{"id":21104,"date":"2019-06-19T02:28:40","date_gmt":"2019-06-19T06:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/\/?p=21104"},"modified":"2019-06-19T03:09:52","modified_gmt":"2019-06-19T07:09:52","slug":"manny-machado-deserves-suspension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2019\/06\/19\/manny-machado-deserves-suspension\/","title":{"rendered":"Manny Machado Deserves the Suspension: An Ejection Inspection Special"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to a special edition of Ejection Inspection! This article normally goes up once a week \u2013 Thursdays, usually \u2013 but Saturday, June 15th had so many \u2013 seven \u2013 that it warranted its own column. San Diego Padres<\/a> shortstop and perennial villain Manny Machado<\/a><\/strong> was ejected and subsequently suspended (rightfully so \u2013 see the section on his ejection), but his wasn\u2019t the only one that day. In fact, it wasn\u2019t even the only one in that game<\/em>. Therefore, Saturday gets its own special Ejection Inspection column.<\/p>\n

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 Baltimore Orioles<\/a> manager Earl Weaver<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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

Here are the ejections from Saturday:<\/p>\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>\nSat<\/td>\n6\/15<\/td>\nDET<\/a><\/td>\nCLE<\/a><\/td>\nT6<\/td>\nRon Gardenhire<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nManny Gonzalez<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n6\/15<\/td>\nCWS<\/a><\/td>\nNYY<\/a><\/td>\nT8<\/td>\nWelington Castillo<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nC<\/td>\nPhil Cuzzi<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n6\/15<\/td>\nCWS<\/td>\nNYY<\/td>\nT8<\/td>\nRick Renteria<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nPhil Cuzzi<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nProtesting Castillo’s ejection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n6\/15<\/td>\nSEA<\/a><\/td>\n@OAK<\/a><\/td>\nT4<\/td>\nScott Servais<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nCarlos Torres<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n6\/15<\/td>\nSD<\/a><\/td>\n@COL<\/a><\/td>\nT5<\/td>\nManny Machado<\/td>\nSS<\/td>\nBill Welke<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n6\/15<\/td>\nSD<\/td>\n@COL<\/td>\nB6<\/td>\nAndy Green<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nBill Welke<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nMisunderstanding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n6\/15<\/td>\nSD<\/td>\n@COL<\/td>\nB6<\/td>\nMatt Strahm<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nP<\/td>\nMike Everitt<\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nMisunderstanding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ron Gardenhire, Detroit Tigers Manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

Vs. Cleveland Indians<\/a>, top of the sixth<\/p>\n

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

Manny Gonzalez (HP)<\/p>\n

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

With one out in the top of the sixth and the Indians leading, 3-0, the first pitch to Indians left fielder Oscar Mercado<\/a><\/strong> was called a ball. It appeared to be low and inside, but it was similar to a pitch the previous half-inning that had been called a strike. Gardenhire began griping from the dugout. Gonzalez warned him, but Gardy continued, prompting the ejection.<\/p>\n

Gardy came onto the field and got in Gonzalez\u2019s face, getting his money\u2019s worth before leaving. His lips weren\u2019t visible other than seeing a word that starts with \u201cbull\u201d a few times. It was mild as far as intensity goes. However, as he left the field, he kicked dirt over home plate. Some of it hit Mercado\u2019s legs. As Gardy walked by him, he said, \u201cSorry, buddy,\u201d prompting laughter from the Cleveland dugout.<\/p>\n

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

Yes. His team is not having a good season, so he\u2019s going to be crabby. He also seems to have a persecution complex regarding his team and strike zones, although in this case he seemed to have a point.<\/p>\n

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

Yes. Gardenhire was barking protests from the dugout, which the rules say is an ejection.<\/p>\n

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

The ejection itself was not all that entertaining. However, the dirt kick and subsequent apology to Mercado earned a bonus point. Two Weavers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Welington Castillo, Chicago White Sox catcher
\nRick Renteria, Chicago White Sox Manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

Vs. New York Yankees<\/a>, top of the eighth<\/p>\n

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

Phil Cuzzi (HP)<\/p>\n

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

With a runner on first and the White Sox<\/a> trailing, 7-0, Yankees designated hitter Clint Frazier<\/a><\/strong> batted against Thyago Vieira<\/a><\/strong>. On 2-1, a fastball barely missed inside. The previous half-inning, Castillo took a pitch near the knees and on the inner half of the plate for strike three. He felt that this pitch should have been a strike, also, so he stood up, turned around, and argued with Cuzzi. It did not take long for Castillo to get the thumb.<\/p>\n

Renteria charged out of the dugout to keep Castillo from doing anything stupid. He got between Castillo and Cuzzi, moved Castillo away, and protested the ejection. Castillo yelled from the side, \u201cThat was right down the middle.\u201d Renteria repeated that twice while pointing toward the plate. Cuzzi said, \u201cDon\u2019t talk about the pitch.\u201d The camera cut away to show Castillo walking into the dugout. Then it cut back to the discussion in time to show Renteria walk toward the plate, point at it, and say, \u201cIt was right down the middle!\u201d That did it \u2013 Cuzzi chucked him.<\/p>\n

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

Yes, although Cuzzi was probably right. The Sox were getting creamed, and they honestly felt that pitch was a strike.<\/p>\n

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

Both were justified. Players and managers cannot argue balls and strikes. When it comes to catchers, as long as they remain facing forward, umpires let them say just about anything they want. However, if the catcher stands up, he\u2019s playing with fire. If he turns around and faces the umpire, that will be a guarantee. Renteria also knew he would get run if he continued talking about the pitch but did it anyway. It is likely that he intentionally got himself ejected in order to fire up the fans and his team.<\/p>\n

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

Castillo was mildly irritated, but it was nothing memorable, so he receives One Weaver. Renteria was a bit more animated but did not look very angry, so he receives Two Weavers.<\/p>\n

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

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

At Oakland Athletics<\/a>, top of the fifth<\/p>\n

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

Carlos Torres (HP)<\/p>\n

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

Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager<\/a><\/strong> took a 3-2 pitch that was over the heart of the plate but about four inches below the knees. Expecting it to be ball four, he started to trot to first but halted upon hearing Torres ring him up. The Seattle dugout howled in protest as Seager turned around to plead his case. Servais sprinted from the dugout to get Seager out of there. He then calmly yet incredulously said, \u201cThat nearly hit the ground.\u201d Without raising his voice, he continued to tell Torres how low the pitch was. He then said, \u201cThat\u2019s (bleeping) terrible,\u201d at which point Torres tossed him. Amazingly, Servais never raised his voice as he continued to point out how low the pitch was.<\/p>\n

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

Yes. It\u2019s baseball, not golf.<\/p>\n

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

Even though Servais had a point, the rules clearly state that coming out of the dugout to argue balls and strikes warrants an ejection, so yes.<\/p>\n

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

Servais is the most docile manager in the league, which never amounts to a high Weaver rating. This one gets One Weaver, unlike what went down in Denver around the same time. Speaking of\u2026<\/p>\n

Manny Machado, San Diego Padres shortstop<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

At Colorado Rockies<\/a>, top of the fifth<\/p>\n

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

Bill Welke (HP)<\/p>\n

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

In the top of the fifth, Manny Machado came to the plate with Eric Hosmer<\/a><\/strong> on first and one out. The Padres trailed, 7-4, against Rockies starter German M\u00e1rquez<\/a><\/strong>. The first pitch was between the belt and letters and over the inner half of the plate for strike one. Machado stepped out of the box and had several things to say to Welke. As he stepped back in, he shook his head as he said several more words. Machado fouled the next pitch off then shook his head. After a pitch missed high for ball one, Machado fouled off another. The next pitch broke sharply across the plate. Even though the catcher caught it wide of the plate, it looked like it caught the outside corner as it crossed. Welke called strike three.<\/p>\n

Manny Machado turned toward Welke and started complaining as he walked toward him. After Machado took two steps, Welke gave him the heave-ho. Machado yelled, \u201cThat\u2019s (expletive)!\u201d He spiked his helmet and continued to scream, \u201cThat\u2019s (bleeping) HORRIBLE! That\u2019s (bleeping) horrible! That\u2019s (bleeping) (expletive)! You\u2019re (bleeping) calling that all (bleeping) day. ALL (bleeping) GAME!\u201d<\/p>\n

Manny Machado Loses His Mind<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Manager Andy Green arrived in a sprint as Machado continued screaming that it was (bleeping) bull manure. Green asked, \u201cWhy did you run him? Why did you run him?\u201d Welke calmly pointed at Machado and said, \u201cWell, look at what he\u2019s doing.\u201d Welke continued to explain, but his lips were hard to read. Crew chief Mike Everitt and third base coach Glenn Hoffman<\/a><\/strong> arrived as Machado fired his bat against the backstop and led Machado back toward the dugout. After a few steps, barrel-chested hitting coach Rod Barajas<\/a><\/strong> took over for Everitt. During this time, Machado repeated his two-word expletive three more times before yelling, \u201cYou (bleeping) suck! You (bleeping) suck!\u201d Machado continued to scream f-bombs at Welke after he got to the dugout. After about four of those, he went into the clubhouse.<\/p>\n

The camera cut back to the plate, where Green asked again why Welke tossed him. Welke said, \u201cHe walked up to me and told me it was a horse (expletive) call. After getting a warning.\u201d Green then returned to the dugout.<\/p>\n

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

Yes, even though Welke made the correct call. Pitches that break across the plate that sharply never look like strikes to a batter.<\/p>\n

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

Unquestionably. Machado had been warned. He should have known better.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, his conduct afterward warranted a suspension. Although he did not touch Welke, contrary to the claim of the league, his conduct was still unacceptable. Players simply cannot be throwing their bats against the backstop like that, and that is the reason that the league should have given for the suspension. One game was a fitting punishment. More than that would have been harsh. Machado is appealing, and results were pending as of this writing.<\/p>\n

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

This was one of the most memorable of the year. Five Weavers, easily, and there were more coming the following inning\u2026<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>