Blanton/Myers Duel Comes Down to Close Call at 1st Base
Posted by Pat Gallen, Mon, August 23, 2010 10:38 PM | Comments: 80
Posts
This is why instant replay may be expanded in the near future. Unfortunately for the Phillies, they’re the ones who have to suffer because of what looked like a blown call.
In the top of the eighth inning, and with a pinch hitter Jason Michaels on first, Michael Bourn laid a bunt down that trickled to Ryan Howard at first base. Howard dove at Bourn, appearing to graze his jersey, but Bourn was called safe by first base umpire Greg Gibson. It also appeared that Bourn was very close to running out of the baseline to reach first base, which would have resulted in an automatic out. Neither part of the play was called, thus allowing the inning to proceed with runners at first and second with no outs.
Charlie Manuel came out to argue but to no avail. Manuel was tossed for the fifth time this season and afterward he spoke about a similar discrepancy with Gibson during a game against the Indians in Philadelphia.
Ryan Howard was adamant that he indeed brushed Bourn with his glove. “I know I did…he knows I did too, said Howard. “I know that he knows that I tagged him…we’ll just say that.”
Three batters later, Carlos Lee brought both home with a broken-bat flare to left field, giving Houston a 3-2 lead.
Maybe Gibson truly believed his call was correct. Maybe it was the proper safe ruling. The problem with the call was that Gibson HAD to make sure it was 100% correct, and he did not do that. With home plate umpire Scott Barry walking out to first base, Gibson had the opportunity to at least make sure all was right. He did not, and it may have cost the Phillies a victory.
I’m not for instant replay, and this postgame is not meant to be a commentary on it, however, this is why more people are calling for Major League Baseball to implement a broader stance on how it is used.
Still, some of the blame has to be put on Madson, who allowed the runners to reach base and for allowing a two-out hit to Lee to flip the game on its head. Madson has been very good lately (13 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings prior to tonight), and this blemish on his record came at an inopportune time.
Before all of the hoopla of the eighth inning, there was a pitchers duel between Joe Blanton and former Phillie Brett Myers.
Blanton pitched a hell of a ballgame, striking out a season-high nine Astros over seven innings and 100 pitches (68 strikes). The opening inning was again an issue for Blanton, as he allowed the only Astros run to score to open things up. As usual, he settled in by retiring 11 of the next 12 batters, en route to his finest performance of the season. Over his past six starts, Blanton has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of them. The concern is the 22-first inning runs he has allowed, which tied for fourth among major league starters, despite him missing time to begin the year.
Old pal Brett Myers was a tough customer in his seven innings of work as well. Myers, too, fanned nine batters and tied an impressive franchise record. Tonight marked the 26th straight six-inning performance for Brett, tying him with Larry Dierker for the most in Astros history. It was also the 28th career victory for Myers at CBP, placing him second all-time behind Cole Hamels (31).
Myers’ mistakes were made in the third inning as Carlos Ruiz led off the frame with a home run to left field to tie the game at one. Four batters later, Chase Utley singled home Jimmy Rollins to make it a 2-1 game.
Speaking of mistakes, how about Jayson Werth’s bonehead blunder in the sixth inning? During an intentional walk of Carlos Ruiz, Astros catcher Humberto Quintero caught Werth napping off of second base. A completely inexcusable play that Manuel said “speaks for itself.” In my opinion, Werth should have been lifted, however Manuel said he didn’t think about taking him out of the game.
In the end, it comes down to the offense’s inability to capitalize on a 10-hit night and the bullpens inability to come up big with their backs against the wall in the late innings.
Posts: 0 bfo_33
Agree with George, based on where Howard was, the dive was the right move. Should have worked if the ump was paying attention. Madson doesn’t deserve the Jeltz, either, the offense does. While his velocity is down a bit, no one got good wood on the ball. Score two runs, you’re going to lose far more often than win. Soured a very nicely pitched game by Blanton (props to Myers also, who finally learned how to pitch this year, instead of just throwing – he made Howard look silly several times).
Always entertaining to see views on Werth change by the game. Yeah, he’s a bonehead at times, but he is also one of the few 5 tool righthanded outfielders in baseball, let alone free agent elligible next year. There is no chance Werth signs for anything under $50M, and I don’t think it will be with the Phils. Enjoy him while he’s here, and hope that Dom can hit lefties next year.
Posted: 10:54 AM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
In most cases, I defend the umpire… there are so many close calls in baseball and for the most part, they do a great job. This is one of those rare exceptions and not because a bad call was made… it’s because a bad call was made and the umpire refused to make an attempt to get it right. I think that baseball needs to address this problem… if it’s a close call and someone else might have a better vantage point, they should be eager to seek the input of their colleagues. Asking for help also affords the hot manager a chance to cool off. Asking for help should be encouraged and it should be a high priority item next year.
Werth’s base running blunder is case and point for why I’ve never been able to whole-heartedly embrace him… he’s uber talented but he has momentarily lapses and games where he is in “left field.” That being said… as maddening as it can be to see him make bone-headed plays, I can live with it because he’s a damn good ballplayer.
The blown call is why we lost that game… end of story. Say what you want about the base running error and the failed bunt attempt, in both instances, someone was going to have to knock them home and with both pitchers being as dialed in as they were, that probably wasn’t going to happen.
Just curious… was anyone else questioning the decision to pitch to Carlos Lee with a man on third and the speedy Bourn on second? I sure as hell did… you need one out and Carlos Lee is the only guy on that Astros team that I would not want to pitch to in that situation. Put the game in the hands of Johnson… make it a force out at every base.
Posted: 10:57 AM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 NickFromGermantown
Plays like this by Werth make me almost look forward to the day when Werth walks for a big money contract somewhere else. If we spend money, find a way to get Lee back. Werth’s attitude has soured to such a weird point, you wonder how much you can really count on him.
Posted: 11:19 AM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 gabriel
http://www.baseballjournal.com/news/2010/08/02_thebaseline.php
interesting article on the baseline – it’s official (“official”) rules (which pretty much is non-existant).
the runner establishes the baseline. that article has a few examples of some more extreme cases involving this topic. i think that this “rule” is bullsh!t… it gives all the power to the baserunner and leaves the fielder at the discretion of the ump. the discretion of the ump. how is that equal? this umpire blew a call once this year back in june with shane. on the same exact type of play. they really need to solidify this rule – and fast. it’s completely unfair, inconsistent, and has cost numerous teams wins in the past – and will continue to do so in the future as well…
-Gabriel
Posted: 11:22 AM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Phan in the outfield
I love it when people pretend to know Werth’s attitude. He’s the same guy & the same player he was last yr & the yr before last. Everything he’s said has been positive about Phila & wanting to remain here. Btw, he got picked off stealing 3x last yr too. There was also a group of ppl who were moaning that Werth wasn’t stealing enough several wks ago. I heard that on tv too. Now he’s trying to steal. Seems to me getting picked-off is part of it sometimes.
And please name me a player, great or otherwise, who hasn’t made what looks to the fans like a “bonehead” move at least once every 2 – 3 wks (don’t get me started on Victorino or Valdez). It’s insane to expect these players not to when we watch them play a 3 – 4 hr game, 162 (or more if we’re lucky) games a season.
For everyone who can’t wait for Werth to be gone: try to remember this. The minute the next season starts – then everyone wants the player who just left back. Sort of like Pat Burrell & Brett Myers. I, however, don’t want Myers back. He was a surly, wifebeating, jerk, who created clubhouse issues. He can stay in Houston. But I wish him well.
Bottomline, the Astros won that game on an UMPIRE’s BAD CALL. He refused to change his call b/c he was embarrassed. It was obvious the other umps didn’t want to get involved b/c that ump was too wound up in his own issues to get over himself. The Astros won by the run that ump put on base. Not b/c of Werth getting snagged stealing.
Posted: 12:17 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 bfo_33
Surprised also that Lee wasn’t walked, mainly just because 1st base was open, not that I’m so much in awe of Lee.
Something weird is going on with umpires this year – Joyce was chastised by several umpires for admitting his error in the Galarraga perfect game (heard interviews at the hall of fame). The guy who gave us the win in the Marlins game insists he made the right call after seeing a replay – somehow the ball wrapped around third base, and only his superior ability could tell. Doug Harvey had a very bitter, bordering on bizarre acceptance speech at the hall of fame. I don’t know if these guys are feeling the heat from instant replay angles, or if they really believe they are more important than the game.
Not just because of this game, but from the many blown calls over the past three years, I am becoming more for instant replay. The human element from the umps should NOT be part of the game. Unlike football, most baseball plays are very clear upon review, since you don’t have 7 or 8 three hundred pounders in the line of site. The complaint that the game is too long – start keeping batters in the batters box. Raul’s time at the plate will drop by 10 minutes/game alone. Balls and strikes are the only thing I’d keep out – but the umps should get frequent reviews on their zones, and if continually out of whack, removed. Nothing will happen while Selig is still in office, though. My rant for the week.
Posted: 12:30 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Tony
Unlike football, only a few plays a game if any would be contested for review. Instant replay wouldn’t slow down the game.
Posted: 12:53 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 1374 Pat Gallen
I’m still not quite there on instant replay, but you dont need it to get calls like that correct. ASK THE OTHER UMPIRES!
Maybe MLB can implement a more strict policy on umpires getting help. Perhaps like a manager throwing a red flag to have the umps convene, even if one doesnt want to.
Say Gibson says no, I won’t ask for help on this. Charlie could exercise his right to have all 4 come in and talk about it, that way all eyes can be used to figure it out. Maybe you have 1-2 opportunities per game to use that “challenge”.
That also keeps instant replay from evolving into an every play type of thing.
Posted: 12:55 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Lefty
@Biz,
I know the numbers. You missed my point, mostly because I didn’t make it clear. It’s not about what I could do, it’s about what every millionaire major league ballplayer ought to be able to do. I know because they began learning as kids, the same time I did. I wasn’t good enough to keep playing, they were, they’ve had ample time to practice it.
Secondly, I know it’s not always successful, only that if it had been laid down properly at least it had a chance to be. Lining a soft one to the first baseman is IMO unacceptable.
That’s my beef, just stick the bat out with two hands and lay it down- they’re Major Leaguers, it’s not asking that much.
Posted: 01:19 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Lefty
Pat,
How can we campaign for that as a topic of the winter meetings? Can we collectively contact MLB? Everyone that reads Phillies Nation would be a strong voice.
Posted: 01:22 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
The “no help” rule is completely ridiculous, especially when there is an ump there dying to help. If its all about “getting the play right”, then bring the other ump in. The only reason not to do it is arrogance and hubris on the part on the ump that believes he is infallible.
I think Jayson Werth at more than 4y/32m is a bad investment. He’s not a superstar like Howard who you could argue might be able to get away with receiving a premium to stay. Like The Smiths say “you just haven’t earned it yet, baby”.
The Dipsy
Posted: 01:55 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 shag beta sigma delta
I can not put much of this on Madson, yes he gave up two hits, you can not expect them to be perfect, but he really should only given up one hit, since Lee should never had gotten up to the plate. I know if they call gets made correctly, man on second 1 out, changes the game, maybe the next guy gets a hit, but he did his job well, gave up a ground ball single, and really got the next three guys out. It is hard to be perfect when the umps give the other team extra outs.
It is the offense that worries me. They can not afford another two weeks of scoring 8 runs in a game only to come back and score 1 or 2 runs in the next 5. Ryan is still missing the ball by a lot, and I know that he had only 1 rehab start. But he needs to right his ship in a hurry. This team should be able to score 3-5 runs against any pitcher in the league. And now that they are all on the rooster can we get the real starters to play together. I know with 23/24 games in a row, they will need some days off, but since Chase and Ryan and Vic just got back from the DL can they all play together for four or five days before giving them a day off. I have an idea, let them play five games, then rotate Vic, Chase, Poly, and Jayson for a day a piece with Valdez, Brown, and Ben Fran. The be like ok now we have to play out this string with the starters. I know they are all older now, but they also have had time off because of injuries. If they are not ready to play everyday leave them on the DL. They will have enough time to rest in November
Posted: 02:07 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 shag beta sigma delta
I think you can give Jayson 4 years at an average of 13-14 million a year. With the 4th year beind even 15 million. 4 years 54million, 13 13 14 14
Posted: 02:12 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
Shag. Respected poster and friend. Pass the dutchie on dee left hand side. If the Phillies give him a contract like the one you suggest, I will run on the CBP park field, naked, until tasered by the Philadelphia Police. Cmom brah.
Do we have Brian Fuentes yet?
The Dipsy
Posted: 02:20 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 George
4 years at 32 million is actually pretty cheap, probably too cheap. It’s only eight million per year; barely more than Victorino is making, less than Ibanez is making, and less than some others who have been far less effective. The problem is the years, not the money, and even four years is not really excessive when one takes into account Werth’s combination of tools, which will hold up better than those of a slow-footed, low average, power hitter.
Posted: 02:23 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
George – He should play better then. He’s 31. Time to stop talking about tools and start talking about performance. Chase Utley would have never in a million years got picked off at 2nd like that last night. That was a joke. While Jayson has a lot of talent, he can also play like he’s got his head up his ass. I can find you a better value and fit for this team than Jayson Werth if you give me 32m to spend over 4 years for an outfielder.
The Dipsy
Posted: 02:33 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 bfo_33
Dipsy, I’m don’t think the Phils will give that contract, but someone will. Supposedly, the Yanks are set on Crawford, which leaves Werth as the best impact bat available. While he has his off days, he is also a legit 5 tool player. My guess is the Red Sox, but could also be the Angels, White Sox, Tigers. Again, not too worried about it this year, something to talk about in Nov. Quoting the The Smiths and Menudo (I think?) on the same stream?
Posted: 02:34 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 George
I shouldn’t have mentioned R.A. D**ky. My last post is now “awaiting moderation.” Sometimes this site is totally ridiculous.
Posted: 02:37 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 George
D**k Schofield, D**k Sisler. D**k Allen. D**k Nixon. That’s the only way you can mention certain names here. THAT IS JUST STUPID!!!!!!
Posted: 02:40 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 George
But I can say phuck!
Posted: 02:41 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 jt
i would like the phils to keep werth and let brown spend some more time in the minors because lets face it he needs more work and he could be ibanez replacement…
Posted: 03:12 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
George…
You had me laughing uncontrollably for a minute. So true!!! And so STUPID!!!
=======
Jayson Werth is a “cancer”??…..as someone above suggested.
The word “cancer” on a sports team usually refers to someone who is a complete a$$, or someone who disrupts the clubhouse…
None of those descriptions apply to Werth.
He made a STUPID mistake last night….and MAYBE it contributed to the loss. But all players make baserunning errors at times….or poor decisions in the field….or at the plate.
However…Charlie SHOULD bench him tonight. It was inexcusable and shouldn’t be tolerated by the manager….pure and simple.
Posted: 03:28 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
That’s just crazy, George… phucking crazy. I’m right there with you.
I think that we’ll all be really upset if Jayson Werth leaves… and I’m not a fan of his. He does a lot of things really well; above average defense, above average power, great on base percentage… he lacks focus and his base running skills have deteriorated somewhat but he leads the league in doubles, he is 5th in the NL in OPS and 4th in the NL in OBP. Find me a replacement with those kind of numbers that is as good in the field as he is…
Posted: 03:32 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
I can live with his sped moments and the one or two games per year when he plays like he might have partied a little too hard the night before if he’s giving me a triple slash line of .282/.380/.501 (which is what he has given the Phillies since arriving in 2007).
Posted: 03:35 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
Did you know that Adam Dunn is only 30 years old?
Posted: 03:44 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
Check that… 31.
Posted: 03:44 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
The old man said that the umpire told him if the player runs to the dug out thats the established baseline.
Thats how umpires interpret the rule.
The end.
Posted: 08:43 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Andrew from Waldorf
dipsy and Brian again out in left field.
Posted: 08:45 PM on August 24, 2010
Posts: 0 Brian Sr. of CO
“Thats how umpires interpret the rule”. Not ALL umpires. Recall Vic being called out in a similar play. Hmm, but why? I would also be intrigued where you see that at. The official rule says “A runner’s baseline is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base”. That does not mean the runner can run to the dug out as you say, furthermore, he began running in the “base path” which then turns into the “runner’s baseline” because THAT is a “straight line”. Considering Bourn was on the Chalk Baseline, once he runs 3 feet away from the chalk line, he is out. That is not fiction, or opinion, that is fact, look it up.
Posted: 04:23 AM on August 25, 2010
Posts: 0 Brian Sr. of CO
Andrew what you are missing from the rule is “a straight line”
Posted: 04:28 AM on August 25, 2010