MLB Instant Replays S-66|67|68: Drake, Hertzog (S-1, 2|2)

Instant replay affirmed 1B Umpire Rob Drake's out call in the top of the 5th, 2B Umpire Drake's safe call in the bottom of the 7th and reversed HP Umpire Brian Hertzog's out call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Cubs-Diamondbacks game. In the 5th, two out and three on, Cubs batter Chris Coghlan hit a 3-2 slider from Diamondbacks pitcher Joe Thatcher that passed over the third base bag in fair territory and was fielded by third baseman Eric Chavez, who threw to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt as Coghlan arrived at first base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Rick Renteria, Drake's ruling that Goldschmidt caught the ball prior to Hernandez's touch arrival was affirmed, the call was correct.* At the time of the review, the Cubs were leading, 2-0.

In the 7th, with none out and three on, Diamondbacks batter Brandon Jacobs hit a 0-1 fastball from Cubs pitcher Brian Schlitter to first baseman Chris Valaika, who threw to shortstop Javier Baez as Diamondbacks baserunner R1 Cliff Pennington arrived at second base. Upon instant replay review as the result of an inquiry by Cubs Manager Renteria and initiation by Crew Chief Ted Barrett, Drake's ruling that Baez failed to catch the ball and tag second base prior to Pennington's arrival was affirmed, the call was correct.^ At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 6-6.

Later in the 7th, with one out and three on, Diamondbacks batter Rudy Flores hit a 0-0 pitch from Cubs pitcher Schlitter to center fielder Matt Szczur, who threw home to catcher Eli Whiteside as D'Backs baserunner R2 Jacobs slid into home plate. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Diamondbacks Manager Kirk Gibson, Hertzog's ruling that Whiteside tagged Jacobs prior to Jacobs touching home plate was reversed, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Diamondbacks were leading, 7-6. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 9-8.

These are Rob Drake (30)'s 1st and 2nd instant replay challenges/reviews of Spring Training.
This is Brian Hertzog (-)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Rob Drake (30) is now 2/2 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
Brian Hertzog (-) is now 0/1 (0% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
*3B Umpire Ted Barrett's call of fair ball (across base) is not reviewable pursuant to Replay guidelines.
^Pursuant to Instant Replay Review guidelines, the middle fielder's touch or tag of second base on a potential double play try or "turn" also known as the neighborhood play is not reviewable.

These are the 66th, 67th and 68th instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
Cubs Manager Rick Renteria is now 0/4 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Inquiries this Spring.
D'Backs Manager Kirk Gibson is now 1/2 (50% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges this Spring.
Umpires are now 54/68 (79% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/29/14
Video: Play stands; Triple-header of Chase Field reviews kicks off with upheld groundout to third (CHC)
Video: Play stands; Fielder's choice is upheld as questions of a neighborhood play appear (CHC)
Video: Play overturned; Replay shows Jacobs eluded Eli, who attempted a bare hand tag (CHC)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-65: Toby Basner (S-3)

Instant replay reversed 1B Umpire Toby Basner's safe call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Pirates-Phillies game. With none out and none on, Phillies batter Cesar Hernandez hit a 3-2 fastball from Pirates pitcher Ryan Beckman to shortstop Gift Ngoepe, who threw to first baseman Justin Howard as Hernandez arrived at first base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle, Basner's ruling that Howard did not catch the ball prior to Hernandez's touch arrival was reversed, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the review, the Pirates were leading, 3-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Toby Basner (99)'s 3rd instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Toby Basner (99) is now 1/3 (33% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
*This is the first instant replay review conducted in a Major League ballpark and communicated from Stadium headsets and hardware using twelve possible video replay angles at a variety of speeds. Communications occurred between Crew Chief Alan Porter, calling umpire Basner and MLB's Replay Operations Center at MLBAM Headquarters in New York.

This is the 65th instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle is now 1/2 (50% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Inquiries this Spring.
Umpires are now 52/65 (80% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/28/14
Video: Play overturned; In Major League first, an expanded replay first, a big league park play is reversed (PHI)

UEFL Draft 2014: Appeals Board Replacement Election

Due to voting irregularities, the 2014 UEFL Appeals Board election ballot has been replaced with the following form. This decision was rendered by the senior members of the 2014 UEFL Appeals Board in response to a grievance filed concerning abnormal voting activities observed.

After presenting the topic to the Board, we have determined a revote is in order. Forensic analysis of the electronic data during the previous vote suggests and confirms undue spamming or ballot box stuffing activity was involved. Joe Gravina, the primarily accused, issued the following statement:

I am writing to you to discuss the huge increase in votes that I received in the last day of the appeals board voting.

As I stated in my application, I am an avid follower of this site. I am also the Director of Training for a 100 member umpire organization in the state of Rhode Island. I use your site on a weekly (sometimes daily basis) to share out Case Plays, situation handling, and rules training information.

Because I have done this, I would say approximately 50% of my umpires now see the items on your site faster than I do and ask me questions about it before I even get a chance to look. When my name went up for the voting, it quickly spread around my organization and brought the vote total into the high 70's that were seen just prior to the last day of voting.

On the last day, one of my umpires took it upon himself to post the voting to his facebook account. This is where things got out of hand. I am very aware that this was not the purpose of the voting and that it has damaged the integrity of the vote. I am sorry that I have put you or anyone else associated with the site in a difficult position to rule on this matter. I apologize to the other applicants of the position for they way in which this played out. I know I can be of great assistance to you and the site in matters of appeals. However, if you feel it is appropriate, I will withdraw my application to the appeals board in the interest of the site's integrity.

The revote process is now live and will extend through Monday, March 31. All votes under this platform will be analyzed for validity and user uniqueness. Do not vote more than once; suspicious or duplicate votes or voting patterns are subject to disqualification at the Commissioner's sole discretion.
Click here to review candidate statements. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

MLB Instant Replay Review S-64: Dana DeMuth (S-2)

Instant replay affirmed 1B Umpire Dana DeMuth's out call in the top of the 7th inning of the White Sox-Cubs game. With two out and one on, White Sox batter Alexei Ramirez hit a 0-0 pitch from Cubs pitcher Brian Schlitter to third baseman Chris Valaika, who threw to first baseman Jonathan Mota as Ramirez arrived at first base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by White Sox Manager Robin Ventura, DeMuth's ruling that Mota caught the ball and tagged first base prior to Ramirez's touch arrival was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Cubs were leading, 4-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Dana DeMuth (32)'s 2nd instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Dana DeMuth (32) is now 2/2 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

This is the 64th instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
White Sox Manager Robin Ventura is now 0/3 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Inquiries this Spring.
Umpires are now 52/64 (81% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/27/14
Video: Play stands; Ventura appeals to no avail as inning ends on bang-bang play at first base (CWS)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-63: Laz Diaz (S-1)

Instant replay reversed 2B Umpire Laz Diaz's out call in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Braves-Tigers game. With two out and two on, Tigers batter Andrew Romine hit a 2-1 pitch from Braves pitcher Chasen Shreve to third baseman Philip Gosselin, who threw to second baseman Tyler Pastornicky as Tigers baserunner R2 Aaron Westlake arrived at second base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus, Diaz's ruling that Pastornicky caught the ball and tagged second base prior to Westlake's touch was overturned, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Tigers were leading, 9-3. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 9-3.

This is Laz Diaz (63)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.Training.
Laz Diaz (63) is now 0/1 (0% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

This is the 63rd instant replay review of 2014 Spring Training.
Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus is now 1/3 (33% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Inquiries this Spring.
Umpires are now 51/63 (81% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Detroit Tigers (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/28/14
Video: Play overturned; Gosselin draws the error as video replay reverses Diaz's initial out call (DET)

Major League Baseball Debuts Instant Replay Ops Center

With instant replay set to debut in earnest at Dodger Stadium and AT&T Park as the traditional end-of-Spring Training Californian regional skirmish series begins Thursday evening with Angels-Dodgers and Athletics-Giants, Major League Baseball unveiled its New York Replay Operations Center in New York, the touted command center for umpire review.

The Replay Operations Center or "ROC" is baseball's technology headquarters, put together by MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) in their Chelsea Market building. This is the room in which umpire crews will serve as replay officials and Director of Instant Replay Justin Klemm will spend his summer.

Klemm, with Joe Torre on conference call, explained the process: Upon observing a close play, a replay umpire will begin to review multiple angles at differing speeds. If the play is challenged or a review is requested by the crew chief, Klemm hopes the replay official will already have the decision well in hand by the time the on-field umpires don their headsets.

The decision will either affirm or reverse the call on the field and is broken out into three possibilities:
Confirmed, in which the on-field ruling is ruled as correct through clear visual evidence.
Stands, in which no evidence clearly demonstrates the call was incorrect nor does it confirm the call.
Overturned, in which clear and convincing evidence indicates the call on the field was in error.

When a decision is rendered, the MLBAM technician assigned to the game will forward the video replay most decisive (e.g., that which shows the pivotal moment - safe/out, pulled foot, etc.) to the requesting stadium so that ballpark personnel can then show that specific angle on the stadium video screens. Television broadcasts will also have access to the decisive replay for the at-home audience.

Taking a page from the NHL.com's Situation Room Blog used by hockey's replay centre in Toronto, MLB also plans to post written explanations of all its instant replay decisions on MLB.com.

News: Major League Baseball unveils state-of-the-art replay center (MLB.com)

MLB Ejection S7: Jeff Gosney (S1; Bryce Harper)

1B Umpire Jeff Gosney ejected Nationals LF Bryce Harper for arguing an out call in the top of the 4th inning of the Nationals-Cardinals game. With none out and none on, Harper hit a 2-2 pitch from Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright to second baseman Mark Ellis, who threw to first baseman Matt Adams as Harper arrived at first base. Replays indicate Adams caught Ellis' throw and tagged first base prior to Harper's arrival, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 3-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

This is Jeff Gosney (40)'s 1st ejection of Spring Training.
Jeff Gosney now has 0 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 0 AAA + 0 Correct Call = 0).
Crew Chief Angel Hernandez now has 0 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Correct Call = 0).
Related Play: MLB Instant Replay Review S-50: Jeff Gosney (S-1) [3/23; Reversed out call of Harper]

This is the 7th ejection of 2014 Spring Training.
This is the 5th player ejection of 2014 Spring Training.
This is the Nationals' 1st ejection of 2014 ST, 1st in the NL East (WAS 1; ATL, MIA, NYM, PHI 0).
This is Bryce Harper's first ejection since July 13, 2013 (Hunter Wendelstedt; QOC = Correct).
This is Jeff Gosney's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/26/14
Video: Harper argues after being called out at first base, resulting in his early dismissal (STL)

MLB Replay Reviews S-61|62: Barksdale, Wolcott (1|1)

Instant replay affirmed 2B Umpire Lance Barksdale's safe call and 3B Umpire Quinn Wolcott's out call in the top of the 5th inning of the Reds-White Sox game. With none out and one on, Reds batter Jason Bourgeois hit a 0-1 pitch from White Sox pitcher John Danks to shortstop Alexei Ramirez who threw to second baseman Leury Garcia, the ball falling to the ground as Reds baserunner Kristopher Negron arrived at second base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by White Sox Manager Robin Ventura, Barksdale's ruling that Garcia did not obtain possession of the baseball was affirmed, the call was correct.* At the time of the review, the White Sox were leading, 6-2.

On the very next play, with none out and two on, Reds batter Chris Nelson hit a 2-2 pitch from White Sox pitcher Danks to center fielder Adam Eaton, who threw to third baseman Marcus Semien as baserunner R1 Bourgeois arrived at third base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Reds Manager Bryan Price, Wolcott's ruling that Semien tagged Bourgeois while he was off his base and prior to this arrival at third base was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the White Sox were leading, 6-3. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 9-5.

This is Lance Barksdale (23)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
This is Quinn Wolcott (81)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Lance Barksdale (23) is now 1/1 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
Quinn Wolcott (81) is now 1/1 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
*Pursuant to MLB Replay Rules, the neighborhood play (controlled fielder's tag or touch of second base on the double play attempt's turn) is not reviewable. Thus, the only element of the play reviewed was whether Garcia actually caught or otherwise possessed the baseball. Replay review determined he did not.

These are the 60th and 61st instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
White Sox Manager Robin Ventura is now 0/2 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Inquiries this Spring.
Reds Manager Bryan Price is now 1/3 (33% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Reviews this Spring.
Umpires are now 51/62 (82% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago White Sox (Cactus League Baseball), 3/26/14
Video: Play stands; Garcia is ruled not to have caught Alexei's throw, resulting in an error (CWS)
Video: Play stands; On consecutive reviews, Sox retire Bourgeois on Nelson's RBI single (CWS)

MLB Ejection S6: Brian Hertzog (S1; Eric Hosmer)

HP Umpire Brian Hertzog ejected Royals 1B Eric Hosmer for arguing a strike three call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Mariners-Royals game. With two out and one on, Hosmer took a 3-2 fastball from Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located thigh high and over the outer edge of home plate (px = -.779), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 8-2. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 9-6.

This is Brian Hertzog (-)'s 1st ejection of Spring Training.
Brian Hertzog now has 0 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 0 AAA + 0 Correct Call = 0).
Crew Chief Todd Tichenor now has 0 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Correct Call = 0).

This is the 6th ejection of 2014 Spring Training.
This is the 4rd player ejection of 2014 Spring Training.
This is the Royals' 1st ejection of 2014 ST, 1st in the AL Central (KC 1; DET, CLE, CWS, MIN 0).
This is Eric Hosmer's first career MLB ejection.
This is Brian Hertzog's first career MLB ejection.

Wrap: Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/25/14
Video: Strike three to Hosmer ends the third and produces words of discontent, ejection (SEA)
Video: Hosmer talks ejection, while Ned Yost excuses his first baseman: "None of it was Hos's fault" (1:27)

MLB Instant Replay Reviews S-59|60: May, Johnson (S-1|2)

Instant replay affirmed 2B Umpire Ben May's HR non-call in the top of the 3rd inning and 1B Umpire Adrian Johnson's out call in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Anegls-Cubs game. In the 3rd, with two out and none on, Angels batter Josh Hamilton hit a 1-1 pitch from Cubs pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada to deep right field. Upon instant replay review as the result of an inquiry by Angels Manager Mike Scioscia and initiation by crew chief Ted Barrett, May's ruling that Hamilton's fly ball hit the outfield wall and remained in play was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Cubs were leading, 2-1.

In the 8th, with none out and one on, Cubs batter Darwin Barney hit a 2-1 pitch from Angels pitcher Robert Carson to shortstop Grant Green, who threw to second baseman Taylor Lindsay to retire Cubs baserunner R1 Christian Villanueva, to Angels first baseman C.J. Cron as Barney arrived at first base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Rick Renteria, Johnson's ruling that Cron caught the ball and tagged first base prior to Barney's arrival was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Angels were leading, 8-4. The Angels ultimately won the contest, 8-4.

This is Ben May (97)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
This is Adrian Johnson (80)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Ben May (97) is now 1/1 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
Adrian Johnson (80) is now 1/1 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

These are the 59th and 60th instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
Angels Manager Mike Scioscia is now 0/3 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Inquiries this Spring.
Cubs Manager Rick Renteria is now 0/2 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Reviews this Spring.
Umpires are now 49/60 (82% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Chicago Cubs (Cactus League Baseball), 3/25/14
Video: Play stands; Hamilton hits a long double to right field as replay confirms the ruling on the field (LAA)
Video: Play stands; Barney grounds into a double play in the ninth after close call is replayed (CHC)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-58: Gary Cederstrom (S-2)

Instant replay reversed 1B Umpire Gary Cederstrom's safe (trap) call in the top of the 8th inning of the Mets-Nationals game. With two out and one on, Mets batter Andrew Brown hit a 0-2 pitch from Nationals pitcher Ryan Mattheus to center fielder Denard Span, who dove in an attempt to catch Brown's sinking line drive before it hit the ground. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Nationals Manager Matt Williams, Cederstrom's ruling that Span trapped the fly ball was overturned, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Nationals were leading, 6-3. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 7-3.

This is Gary Cederstrom (38)'s 2nd instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Gary Cederstrom (38) is now 1/2 (50% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

This is the 58th instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
Nationals Manager Matt Williams is now 2/5 (40% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Reviews this Spring.
Umpires are now 47/58 (81% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/25/14
Video: Play reversed; Denard Span dives for an inning-ending catch to rob Brown of a base hit (WAS)

Rosters: 2014 MLB Umpire Crew List

2014 MLB Umpire Crew information is now available and will be listed on the MLB Umpire Roster page.

Like last year's news break, the 2014 crews have not been officially released though this unofficial story provided by a UEFL source will again assist UEFL'ers in preperation for the Crew Chief phase of the UEFL draft, whose deadline remains March 30, 2014, at 4:00 PM PT, despite this early report.

The following umpiring crews and rover position assignments have been established, tentatively, for the 2014 MLB regular season:

Crew	Crew Chief	Umpire 2	Umpire 3	Umpire 4
Crew A	45 Nelson, Jeff	63 Diaz, Laz	6 Carlson, Mark	87 Barry, Scott
Crew B	6 Miller, Bill	53 Gibson, Greg (N)	19 Carapazza, Vic	[AAA Rover]
Crew C	65 Barrett, Ted	53 Gibson, Greg (N)	43 Schrieber, Paul	Will Little
Crew D	66 Joyce, Jim	88 Eddings, Doug	51 Hudson, Marvin	89 Blaser, Cory
Crew E	8 Kellogg, Jeff	7 O'Nora, Brian	2 Bellino, Dan	70 Reyburn, D.J.
Crew F	27 Vanover, Larry*	55 Hernandez, Angel	39 Nauert, Paul	80 Johnson, Adrian
Crew G	32 DeMuth, Dana	46 Kulpa, Ron	15 Hickox, Ed	94 Barrett, Lance
Crew H	9 Gorman, Brian	52 Welke, Bill (S)	28 Wolf, Jim	86 Rackley, David
Crew I	38 Gary Cederstrom	44 Kerwin Danley	23 Lance Barksdale	[AAA Rover]
Crew J	41 Meals, Jerry*	50 Emmel, Paul	98 Conroy, Chris (I)	71 Baker, Jordan
Crew K	20 Hallion, Tom	56 Cooper, Eric	68 Guccione, Chris	[AAA Rover]
Crew L	25 Culbreth, Fieldin	77 Reynolds, Jim	79 Gonzalez, Manny	[AAA Rover]
Crew M	33 Winters, Mike	47 Wegner, Mark	49 Fletcher, Andy	76 Muchlinski, Mike
Crew N	12 Davis, Gerry	10 Cuzzi, Phil	91 Knight, Brian (L)	Wolcott, Quinn
Crew O	24 Layne, Jerry	21 Wendelstedt, Hunter	16 DiMuro, Mike	83 Estabrook, Mike
Crew P	5 Scott, Dale	58 Iassogna, Dan	54 Bucknor, CB	[AAA Rover]
Crew Q	22 West, Joe	60 Foster, Marty	30 Drake, Rob (J)	64 Porter, Alan
Crew R	3 Welke, Tim	1 Dreckman, Bruce	95 Timmons, Tim	13 Tichenor, Todd
Crew S	17 Hirschbeck, John	61 Davidson, Bob	92 Hoye, James	[AAA Rover]
[DL]	36 McClelland, Tim (F)	57 Everitt Mike (B)	72 Marquez, Alfonso (C)	11 Randazzo, Tony (H)
[BL/DL]	37 Darling, Gary (J)	34 Holbrook, Sam (Q)	4 Fairchild, Chad (B)

*Indicates interim or acting crew chief status. Italics text indicates a minor league fill-in position.
The BL/DL Crews indicate umpires reported as injured or otherwise absent to begin the 2014 season.
The crew letters in parentheses represent crews an umpire is ordinarily assigned and will be returning to once the corresponding BL/DL umpire returns to active MLB service. For instance, Chris Conroy will be begin his season with acting crew chief Jerry Meals in Crew J. When Gary Darling returns to Crew Chief service mid-season, Conroy will return to Gary Cederstrom's Crew I (for AAA Rover) and Meals will slide to Crew J's Umpire 2 position.

The annual MLB Umpire Crew list always solicits excitement and signifies yet another step on the March trek to Opening Day and April baseball. The UEFL has compiled the following notable features of this list:

New Chiefs' Crews:
» Jeff Nelson (Crew A) and Bill Miller (Crew B).

Acting Crew Chiefs:
» Larry Vanover (Crew F, for Tim McClelland) and Jerry Meals (Crew J, for Gary Darling).

Crews with AAA or MiLB Fill-In/Call-Up Umpires scheduled to begin the season:
Crew B, C (Will Little), I, K, L, N (Quinn Wolcott), P, S.

For more information and access to a sortable list of all MLB and Triple-A fill-in umpires—including a 2014 crew column—visit the UEFL's MLB Umpire Roster page and stay tuned for our continued Umpire Profiles.

MLB Instant Replay Review S-57: Tripp Gibson (S-4)

Instant replay affirmed 3B Umpire Tripp Gibson's out call in the top of the 1st inning of the Athletics-Rangers game. With one out and two on, Athletics batter Alberto Callaspo hit a 3-1 pitch from Rangers pitcher Ryan Feierabend to left fielder Mitch Moreland, who threw to shortstop Josh Wilson attempting to tag Athletics baserunner R2 Sam Fuld. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Athletics Manager Bob Melvin, Gibson's ruling that Wilson tagged Fuld while Fuld was off his base was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 0-0. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 6-2.

This is Tripp Gibson (73)'s 4th instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Tripp Gibson (73) is now 4/4 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

This is the 57th instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
Athletics Manager Bob Melvin is now 1/3 (33% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Reviews this Spring.
Umpires are now 47/57 (82% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Oakland Athletics vs. Texas Rangers (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/24/14
Video: Play stands as called; Beltre's put out at third base is upheld following video review (TEX)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-56: Jeff Nelson (S-3)

Instant replay affirmed 1B Umpire Jeff Nelson's out call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Astros-Braves game. With two out and three on, Braves batter Andrelton Simmons hit a 2-2 pitch from Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel to shortstop Jonathan Villar, who threw to first baseman Chris Carter as Simmons arrived at first base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez, Nelson's ruling that Wilson tagged Fuld while Fuld was off his base was upheld, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Braves were leading, 4-3. The Astros ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Jeff Nelson (45)'s 3rd instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Jeff Nelson (45) is now 3/3 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

This is the 56th instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez is now 0/1 (0% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Reviews this Spring.
Umpires are now 46/56 (82% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves (Grapefruit League Spring Training), 3/24/14
Video: Play stands as called; Simmons remains out on close play at first base to end the third inning (ATL)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-55: Dana DeMuth (S-1)

Instant replay affirmed 2B Umpire Dana DeMuth's safe call in the top of the 6th inning of the Rockies-White Sox game. With two out and two on, White Sox baserunner R1 Adam Eaton attempted to steal second base on a 2-1 pitch from Rockies pitcher Tyler Chatwood to catcher Michael McKenry who threw to shortstop Josh Rutledge as Eaton arrived at second base. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Rockies Manager Walt Weiss, DeMuth's ruling that Rutledge did not legally tag Eaton while Eaton was off his base was upheld, the call was correct.* At the time of the review, the White Sox were leading, 5-0. The contest ultimately ended in a 5-5 tie, in regulation.

This is Dana DeMuth (32)'s 1st instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Dana DeMuth (32) is now 1/1 (100% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.
*UEFL Rule 4-7 states that the Quality of Correctness component for Instant Replay calls shall regard the ultimate decision by Replay Officials as the correct call (+1 for affirmed/upheld calls, -1 for overturned calls). Because no ejection resulted from this play, UEFL Rules do not allow for further review. Had an ejection resulted from this play following the review, it would have been eligible for Repeat Visit class under the DiMuro Rule (Rule 6-2-b-5-b).

This is the 55th instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
Rockies Manager Walt Weiss is now 1/4 (25% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Reviews this Spring.
Umpires are now 45/55 (82% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Colorado Rockies (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/23/14
Video: Play stands as called; Rockies' replay challenge fails as DeMuth's safe call is upheld (CWS)

MLB Instant Replay Review S-54: Allen Bailey (S-3)

Instant replay reversed HP Umpire Allen Bailey's out call in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Padres-Rangers game. With two out and two on, Rangers batter Michael Choice hit a 3-1 fastball from Padres pitcher Alex Torres to left fielder Carlos Quentin, who threw to catcher Yasmani Grandal as Rangers baserunner Leonys Martin arrived at home plate. Upon instant replay review as the result of a challenge by Rangers Manager Ron Washington, Bailey's ruling that Grandal tagged Martin prior to Martin touching home plate was overturned, the call was incorrect. At the time of the review, the Padres were leading, 10-4.

This is Allen Bailey (-)'s 3rd instant replay challenge/review of Spring Training.
Allen Bailey (-) is now 2/3 (67% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during Spring Training.

This is the 54th instant replay reviews of 2014 Spring Training.
Marlins Manager Ron Washington is now 1/5 (20% Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Reviews this Spring.
Umpires are now 44/54 (81% Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014 MLB Spring Training.

Wrap: San Diego Padres vs. Texas Rangers (Cactus League Spring Training), 3/23/14
Video: Play overturned; Rangers benefit from 3rd inning challenge as replay proves tag was late (TEX)