{"id":20274,"date":"2019-05-30T15:11:08","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T19:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/\/?p=20274"},"modified":"2019-05-30T22:45:04","modified_gmt":"2019-05-31T02:45:04","slug":"ejection-inspection-nine-mike-estabrook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2019\/05\/30\/ejection-inspection-nine-mike-estabrook\/","title":{"rendered":"Ejection Inspection, Week Nine: Mike Estabrook vs. the Milwaukee Brewers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to Week Nine of Ejection Inspection! The premise and ground rules are detailed here<\/a>. The condensed version: each ejection from the previous week (Thursday through Wednesday) is listed in a table. The author \u2013 a former player\/coach\/umpire \u2013 analyzes each ejection and assigns it an entertainment rating of one to five Weavers in honor of late Orioles manager Earl Weaver<\/a><\/strong>. For the first time this season, a non-fight-related ejection has received Five Weavers. Congratulations to Milwaukee Brewers<\/a> manager Craig Counsell<\/a><\/strong> for his tiff with Mike Estabrook!<\/p>\n

(For a list of every article in this series, click here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

There were nine ejections in Week Nine \u2013 four players and five managers \u2013 running the season total to 69. One manager was Seattle Mariners<\/a> manager Scott Servais<\/a><\/strong>, whose ejection was the first of the season for the Mariners. Another was Cleveland Indians<\/a> manager Terry Francona<\/a><\/strong>, whose ejection was the first of the season for the Indians. Now, 27 of the 30 teams have at least one. The only ones who still don\u2019t have any yet are the Boston Red Sox<\/a>, Tampa Bay Rays<\/a>, and Texas Rangers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nDate<\/strong><\/td>\nTeam<\/strong><\/td>\nOpp<\/strong><\/td>\nInn.<\/strong><\/td>\nName<\/strong><\/td>\nPos<\/strong><\/td>\nUmpire<\/strong><\/td>\nPos<\/strong><\/td>\nReason<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1<\/a><\/td>\nThu<\/td>\n5\/23<\/td>\nWSN<\/a><\/td>\n@NYM<\/a><\/td>\nT8<\/td>\nHowie Kendrick<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n1B<\/td>\nBruce Dreckman<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing checked swing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/a><\/td>\nThu<\/td>\n5\/23<\/td>\nWSN<\/td>\n@NYM<\/td>\nT8<\/td>\nDave Martinez<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nBruce Dreckman<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing checked swing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n5\/25<\/td>\nCLE<\/td>\nTB<\/td>\nB6<\/td>\nTerry Francona<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nEric Cooper<\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nArguing HBP\/swing on bunt attempt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n5\/25<\/td>\nMIL<\/td>\nPHL<\/a><\/td>\nB4<\/td>\nRyan Braun<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nLF<\/td>\nMike Estabrook<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n5\/25<\/td>\nMIL<\/td>\nPHL<\/td>\nT9<\/td>\nCraig Counsell<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nMike Estabrook<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/a><\/td>\nSun<\/td>\n5\/26<\/td>\nMIL<\/td>\nPHL<\/td>\nT7<\/td>\nMike Moustakas<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nMike Estabrook<\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nArguing checked swing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/a><\/td>\nSun<\/td>\n5\/26<\/td>\nSEA<\/td>\n@OAK<\/a><\/td>\nB7<\/td>\nScott Servais<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nChris Guccione<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing slide interference replay call<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/a><\/td>\nWed<\/td>\n5\/29<\/td>\nCIN<\/a><\/td>\nPIT<\/a><\/td>\nB8<\/td>\nDavid Bell<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nJeff Nelson<\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nAnger at Nelson for “pointing at him”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/a><\/td>\nWed<\/td>\n5\/29<\/td>\nKC<\/a><\/td>\nCWS<\/a><\/td>\nB2<\/td>\nGlenn Sparkman<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nP<\/td>\nMark Carlson<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nIntentionally throwing at batter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Howie Kendrick, Washington Nationals First Baseman
\nDave Martinez, Washington Nationals Manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Thursday, May 23, at New York Mets<\/a>, top of the eighth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bruce Dreckman (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trailing 3-1, Kendrick led off the top of the eighth. He tried to check his swing after starting to chase a 2-2 breaking ball low and away. Dreckman ruled that he swung and called him out. Kendrick immediately protested, wondering why Dreckman didn\u2019t appeal to first. He finished his protest and walked to the dugout. After he had taken a few steps, Dreckman threw him out, prompting Martinez to emerge from the dugout. He had a lengthy discussion with Dreckman and was also tossed. After that, he kicked dirt, threw his hat, and followed Dreckman everywhere, continuing to yell at him for almost a minute before heading to the clubhouse.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes. It makes no sense for an umpire to rule on a checked swing \u2013 even while feeling that it\u2019s obvious \u2013 if there is an umpire at first or third. Why not remove doubt? Players and managers tend to get angrier when the plate umpire doesn\u2019t appeal than they do if they disagree with the base umpire\u2019s checked swing ruling.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Without knowing what Kendrick said, it feels like his was not, especially since Dreckman threw him out as he was walking away (while not yelling back over his shoulder). Martinez looked like he was going to stay on the field until he was ejected, so his was justified.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One Weaver for Kendrick. Three Weavers for Martinez. Martinez looked like a four-year-old throwing a tantrum. He was trying too hard to make a scene. It looked manufactured or scripted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Saturday, May 25, vs. Tampa Bay Rays, bottom of the sixth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Eric Cooper (3B)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez<\/a><\/strong> stepped to the plate in the bottom of the sixth facing a 3-1 deficit with designated hitter Carlos Santana<\/a><\/strong> on third. On 1-1, Ramirez attempted to bunt. He stabbed at the pitch and missed as it hit him in the left shin. On appeal, Cooper ruled it a strike. Francona came out of the dugout to argue. After a conversation that grew heated, Francona started using a lot of f-bombs and said something that starts with \u201chorse\u201d at least twice. At this point, Cooper gave him the heave-ho.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, even though the umpires were correct.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes. Francona had been given plenty of time to say his piece, and his language all but guaranteed an ejection.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Two Weavers. Francona got slightly heated at the end, but that was it.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Mike Estabrook vs. the Milwaukee Brewers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A note before describing the next two ejections. Mike Estabrook\u2019s strike zone in Saturday\u2019s game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers<\/a> angered both teams. He was consistently calling strikes on pitches that were between six and twelve inches outside. While analyzing the video, this author discovered a mechanical issue.<\/p>\n

Estabrook starts off setting up behind the inside corner while calling balls and strikes, which is exactly what umpires are taught to do. However, he\u2019s supposed to stay there no matter where the catcher sets up. That is not what he did. All day long, if the catcher set up outside, Estabrook moved with him toward the outside corner, changing his view. When Estabrook stayed over the inside corner, his strike calls on the outside corner were fairly accurate. However, when following the catcher, he ended up calling strikes on pitches that were too far outside for the batters to realistically hit. This was a huge problem, and if this author noticed it, the league must have. If they did, Estabrook heard about it \u2013 guaranteed.<\/p>\n

Back to the ejections\u2026<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers Left Fielder<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Saturday, May 25, vs. Philadelphia Phillies, bottom of the fourth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mike Estabrook (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trailing 3-0 with one out and nobody on in the bottom of the fourth, Braun took an 0-1 pitch that looked to be a touch outside. Mike Estabrook called it a strike. Braun turned around and argued at length before continuing his at-bat. Two pitches later, Braun swung at and missed a breaking ball that was well out of the zone, making the second out of the inning. As he walked to the dugout, he said something over his shoulder. A couple of steps later, he looked back over his shoulder again and said something else, prompting the ejection.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, but it\u2019s not like the pitch was waaaaaaaaaaaay outside. (That didn\u2019t happen until later.) Braun needs to pick his battles better.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yelling at the umpire over one\u2019s shoulder while heading to the dugout will prompt an ejection almost every time, so yes. Braun should have shut his mouth after the first callback. He\u2019s been in the league long enough to know this.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zero Weavers. This was very low-key, unlike the next one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Saturday, May 25, vs. Philadelphia Phillies, between the eighth and ninth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mike Estabrook (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the bottom of the eighth, Mike Estabrook was still calling strikes on pitches that were well outside. After a leadoff single by first baseman Eric Thames<\/a><\/strong>, pinch hitter Jesus Aguilar<\/a><\/strong> took a 2-2 pitch for strike three even though it was between six and twelve inches outside. Shortstop Orlando Arcia<\/a><\/strong> then bounced a double down the line in left, bringing up second baseman Hern\u00e1n P\u00e9rez<\/a><\/strong>, who plated Thames with a grounder to second for the second out. With the score now 4-2 and a runner on third, center fielder Lorenzo Cain<\/a><\/strong> stepped to the plate.<\/p>\n

Cain took the first two pitches for balls. The third pitch was another six-to-twelve-inches-outside strike. The fourth pitch nearly hit Cain in the ankles, making the count 3-1. The next pitch was lower than ball two was, but Estabrook called it strike two, making the count full. Cain then grounded the 3-2 thigh-high fastball to the second baseman for the third out.<\/p>\n

Between innings, Counsell told Estabrook from the dugout that he missed \u201cfive pitches\u201d by \u201cthis much.\u201d When saying \u201cfive,\u201d he held up five fingers. When saying \u201cthis much,\u201d he held his hands about a foot apart. Estabrook said something back to the dugout. Counsell said, \u201cThey\u2019re not even close. They\u2019re not even close.\u201d Then Estabrook tossed him.<\/p>\n

That was it for Counsell. He walked on the field and brought back memories of Weaver, Tommy Lasorda<\/a><\/strong>, and Bobby Cox<\/a><\/strong> combined. While approaching, he said, \u201cYou should see it! All you have to do is see. Your job is to see.\u201d He arrived in front of Estabrook and continued, \u201cYou are missing pitches by so much, it\u2019s crazy! It really is!\u201d Now Counsell had his hands out and fingers spread. His eyes got as big as saucers. He and Estabrook said some things back and forth that weren\u2019t audible and were tough to make out from lipreading.<\/p>\n

Soon, they were chest-to-chest and jawing in each other\u2019s face. Estabrook leaned in and put his forehead against the bill of Counsell\u2019s hat as they let each other have it. Counsell yelled, \u201cI\u2019m looking at it. I\u2019m telling you, you are missing, and you know that!\u201d Estabrook hollered, \u201cI don\u2019t care what you are looking at!\u201d Counsell said, \u201cOh, so you know that, huh?\u201d Estabrook screamed, \u201cI KNOW!\u201d Counsell countered, \u201cHow do you know that? How? Oh YEAH? YOU KNOW?\u201d Estabrook was yelling back over the top of Counsell, but his lips weren\u2019t visible.<\/p>\n

Then the camera caught him again. Counsell was saying, \u201cYou do not know!\u201d while Estabrook was saying, \u201cYeah, I know!\u201d Estabrook then leaned too far toward Counsell and knocked him backward with his chest. He claimed, \u201cYou\u2019re bumping me! You bumped me!\u201d as Third Base Umpire and Crew Chief Paul Emmel arrived to make peace. Emmel said, \u201cMike! Mike!\u201d and then something that was unclear. Estabrook gave Counsell an arrogant glare and walked away. Emmel told Counsell, \u201cDon\u2019t follow him.\u201d Then things died down.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Big time. Yes, Estabrook was consistently calling that pitch, but the hitters couldn\u2019t have hit those with a two-by-four or a boat oar. Had Cain walked like the Brewers felt he should have \u2013 we don\u2019t know, since Arrieta probably would not have thrown the same pitch on 3-0 as he did on 2-1 \u2013 right fielder and reigning National League MVP Christian Yelich<\/a><\/strong> would have been at the plate as the go-ahead run. To make matters worse for Counsell, Estabrook had a pompous air about him. All that does is infuriate, which a good umpire should try to avoid.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What Estabrook said while Counsell was still in the dugout is unknown, so it\u2019s hard to say. If he told him to stop, then, by the book, yes it was. However, seeing how Estabrook had been conducting himself all game, and seeing his body language during the discussion makes it seem like he was fanning flames instead of trying to defuse the situation, so the answer is going to have to be \u201cprobably not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Five Weavers. Counsell may have read last week\u2019s column, where his Four-Weaver ejection in Atlanta was dubbed \u201cas mad as anyone will ever see Counsell get.\u201d He rose to the challenge and topped it here. Not only did he set a new personal best, but this has been the Ejection of the Year so far. He got nose-to-nose with Estabrook, bugged his eyes out, and screamed in a back-and-forth. Earl Weaver<\/a><\/strong> himself would have applauded if he were in attendance. (He also might have come out of the stands after Counsell left the field and continued arguing where Counsell left off.)<\/p>\n

One last thing \u2013 since Counsell was not suspended or fined by Major League Baseball, it is safe to assume that the league felt that Estabrook was in the wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mike Moustakas, Milwaukee Brewers Third Baseman<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sunday, May 26, vs. Philadelphia Phillies, top of the seventh<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mike Estabrook (3B)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Moustakas was called out by Mike Estabrook on an appealed check swing to end the sixth inning. During the first at-bat of the seventh, Moustakas tried to ask Estabrook about the swing. Estabrook said he wasn\u2019t going to talk about it and warned Moustakas twice as Moustakas continued to ask his questions. Then Estabrook threw him out.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Can\u2019t really say it applies here. Moustakas didn\u2019t seem frustrated at all until after Estabrook sent him packing. He simply seemed curious.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Estabrook warned Moustakas twice, so yes. Moustakas should have known better than to continue trying to talk to an umpire who told him twice to stop. (Especially that one.)<\/p>\n

Having said that, this looked really<\/em> bad. Since Moustakas never looked mad, Estabrook gave the appearance of an itchy trigger finger. It would probably be best for the league to keep him away from the Brewers for a while.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zero Weavers. It was low-key.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scott Servais, Seattle Mariners manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sunday, May 26, at Oakland Athletics<\/a>, bottom of the seventh<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Chris Guccione (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With nobody out in the bottom of the seventh and designated hitter Mark Canha<\/a><\/strong> on first, Athletics second baseman Jurickson Profar<\/a><\/strong> hit a grounder to first. Edwin Encarnacion<\/a><\/strong> fielded the ball and fired to second for the force. Shortstop J.P. Crawford<\/a><\/strong> stretched far to his right to catch the ball and tried to whip a return throw to first to complete the possible double play, but Canha\u2019s slide tripped him, and he held the ball. Canha was out at second, but Profar was safe at first. Servais challenged the ruling of safe at first, claiming that Canha\u2019s slide was illegal.<\/p>\n

The slide did not look dirty, and Canha reached second with his arm. What made it questionable was that Canha appeared to trip Crawford intentionally in order to prevent a throw. Servais challenged the call on the field but lost. He then argued the replay decision and, by rule, was ejected.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Absolutely. How can intentionally tripping a fielder to prevent a throw be considered a \u201cbona fide slide?\u201d<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Since Servais argued a replay, he had to be ejected by rule, so yes.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One Weaver, but keep in mind that Servais rarely gets heated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

David Bell, Cincinnati Reds manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wednesday, May 29, vs. Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a>, bottom of the eighth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jeff Nelson (3B)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With the Pirates leading 7-0, pitcher Clay Holmes<\/a><\/strong> hit Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez<\/a><\/strong> on the hand with a fastball on the first pitch of the bottom of the eighth. He walked to the mound, asked if it was on purpose, was told no, and then walked to first. Bell came out of the dugout and demanded that Holmes be ejected. The umpires consulted one another then ruled that it wasn\u2019t intentional.<\/p>\n

Bell stayed on the field and persisted. Nelson explained the decision to Bell. While talking, Nelson talked with an open left hand \u2013 pinkie toward the ground, gently stabbing the air with each syllable. Bell then started yelling, \u201cGet your finger out of my face,\u201d prompting confusion from Nelson, whose hand was even with Bell\u2019s chest. Then Bell told Nelson, \u201cGet out of my face!\u201d Bell then got angry, prompting first base umpire Laz Diaz to separate him and try to talk sense into him. Bell continued to scream at Nelson, so Nelson tossed him.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It is understandable that the Reds would think that the plunking was intentional. However, after receiving the explanation, Bell\u2019s antics were both confusing and downright annoying. Nelson was not pointing in his face, and he was certainly not even close to \u201cbeing in Bell\u2019s face.\u201d Was Bell trying to get ejected on purpose?<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes. Bell was being ridiculous.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zero Weavers and five eye rolls. This was the dumbest manager ejection of the season.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glenn Sparkman, Kansas City Royals pitcher<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wednesday, May 29, at Chicago White Sox<\/a>, bottom of the second<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mark Carlson (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the bottom of the second, with the Sox leading 2-1 and a runner on first, Sparkman hit shortstop Tim Anderson<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 whose celebration of a home run on April 17 sparked a retaliatory plunking and brawl between these teams \u2013 in the helmet with the second pitch. Carlson immediately dumped Sparkman, prompting vehement protests from Royals catcher Martin Maldonado<\/a><\/strong> and Royals manager Ned Yost<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, since it was the second inning and the pitcher threw a changeup.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

On the surface, this was a quick trigger. However, it goes deeper than that. This was Tim Anderson\u2019s first at-bat of the series \u2013 the first series between these teams since the brawl. For him to get hit in the head on the second pitch looked very <\/em>bad. Was it intentional? Probably not, especially since Sparkman threw a changeup. However, from a game management standpoint, the ejection makes sense. Had Carlson not ejected Sparkman, how likely would it have been for the White Sox to retaliate?<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zero Weavers. There was nothing memorable about this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leaderboard<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After nine weeks, here are the leaders. Fight-related ejections are not counted toward the leaderboard.<\/p>\n

Individual: Four-way tie \u2013 Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria<\/a><\/strong>, San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy<\/a><\/strong>, Detroit Tigers<\/a> manager Ron Gardenhire<\/a><\/strong>, and David Bell (three each)
\nTeam (excluding fights): Cincinnati Reds (six)
\nUmpire (excluding fights): Mike Estabrook (six)<\/p>\n

Look for Week Ten on Thursday, June 6th.<\/p>\n

Evan Thompson played baseball as a youth and teenager. He also umpired between 1995 and 2004 and has coached at the high school level.<\/em><\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>