, Reyes yells, fires equipment back near Barrett and is tossed (TOR)

MLB Ejections 140, 141: Jerry Layne (2, 3; Murphy, Collins)

1B Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Mets 2B Daniel Murphy and Manager Terry Collins for arguing a previously disputed safe call (Unsportsmanlike-NEC/repeat visit) in the top of the 10th inning of the Braves-Mets game.

Foot on base, ball in glove. Safe.

With two out and one on, Braves batter Freddie Freeman hit a 1-2 sinker from Mets pitcher Scott Rice back to Rice, who deflected then fielded the ball and threw to first baseman Josh Satin. Replays indicate Satin's glove did not possess the baseball prior to Freeman's right foot making contact with first base. As Collins exited the dugout to argue the call at the time of its occurrence and a play subsequently transpired before the ejections, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Braves were leading, 4-1. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 4-1, in 10 innings.

These are Jerry Layne (24)'s second and third ejections of 2013.
Jerry Layne now has 8 points in the UEFL (4 + 4 MLB + 0 Irrecusable = 8).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 8 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (6 + 2 Irrecusable Call = 8).

These are the 140th and 141st ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 63rd player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Murphy was 2-4 in the contest.
This is the 67th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Mets' 5th/6th ejection of 2013, 3rd in the NL East (WAS 8; ATL 7; NYM 6; PHI 4; MIA 2).
This is Daniel Murphy's 1st ejection of 2013 and first since August 19, 2012 (Jordan Baker; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Terry Collins' 3rd ejection of 2013 and first since May 28, 2013 (Adrian Johnson; QOC = Correct).
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since July 30, 2013 (Mike Scioscia; QOC = Correct).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets, 8/21/13
Video: Freddie Freeman beats the throw at first base, producing an argument and setting up the HR (ATL)
Video: As Johnson hits a go-ahead home run, Murphy pins the blame on Layne and is thrown away (ATL)
Video: As Atlanta celebrates, New York collapses; broadcasters incorrectly deem Layne's call "bad" (NYM)

Ask the UEFL: Balls, Strikes and the Walk off Walk

San Francisco's walk-off walk vs. Boston last night inspired today's Ask the UEFL, submitted via the @SportEjections twitter account. @MikeMatthews9 asks, "Did the officials blow a call in last night's Red Sox-Giants game? It resulted in a Giants victory."

Tuesday's Red Sox-Giants game produced two calls of note, a safe call at third base in the 5th and a ball four call at the plate to end the game in the 9th. In the 5th, with none out and one on, Giants batter Joaquin Arias hit a 1-1 slider from Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy to left field, sliding into third base as the throw from left fielder Daniel Nava arrived. Replays indicate third baseman Will Middlebrooks' tag to Arias' leg was made after Arias' foot already came in contact with third base, 3B Umpire Tim Welke's safe call was correct.

Video: Arias hits an RBI triple in the 5th inning, called safe at third on a close play (SF)

Illustration of the UEFL's
Kulpa Rule (6-2-b-1).

In the 9th, tied at two, the Giants loaded the bases after a Roger Kieschnick single, Andres Torres walk and Hector Sanchez hit-by-pitch. After Boston brought in reliever Brayan Villareal to face Giants batter Marco Scutaro, Scutaro took four consecutive pitches for a walk-off walk. Though all parties stipulated the first three pitches missed the strike zone, Boston starter Peavy, for one, pointed the finger at HP Umpire Mike Everitt: "The last pitch was a strike...There's no other way to say it. It was a strike. The players who were involved in that ninth inning would tell you they've got to do a better job, but at the end of the day, for an umpire not to make the call to cost us a game, that's extremely unfortunate."

Replays indicate the pitch was located thigh high and off the outer edge of home plate (px .823), HP Umpire Mike Everitt's ball call was correct.

Video: Tied 2-2, San Francisco loads the bases, Marco Scutaro walks on four pitches (SF)
Wrap: Boston Red Sox vs. San Francisco Giants, 8/20/13

@mikequinn_ also asked, "how do you join the fantasy league?"

Prior to the beginning of each season, we conduct a draft process, open to all registrants. The registration process generally begins in late January or February with a deadline in March. Following the registration process, the draft and Appeals Board election takes place. Participating in the league is easy—simply post a comment to any thread or discussion to get involved. At the conclusion of the UEFL season, participate in the Rules Summit, a time when UEFL'ers get to choose the rules for next year's League. Some successful proposals to come out of the Rules Summit include the addition of a second Primary Umpire and required charge of appeal (2012 Summit) and the creation of the UEFL Appeals board (2011). That year's Summit also rejected the proposal to eliminate QOC from check swing calls, which as you can see from Phil Cuzzi's recent ejection, remains a hot-button issue.

If you have a question for the UEFL, send us an e-mail (info at closecallsports dot com) or visit our Ejection/Report form, selecting the "Misc. Rules Question" or "Other Discussion Request" submission type.

MiLB Recap (Feat. Rain Delay Ejection): Mid-August 2013

August's MiLB AAA umpire ejections update is upon us, courtesy of the @SportEjections twitter feed, the argument or reason for ejection in parentheses, thanks again to our AAA reporter Russ:

¤ HP Umpire Spencer Flynn ejected Omaha Storm Chasers Manager Mike Jirshele (balk), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Chris Segal ejected Iowa Cubs Manager Marty Pevey (check swing [ball]), PCL.
¤ ¤ PU Segal also ejected Iowa Cubs Hitting Coach Brian Harper (check swing [ball]), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Greg Stanzak ejected Sacramento River Cats P Armando Rodriguez (intent HBP), PCL.
¤ ¤ PU Stanzak also expelled SAC River Cats Manager Steve Scarsone (warnings previously issued), PCL.
¤ ¤ Stanzak also ejected Las Vegas 51s 2B Jordany Valdespin, Manager Wally Backman (fighting), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Brian Hertzog ejected Tucson Padres Manager Pat Murphy (strike three call), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Scott Mahoney ejected Tucson Padres RF Ben Francisco (strike two call), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Andy Dudones ejected Columbus Clippers RF Matt Carson (strike three call), IL.
¤ HP Umpire Spencer Flynn ejected Iowa Cubs SS Donnie Murphy (strike three call), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Joey Amaral ejected Pawtucket Red Sox 3B Will Middlebrooks (strike two call), IL.
¤ HP Umpire Kelvin Bultron ejected Norfolk Tides 3B Danny Valencia (NEC-previous fair ball call), IL.
¤ ¤ PU Bultron also ejected Norfolk Tides Manager Ron Johnson (Unsportsmanlike-NEC), IL.
¤ HP Umpire Adam Schwarz ejected Omaha Storm Chasers LF Quentin Berry (strike three call), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Adam Schwarz ejected Omaha Storm Chasers P Will Smith (ball call), PCL.
¤ 2B Umpire Kelvin Bultron ejected Scranton Wilkes-Barre Manager Davey Miley (reversed call), IL.
¤ HP Umpire Tom Honec ejected Indianapolis Indians Manager Dean Treanor (out call), IL.
¤ HP Umpire Ian Fazio ejected Lehigh Valley IronPigs Manager Dave Brundage (check swing call), IL.
¤ HP Umpire Jon Byrne ejected Toledo Mudhens RF Danny Dorn (second, third strike calls), IL.
¤ HP Umpire Nick Bailey ejected Albuquerque Isotopes 1B Scott Van Slyke (strike two call), PCL.
¤ 3B Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Fresno Grizzlies RF Juan Perez (out call), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Alex Ortiz ejected Iowa Cubs P Jake Arrieta (ball call), PCL.
¤ 3B Umpire Ryan Blakney ejected Round Rock Express RF Jared Hoying (out call), PCL.
¤ ¤ U3 Blakney also ejected Round Rock Express Manager Bobby Jones (out call), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Shaun Lampe ejected Round Rock Express P Josh Lindblom (intentional HBP), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Jeff Morrow ejected Nashville Sounds Pitching Coach Fred Dabney (check swing call), PCL.
¤ ¤ PU Morrow also ejected Nashville Sounds Manager Mike Guerrero (check swing call), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Clint Fagan ejected Durhan Bulls B Tim Beckham (strike calls), PCL.
¤ HP Umpire Andy Dudones ejected Buffalo Bisons 1B Clint Robinson (strike three call), IL.
¤ ¤ PU Dudones also ejected Buffalo Bisons Manager Marty Brown (strike three call), IL.
¤ 3B Umpire Kellen Levy ejected Tacoma Rainiers Manager John Stearns (not calling a rain delay), PCL.^
¤ HP Umpire Marcus Pattillo ejected Iowa Cubs Manager Marty Pevey (HBP no-call), PCL.

*PCL = Pacific Coast League / IL = International League*

^Featured ejection: Kellen Levy (6). [the box score erroneously credits the ejection to U1 Stu Scheurwater]
With rain falling in the top of the sixth inning of the Rainiers-Express game, the Rainiers scored a run to take a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the frame, Tacoma Rainiers pitcher Taijuan Walker walked back-to-back batters before surrendering a run-scoring single to Express batter Joey Butler, trimming the deficit to 3-2. After striking out Express batter Mike Bianucci, Alex Buccholz hit a single past Rainiers second baseman Ty Kelley and into right field, tying the score at 3-3. After an argument from Stearns about the field's conditions, claiming that Kelley slipped in the mud trying to field Buccholz's single, crew chief Levy ordered the Round Rock Express ground grew to treat the field with Diamond Dry. After a 10-minute delay, Rainiers relief pitcher Jonathan Arias balked Express runner R3 Joey Butler home after which batter Aaron Cunningham hit a line drive into left field, but was tagged out trying to advance to third. As Levy called for the grounds crew, Stearns vented his frustration over playing through the rain without proper delay, resulting in his ejection. At the time of the ejection, the Express were leading, 5-3. The Express ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

The previous day, Tacoma trailed the Express 6-3 when a one-hour, 13-minute rain delay struck. After the delay, the Rainiers scored five unanswered runs to win the ballgame, 8-6.

Wrap: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Round Rock Express (MiLB Triple-A Pacific Coast League), 8/15/13

MLB Ejection 139: Brian O'Nora (1; Joe Girardi)

HP Umpire Brian O'Nora ejected Yankees Manager Joe Girardi for arguing warnings/a non-ejection call (unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 2nd inning of the Yankees-Red Sox game. With none out and none

Dempster drills A-Rod with a 3-0 backside heater.

on, Yankees batter Alex Rodriguez led off the inning by taking three consecutive fastballs inside from Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster before he was hit by a 3-0 pitch. Replays indicate Rodriguez was struck in the upper left elbow by the 3-0 fastball after which O'Nora immediately issued warnings to both teams pursuant to OBR Rule 8.02(d), the call was irrecusable.* At the time of the ejection, the Red Sox were leading, 2-0. The Yankees ultimately won the contest, 9-6.

This is Brian O'Nora (7)'s first ejection of 2013.
Brian O'Nora now has 2 points in the UEFL (0 + 2 MLB + 0 U= 2).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (2 + 1 Irrecusable Call = 3).
*Rule 8.02(d) states, in part, "Intentionally Pitch at the Batter; If, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to: 1. Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from the game, or 2. may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager."

This is the 139th ejection of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 66th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the Yankees' 3rd ejection of 2013, 5th in the AL East (TOR 9; BOS 8; BAL, TB 5; NYY 3).
This is Joe Girardi's 2nd ejection of 2013 and first since June 1, 2013 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = Correct).
This is Brian O'Nora's first ejection since August 19, 2012 (Chase Headley; QOC = Irrecusable).

Wrap: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, 8/18/13
Video: Appealing a monumental drug-related suspension, A-Rod targeted by BOS, Girardi incensed (ESPN)
Video: Sequence of Dempster's four inside pitches to Rodriguez, culminating with the up-and-in HBP (ESPN)
Related Video: O'Nora takes a direct shot to the throat from Yankees pitching, rules pitch ball four (ESPN)

MLB Ejections 137, 138: Phil Cuzzi, Tom Hallion (2, 4)

HP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Cubs Manager Dale Sveum and 3B Umpire Tom Hallion ejected Cubs P James Russell for arguing a check swing call in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Cardinals-Cubs game. With none

Murphy's maximum bat extension: Swing or not?

out and two on, Cubs batter Donnie Murphy attempted to check his swing on a 0-2 curveball from Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright, ruled a swinging strikeout by HP Umpire Cuzzi. Replays indicate Murphy appeared not have attempted to strike the pitch, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 6-1. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 6-1.

This is Phil Cuzzi (10)'s second ejection of 2013.
This is Tom Hallion (20)'s fourth ejection of 2013.
Phil Cuzzi now has -4 points in the UEFL (-2 Previous + 2 MLB +  -4 Incorrect Call = -4).
Tom Hallion now has 6 points in the UEFL (6 Previous + 2 MLB + -2 Incorrect Call [Crewmate] = 6).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (5 + 0 Incorrect Call = 5).

These are the 137th and 138th ejections of the 2013 MLB season.
This is the 64th Manager ejection of 2013.
This is the 61st player ejection of 2013. Prior to ejection, Russell's line was 0.2 IP, ER, HR.
This is the Cubs' 5th/6th ejection of 2013, 2nd in the NL Central (PIT 8; CHC 6; STL 5; MIL 3; CIN 0).
This is Dale Sveum's 5th ejection of 2013 and first since July 24, 2013 (Dana DeMuth; QOC = Correct).
This is James Russell's first career MLB ejection.
This is Phil Cuzzi's first ejection since April 21, 2013 (Ryan Braun; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Tom Hallion's first ejection since May 20 (LaTroy Hawkins, Terry Collins; QOC = Irrecusable).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs, 8/18/13
Video: After striking out in the seventh, Murphy walks away as Sveum barks for an early shower (CHC)
Video: Sveum complains about his ejection post-game, calls Cuzzi's the worst K ruling "ever" (0:30)