{"id":25391,"date":"2019-09-30T13:00:41","date_gmt":"2019-09-30T17:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonbaseball.com\/?p=25391"},"modified":"2019-10-01T20:39:39","modified_gmt":"2019-10-02T00:39:39","slug":"ejection-inspection-20192627-dave-roberts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2019\/09\/30\/ejection-inspection-20192627-dave-roberts\/","title":{"rendered":"Ejection Inspection, Weeks 26 & 27: Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Unjustly Ejected"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dave Roberts Gets Tossed (Unjustly) for First Time All Season<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Welcome to a special combo edition of Weeks 26 and 27 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 Baltimore Orioles<\/a> manager Earl Weaver<\/a><\/strong>. A highlight of these two weeks came when Los Angeles Dodgers<\/a> manager Dave Roberts<\/a><\/strong>, the lone remaining manager who had yet to be ejected, received his first of the year.<\/p>\n

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

There were seven ejections in Week 26 and one in Week 27. Of the Week 26 ejections, there were two players, three managers, a hitting coach, and an assistant hitting coach. The lone Week 27 ejection was a manager.<\/p>\n

Week 26 Ejection Table<\/strong><\/h3>\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>\n9\/19<\/td>\nKC<\/a><\/td>\n@MIN<\/a><\/td>\nB5<\/td>\nMike Montgomery<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nP<\/td>\nManny Gonzalez<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/a><\/td>\nFri<\/td>\n9\/20<\/td>\nAZ<\/a><\/td>\n@SD<\/a><\/td>\nT7<\/td>\nEric Hinske<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nAHtC<\/td>\nTodd Tichenor<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/a><\/td>\nFri<\/td>\n9\/20<\/td>\nLAD<\/a><\/td>\nCOL<\/a><\/td>\nB4<\/td>\nDave Roberts<\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nGreg Gibson<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n9\/21<\/td>\nNYY<\/a><\/td>\nTOR<\/a><\/td>\nB1<\/td>\nAaron Boone<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nJoe West<\/td>\n3B<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/a><\/td>\nSat<\/td>\n9\/21<\/td>\nNYY<\/td>\nTOR<\/td>\nB1<\/td>\nMarcus Thames<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nHtC<\/td>\nJeremie Rehak<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/a><\/td>\nTue<\/td>\n9\/24<\/td>\nPHL<\/a><\/td>\n@WSN<\/a><\/td>\nT6<\/td>\nBrad Miller<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nLF<\/td>\nAlan Porter<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/a><\/td>\nWed<\/td>\n9\/25<\/td>\nSEA<\/a><\/td>\nHOU<\/a><\/td>\nB7<\/td>\nScott Servais<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nSam Holbrook<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing balls\/strikes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Week 27 Ejection Table<\/strong><\/h3>\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>\n9\/28<\/td>\nMIL<\/a><\/td>\n@COL<\/td>\nT9<\/td>\nCraig Counsell<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\nMgr<\/td>\nMark Carlson<\/td>\nHP<\/td>\nArguing replay decision<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Mike Montgomery, Kansas City Royals Pitcher<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Thursday, September 19th, at Minnesota Twins, bottom of the fifth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Montgomery faced Twins catcher Mitch Garver<\/a><\/strong> to open the bottom of the fifth. On 1-1, he barely missed low. He did so again on 2-1. After Garver chased an outside pitch to run the count full, he belted a pitch that was right down the middle. It soared over the fence in dead center for a game-tying home run.<\/p>\n

After a mound visit from pitching coach Cal Eldred<\/a><\/strong>, Montgomery started barking at Gonzalez, ending with \u201c\u2026you (bleeped) it up, that\u2019s why.\u201d Gonzalez, who had started walking back to the plate, turned around and warned him. Montgomery responded with, \u201cOh, yeah? What are you gonna do about it? That\u2019s (bleeping) terrible!\u201d Gone. \u201c(Bleep) you, man!\u201d Montgomery then said a few more words that were hard to make out before tossing the ball on the ground toward home plate. Upon reaching the dugout, he slammed his glove onto the bench before heading to the clubhouse.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, but not to the point of asking the umpire what he\u2019s \u201cgonna do about it\u201d after he says to stop.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, and every umpire in the league would have thrown Montgomery out in this situation. That was ridiculous. Furthermore, the Royals broadcast team\u2019s defense of Montgomery and criticism of Gonzalez was absurd. They said that Gonzalez was \u201clooking to throw him out,\u201d which does not seem to be the case. (In defense of the broadcasters, though, the Fox Sports Kansas City broadcast did not show a camera angle that showed Montgomery\u2019s lips.)<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Two Weavers. It\u2019s worth a look simply for the \u201cdid he REALLY do that?\u201d factor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eric Hinske, Arizona Diamondbacks Assistant Hitting Coach<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Friday, September 20th, at San Diego Padres, top of the seventh inning<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Todd Tichenor (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With runners on second and third, two out, and a 2-0 lead, Diamondbacks third baseman Eduardo Escobar<\/a><\/strong> took a splitter over the outside corner and near the top of the zone. Tichenor rang him up, ending the half-inning.<\/p>\n

Tichenor had an issue with the Diamondbacks dugout, snapping his head toward them and yelling, \u201cWhat\u2019d you say?\u201d as manager Torey Lovullo<\/a><\/strong> came out of the dugout to try to mediate. While Lovullo was on his way, Tichenor booted Hinske. Lovullo asked what Hinske said. As Tichenor explained, the look on Lovullo\u2019s face was one of \u201cI am NOT buying this, but what can I do?\u201d Hinske couldn\u2019t believe it, chuckling incredulously as he headed to the tunnel.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. That pitch looked high from the dugout.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

No clue. What Hinske said is not public knowledge, and it wasn\u2019t discernable from video or audio replay.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Two Weavers because of the look on Lovullo\u2019s face; otherwise, it would have been One Weaver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Friday, September 20th, vs. Colorado Rockies, bottom of the fourth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Greg Gibson (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With a runner on first, no one out, and the Dodgers trailing 4-2, second baseman Gavin Lux<\/a><\/strong> took a 2-0 pitch that appeared to be below the knees. It looked like it was right next to where the previous pitch crossed the plate, but Gibson called it a strike. Dave Roberts and his coaching staff shook their heads in disbelief. As Gibson looked into the dugout, Roberts said, \u201cThat\u2019s low. That\u2019s low.\u201d BANG! Gibson launched Roberts, prompting him to explode from the dugout with a huge sense of injustice.<\/p>\n

Dave Roberts arrived and yelled, \u201cDid you throw me out? Are you (bleeping) (bleeping) me?!???\u201d A highly animated exchange ensued, with Roberts furiously pleading his case and Gibson yelling back with a pompous sense of smugness. The ensuing discussion occurred with their mouths covered. After about a minute, third base umpire C.B. Bucknor stepped in as a peacemaker, and Roberts headed to the tunnel.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. The pitch appeared to be low.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Cannot defend this at all. While the rules say that no one can argue balls and strikes, this was an unusually quick trigger. Gibson did not even hold his hand up toward the dugout, let alone tell anyone to stop. It appeared as if Gibson wanted to be the guy who finally ran Dave Roberts this season \u2013 like he\u2019d win a prize or something.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This sequence earned Four Weavers, both for length and animation purposes. Rarely does one see a guy as mild-mannered as Dave Roberts get this animated over something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marcus Thames, New York Yankees Hitting Coach
\nAaron Boone, New York Yankees Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Saturday, September 21st, vs. Toronto Blue Jays, bottom of the first<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jeremie Rehak (HP, Thames) and Joe West (3B, Boone)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yankees left fielder Giancarlo Stanton<\/a><\/strong> dug in against T.J. Zeuch<\/a><\/strong> with two out and a runner on first. The first pitch came in near the knees over the inside corner with lots of downward movement. Rehak called strike one. The next pitch dipped a bit lower but still clipped (or at least came close to clipping) the front of the zone for strike two. Two pitches later, the same type of diving pitch came in, but it wasn\u2019t as low as the second one. Strike three, side retired.<\/p>\n

Stanton voiced displeasure before heading to his position. Boone yelled like crazy from the dugout, pointing a few times. There were lots of f-bombs and other profanity that started with \u201cbull.\u201d Boone then yelled toward West, \u201c(Bleep) you! (Something imperceptible) I\u2019ve got nothing to say to you!\u201d West, of course \u2013 as any other umpire on the planet would have done \u2013 sent him to the showers.<\/p>\n

Boone jogged out of the dugout to get in some parting shots with West. He stayed for several seconds. Unfortunately for this column, his lips were mainly out of view of the cameras, although several times he said something that started with \u201chorse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Thames gave Rehak an earful from the dugout. Rehak asked, \u201cYou wanna go?\u201d then held his hand up and said, \u201cThat\u2019s enough. I\u2019m not talking to you\u2026\u201d Thames said something else, so Rehak gave him the heave-ho.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration? Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The \u201csavages\u201d who take borderline pitches and then throw a fit when they are called strikes are at it again. Boone jockeying from the bench for pitches is understandable. Managers do that. He also knows where the line is, as does every other manager. Consequently, the frequency of these events for Boone and his players is getting absurd. If Boone\u2019s yelling loudly enough from the first base dugout for West to hear him at third base, that\u2019s pretty loud. Furthermore, he told West \u201c(bleep) you\u201d when he saw that West was looking at him. That simply poured gasoline on the fire. Boone only has himself to blame here.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Rehak is known for having a big zone. Teams have scouting reports on players. They also have scouting reports on umpires. The Yankees certainly know this about him. They need to adjust. Fortunately for the Yankees, Rehak will not be calling any postseason games, so they won\u2019t have to worry about his big zone.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Three Weavers for length and silliness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brad Miller, Philadelphia Phillies Left Fielder<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Tuesday, September 24th, at Washington Nationals, top of the sixth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Alan Porter (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Leading off the sixth in a 1-1 game, Miller worked the count to 3-2 before taking a nasty third strike. It was a belt-high breaking ball that ran in toward his fists. He yelled \u201cNo!\u201d among other things as he chucked his bat to the side and began laying into Porter. Manager Gabe Kapler<\/a><\/strong> charged in from the dugout, trying to keep his left fielder from getting bounced, but arrived too late.<\/p>\n

Kapler pulled Miller away. Before heading toward the clubhouse, Miller yelled several f-bomb-laced protests as Kapler aired grievances to Porter in an animated fashion. Porter, to his credit, heard Kapler out without ejecting him. After about half a minute, Kapler returned to the dugout, and the game resumed.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, although the pitch was a strike. It was a tie game, and Miller expected to be heading to first.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. Porter gave Miller a long leash, yet he did not take the pathway out.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Three Weavers. The bat tossing and animated yelling were lovely television.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scott Servais, Seattle Mariners Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Wednesday, September 25th, vs. Houston Astros, bottom of the seventh<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Sam Holbrook (HP)<\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Shortstop J.P. Crawford<\/a><\/strong> stepped to the plate with one out and nobody on, hoping to get his team\u2019s first hit of the day against Zack Greinke<\/a><\/strong>. The first pitch dove as it reached the plate, clipping the very bottom of the zone for strike one. Servais yelled protests from the dugout, saying the pitch was low. Holbrook looked at him and replied, \u201cNo it is not! That\u2019s enough!\u201d He continued, so Holbrook chucked him.<\/p>\n

Servais came onto the field, saying, \u201cAre you (bleeping) kidding me?\u201d before offering several profanity-laced evaluations of Holbrook\u2019s performance. He continued the conversation for a few seconds before leaving.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes. His team still had no hits, and they haven\u2019t been playing well since April ended.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Holbrook told him to stop, yet he continued, so yes.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One Weaver. This was not memorable at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Saturday, September 28th, at Colorado Rockies, bottom of the ninth<\/p>\n

Umpire<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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

Description<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With two out and the speedy (yet hobbled by a left ankle injury) Lorenzo Cain<\/a><\/strong> on first, Brewers left fielder Ben Gamel<\/a><\/strong> lifted a high fly to shallow center. Center fielder Yonathan Daza<\/a><\/strong> dove, but the ball tipped off his glove and fell next to him. Cain, running the whole time since there were two out, rounded third and headed home. Daza\u2019s throw arrived a split second before Cain did. Catcher Tony Wolters<\/a><\/strong> caught it and immediately cradled the ball as Cain ran into the tag. The two fell to the ground. Wolters hung on, making the third out.<\/p>\n

The Brewers challenged, alleging that Wolters did not give Cain a lane to the plate, but the replay review confirmed the (correct) out call. Counsell argued the decision, forcing Carlson to dump him in the process.<\/p>\n

Understand the frustration?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, since the Brewers needed to win to tie for the division lead.<\/p>\n

Was the ejection justified?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Any manager who argues a replay decision is automatically ejected.<\/p>\n

Entertainment Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Zero Weavers. Counsell did not get animated at all.<\/p>\n

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

Leaderboard<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Here are the leaders after the conclusion of the regular season. Fight-related ejections do not count toward the leaderboard.<\/p>\n

Managers: Rick Renteria<\/a><\/strong> of the Chicago White Sox<\/a>, David Bell<\/a><\/strong> of the Cincinnati Reds<\/a>, and Ron Gardenhire<\/a><\/strong> of the Detroit Tigers<\/a> (eight each)
\nPlayers: Tigers designated hitter Miguel Cabrera<\/a><\/strong> (three)
\nTeam high: Reds (19, 23 if you count the fight), Tigers\/White Sox (tied at 11)
\nTeam low: Cleveland Indians<\/a> (one)
\nUmpire: Mike Estabrook (13)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Look for the Season Ending Awards on Thursday, October 3rd.<\/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>