Jerk umpire to report Bradley for contact

I think we can all agree yesterday's umpire is a jerk. Now he says Bradley made contact with him, which could result in a suspension. Thanks, bud, for your bad umpiring and your report!

almost 3 years ago dtpollitt 52 comments 1 recs |

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It was a bad call.

The ejection was appropriate. This just seems like excessive posturing.

by redward on Apr 17, 2009 7:36 AM CDT reply actions

I have said for a long time

Umps need to be suspended as well sometimes for their actions. Most umps are professional, but there are a few that seem to enjoy the power trip too much at times.

Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 17, 2009 7:57 AM CDT reply actions

The claim is that the caps touched.

That’s absolutely ridiculous. I suspect Bob Watson will stop this nonsense.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2009 8:04 AM CDT reply actions

so that's what it is

just as I thought, ump posturing. What a waste of everyone’s time and attention.

Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.

by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions

But it happened Al, anyone can see it.

I saw it plain and clear on TV, rewound it and confirmed it when I saw it. They touched. Should he be suspended is another question, but there’s no doubt there was bill-to-bill contract, for whatever that’s worth. I suggest going to mlb.com and watching that on the replay, you’ll see it on the WGN feed.

by Harry Pavlidis on Apr 17, 2009 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions

I wasn't saying that the claim of touching was ridiculous.

I’m saying that suspending a player for a tiny bit of cap-bill touching is ridiculous. I trust you would agree with that.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Gotcha

But no one has been suspended yet, so I’ll wait til the report gets leaked and Selig over-reacts. :-)

by Harry Pavlidis on Apr 17, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Let's hope Bob Watson puts a stop to this idiocy.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions

here is the deal unfortunately

The umps are no different than other enforcers who where uniforms and have no line of sanity defending their turf. If Watson comes down hard he and the league will have to pay a price for a while disciplining rogue umps until they establish the lines of behavior. Therefore this could be costly at times.

There will be bad calls. There will be bad calls that effect the outcome of games. There will be bad calls that determine the outcome of critical games.

It has to be found a way that the good umps cycle out the bad ones. My sense is that this could be accomplished with a tier process of highly qualified umps——those scored by former umps and manager each year and given crew chief roles each year and not based on seniority, tough to do though.

The next tier are umps who are given a one year contract to be exclusive in the MLB season.

The next tier are umps that can be cycled up and down AAA depending on performance each month. They still get MLB pay (lowest tier) but each year they have to compete in ST to get the MLB April assignment

Thus incentive to stay up or be sent down.

Therefore a call like this would be reviewed critically. The subsequent situation would be reviewed by former umps and managers and the final call would be an ump supervisor.

This would insure the integrity of the game and evolve where the game is called more fairly across the board.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 17, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Earl Weaver

I used to get a kick out of him on the highlights turning his cap backwards, so he could get in the face of the ump more without his cap touching the ump.

"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Apr 17, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions

backwards hat

it would have been amusing if MB turned his helmet around backwards like earl weaver. MB would be blinded though.

if he switched to an old school helmet, maybe it’d work:

anyone remember week 7 bills – chargers when maurice jones drew had his helmet flipped backwards while running? here’s a clip (look at the 1:40 mark).

by fajita on Apr 17, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

pic

that’s just wrong.

by fajita on Apr 17, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

I dont think Al

is saying it’s a ridiculous claim that the caps touched…. it’s ridiculous to file a report with the league over that.

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by tony412 on Apr 17, 2009 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions

As I said above, that's correct.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Umps have it out for Bradley

They still want their pound of flesh from when Mike Winters got suspended for instigating a fight with Bradley in San Diego.

Bradley is to the Cubs what Rodman was to the Bulls. A spark, a presence and very good at his job.

But he also could bring major heat down on himself and what would get a normal player a fine, or nothing, will get him suspended.

Let’s also remember that Rodman won five championships.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Apr 17, 2009 8:31 AM CDT reply actions

A big "+1" on the first sentence

But in my opinion, we have to wait—at least until June—to see if he is indeed that spark of inspiration and motivation for his teammates.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Apr 17, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Bradley is to the Cubs what Rodman was to the Bulls. A spark, a presence and very good at his job.

I really do hope you’re right.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 17, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

he also looks psychotic

and sometimes acts it

by ol Pete on Apr 17, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

you can see psychotic people by looking at them?

really, you should go to a psychiatric clinic and try to tell the patients from the providers…..bet you don’t measure 50/50

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 17, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I think he sees dead people, too.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Apr 17, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

it takes one to know one?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 19, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Weren't they debuting some sort of strike zone grading system this year?

Maybe this guy will get downgraded at some point. It’d serve him right. Freaking 26 inch wide strike zone.

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 2 games of 9

by znohitter on Apr 17, 2009 8:46 AM CDT reply actions

Not debuting

But eliminating QuesTec and going with PITCHf/x (plus) which is in all 30 parks.

The zone the umpires are graded on is actually 21 inches – they can miss the plate by 2 inches on either side. The game is played in reality to a 24 inch plate (with some shaving of corners, more outside for lefties). The strike Milton argued was within the 24 inch zone, making it, IMO, too close to take. That pitch was called a strike all day (I checked).

by Harry Pavlidis on Apr 17, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, if he's consistant, I'll cut him some slack on that.

The way he handled the situation still seems pretty bush league, though.

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 2 games of 9

by znohitter on Apr 17, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

Right.

If you’re gonna be loose with the zone, be consistent. The postuering is another matter entirely.

At least the NFL ref admitted to a blown call last year.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Rediculous!

#34: You'll be missed!

by Chanman25 on Apr 17, 2009 9:34 AM CDT reply actions

I have to think

that this was a super low risk ejection for Milton.

First, he wasn’t going to stay in the game so why not jaw at the umpire a little bit. It might get something going and get his team fired up.

Second, he is somewhat injured and probably will not play the field for a few days anyways so why does he care if he gets suspended for a game or two. (the fine might hurt, but it wont be enough for him to really care).

Finally, has anyone considered that in that situation Lou wanted him to be cautious about what he swung at, trying to get something he could put in the air?

Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.

by wax eagle on Apr 17, 2009 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

He's supposed to be back on Saturday.

So he ought to care if he gets suspended, since this issue probably won’t be looked at till early next week.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Thats very true

I’d forgotten when I posted that how close it was to the weekend. Even so, a few extra days of rest this early in the season might not be too bad for him to make sure everything is shipshape…

Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.

by wax eagle on Apr 17, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

I can't see it being more than a 1 game suspension if any....

Whatever happened to umps “taking the high road”? Eject him and walk away or put on your mask and yell “play ball”. I would think if they did that, any subsequent tirade by a player would be viewed much more unfavorably by Bob Watson, Inc.

But, alas, the umpires want to “win” the argument, as if ejecting the guy isn’t a “win” enough already.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 17, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions

any suspension at all wouldl be an outrage

Milton "Porcelain Doll" Bradley.

by Emelie on Apr 17, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions

Even when other players have been ejected for similar contact? An outrage?

by ol Pete on Apr 17, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Precedents don't make it right.

As others have said, the ejection was de rigeur. A suspension would, yes, be an outrage.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Apr 17, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think the ejection was de riguer

I guess you can be outraged by him being treated like everyone else, but it doesn’t make much sense to me.

by ol Pete on Apr 17, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

So every ballplayer who's ever made incidental contact with an ump has been suspended?

Is that what you’re saying?

And of course the ejection was to be expected. Almost any player who goes off on an ump like that is going to be tossed. And every player named “Milton Bradley” certainly is.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Apr 17, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

can we report the Ump

for being a bad pitch caller?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Apr 17, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions

pitchfx

should do a pretty good job of that. watching on Gameday i was appalled at some of the calls going both ways. Patton got a bunch of stuff that was pretty far up and away.

Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.

by wax eagle on Apr 17, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Zero Tolerance

I had a feeling going into the season that many of the Umps will have zero tolerance toward Bradley. The Ump in SD baited him…. now this. Unfortunately, Bradley is not going to get away with stuff that some would get ahead with. That’s just the price for past mistakes.

I just hope it doesn’t cost the Cubs sometime in the future…

by TheHawkRules on Apr 17, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions

What sucks is...

…a patient hitter like Bradley in some sense depends on umps to make fair calls for him to play “his game.” I can understand why he gets so pissed off – their inconsistency and pettiness threatens to force him to be a different (i.e., worse) player.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Apr 17, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

That's true

I understand how it’s not fair… but if Milton could just take it for a few seasons, the Umps will probably just “get over it” and move on. Really, it’s a no win situation. Hopefully, Bradley doesn’t get suspended for this.

by TheHawkRules on Apr 17, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

BS

That’s just the price for past mistakes.

Absolutely not acceptable. Each case is right or wrong on its merits. A persons “past mistakes” are irrelevant, and anyone making decision based on them should be punished.

Ball 4!

by californiachicagoan on Apr 18, 2009 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions

The first strike

I don’t think Bradley would have flipped so much on the third strike call if the first called strike hadn’t also been a ball. That pitch was clearly low. Close, but low, and a good hitter with a good eye knew the ump was giving Wainwright the benefit. Probably should have known he’d get the benefit again.

by goldglove on Apr 17, 2009 11:23 AM CDT reply actions

He was calling low strikes all game...

We benefitted from it as well.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Apr 17, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Are Umps graded?

In the NBA and NFL, the refs are graded based on their performance. Is there a similar system in place for baseball?

by Craig in South Bend on Apr 17, 2009 12:46 PM CDT reply actions

And Bud Selig doesn't run the NBA or NFL.

remember
Sammy Jankis

by neverAcquiesce on Apr 17, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes, for several years

by Harry Pavlidis on Apr 17, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Although I agree with all the arguments Pro MB, both the call itself and everything that happened after the K, I’m still a little mad at MB. If he had been watching the whole game from the bench he would have seen this mans strike zone all game long…. so why “take” 3 pitches? I understand the 3-0 take, even the 3-1 take. But at that point, why not put the burden on your own shoulders and take a wack at anything close? Why depend on this ump that’s had a wide strike zone with odd calls all game long? Aren’t you supposed to be in “protect” mode at that point anyway? Specially with the bases juiced and Sori coming behind you, you’re more than likely going to get a strike.

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by tony412 on Apr 17, 2009 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I have to agree with this.

Nothing irks me more than a hitter relying on the ump to give him the borderline calls. Protect the plate. Especially in that count, as you noted. It just makes sense.

"May the sun never set on American baseball." ~Harry Truman

by Goodie1969 on Apr 17, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Umpire ejecting and filing a report on Bradley is actually GREAT news

Milton Bradley is the type of individual who absolutely THRIVES on adversity. I think we will look upon this incident down the road with great fondness because Bradley is now officially going to be very pissed off. When he is super pissed off he hits like a runaway locomotive.

by BLou on Apr 17, 2009 6:19 PM CDT reply actions

Umps are people too

They hold grudges, and there are some that look to settle scores. By and large MLB has good umps, but human nature is what it is. I’ll bet there is some residual ill will for Bradley over the Winters fracas. There are some umps that seem to like being front and center on tv. What better way to get some Sportcenter primetime coverage than running a player?

by Nibbles on Apr 17, 2009 10:29 PM CDT reply actions

Except

When everyone else does it, they are called out and punished. But Umps get away with it, because Bud doesnt believe in judging the Umps as strictly as he judges the players. Umps/refs are people too and should be judged as such. They should have their stats published. They should have their mistake glaringly shown on a Sportscenter Top 10 segment. They should not be shielded by a code of silence that fines anyone who dares to point out that they fuck up sometimes. That is the behavior of a dictatorship, not a democracy. FREE FREAKING SPEECH! If they are wrong prove it, if not take the freaking criticism.

Ball 4!

by californiachicagoan on Apr 18, 2009 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions