Ever since umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected both Jim Edmonds and Tony La Russa in the 2006 LCS Game 4, I have paid special attention to the crews selected for postseason duty.
The good news is that none of the notorious umpires with whom I am familiar are part of the 2009 Cardinals-Dodgers NLDS. The six are crew chief Dana DeMuth, Brian O’Nora, Mike Everitt, Jeff Nelson, Ed Rapuano and Tony Randazzo.
DeMuth is no stranger to Busch Stadium as he was given the honor of serving as home plate umpire for the MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis on July 14.
In looking into these umpires further, I ran across a specialized website like no other. “The Left Field Corner” documented every one of the 168 umpire ejections that occurred across MLB this season. Each situation is explained, the umpire call is reviewed, pitch f/x data is included and even video is provided.
Though none of this crew’s ejections were of the Cardinals this season, here are their totals:
Rapuano: 4
Everitt: 3
O’Nora, Nelson: 2
Randazzo, DeMuth: 0
Most of the tossings were of the garden-variety – balls and strikes, the zone and the like. O’Nora’s ejections were as a result of fisticuffs between Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis and Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello on August 11.
On July 11, Nelson had one of the stranger calls when he waved then-Oakland A’s outfielder Matt Holliday from second to third on a pitched ball. The problem was in that Tampa Bay’s catcher had used his facemask to stop and pick up the baseball. That’s a no-no. Even so, Rays manager Joe Maddon was incensed.
But the oddest umpire play this season anywhere in MLB starred Rapuano. On August 9, he ejected Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino for arguing a ball call to an opposing Florida Marlins hitter. Victorino gestured and yelled in protest from his defensive position way out in center field and was tossed by home plate ump Rapuano.
If you’re interested in fan voting for the best and worst MLB umpires this season, make sure you check out “The Left Field Corner”.
Here’s hoping this is the last time we discuss the NLDS umpires.
For reference, I pulled the official bios of the crew. They follow.
Dana DeMuth – Crew Chief – 32
MLB service time: 25 Years
Became a member of the Major League staff in 1985…has worked the All-Star Game (1990 and 2001), Division Series (1996, 97, 99, 2001, 08), League Championship Series (1991, 95, 2000, 02, 07) and World Series (1993, 98, 2001)…served as crew chief for the National League Division Series between the Brewers and Phillies in 2008…worked the Tokyo round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic…previously umpired in the Arizona Instructional League, California League, Texas League, Pacific Coast League, Colombia Winter League and Dominican Winter League.
Brian O’Nora – 7
MLB service time: 12 Years
Joined the Major League staff in 1999…has worked the Division Series (2004, 06), the 2008 American League Championship Series and the 2000 All-Star Game in Atlanta…worked the Dodgers-Mets Division Series in 2006…attended the Joe Brinkman Umpire School in 1985…previously umpired in the Appalachian League (1985), Midwest League (1986-87), Eastern League (1988-89), Pacific Coast League (1990), American Association (1991), International League, Florida Instructional League (1985-89) and Puerto Rican Winter League (1990-92).
Mike Everitt – 57
MLB service time: 10 Years
Joined the Major League staff in 1999…worked the Division Series (2001, 04-07), League Championship Series (2002-03, 08), the 2007 World Series and the 2006 All-Star Game…officiated the 2008 NLCS…attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School (1987)…previously umpired in the Gulf Coast League (1987), Midwest League (1988, 90-91), Eastern League (1992), Texas League (1993-94), Venezuelan Winter League (1994-95) and Pacific Coast League (1995-99)…was the home plate umpire for Kevin Millwood’s no-hitter on April 27, 2003.
Jeff Nelson – 45
MLB service time: 11 Years
Became a member of the Major League staff in 1999…worked the Division Series (2000, 01, 05, 08), the League Championship Series (2002, 04), the 2005 World Series and the 2006 All-Star Game…worked the 2008 National League Division Series between the Dodgers and Cubs…was behind the plate when Mark McGwire hit his 500th career home run…worked the game in which Rickey Henderson collected his 3,000th hit…was an instructor at MLB’s inaugural Umpire Camps (MLBUC.com), held at MLB’s Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California, in November 2006…attended the Joe Brinkman Umpire School in 1989…previously umpired in the Pioneer League (1989), Arizona Instructional League (1989), Florida State League (1990-91), Eastern League (1992-93), American Association (1997), Pacific Coast League (1994-96, 98), Florida State Instructional League (1990-93) and Arizona Fall League (1996).
Ed Rapuano – 19
MLB service time: 18.5 Years
Became a member of the Major League staff in 1991…has worked the All-Star Game (1995, 2008), Division Series (1997, 98, 2001, 03, 06, 08), League Championship Series (1999, 2000, 02, 04-05) and World Series (2001, 03)…worked the Miami round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic…worked the 1990 Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, NY…attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in 1985…previously umpired in the New York-Penn League (1985), Florida State League (1986-87), Southern League (1988) and Triple-A Alliance (1989).
Tony Randazzo – 59
MLB service time: 9.5 Years
Joined the Major League staff in 1999…worked the 2001 Midsummer Classic and the Division Series in 2004 and 2006…was part of the crew that worked the Twins-A’s Division Series in 2006…previously umpired in the New York-Penn League (1989), Florida State League (1990-91), Texas League (1992-93), Arizona Fall League (1993), American Association (1994-95) and Pacific Coast League (1996-99).
Nice web site on umpiring and player ejections.
Bernie writes the Cards are armed but will they hit, given how weak they have been against left-handers? This seems the question of the post-season.
The Cards made noises about carrying only 11 pitchers, probably because 11 would in theory be preferable for a short series. Now rumor has it they have decided on 12. This change has to be based on actual personnel versus theory. They must think the 12th pitcher could contribute more than an extra batter. The roster choices could be Boggs versus Freese or Khalil Greene. They already decided against Greene by releasing him.
In the minors, Boggs has been a starting pitcher. He has eaten innings and been unspectacular. In a short appearance, he can hit 96 mph. Boggs could well turn out to be useful out of the pen.
Most roster choices are clear and do not require any thought. However, DeRosa has been sub-600 OPS for a month at a position, 3B, where you like to have somebody 800 or above. Glaus is iffy in the field, because of a sore arm. The team has been weak against southpaws all season. Bernie asks a fair question, will they hit enough? The Cards are hoping to win with defense, pitching (Boggs), and veterans (DeRosa, Glaus).
Jumbo, rarely do I fully agree with your posts, but I am pretty close this time. Haven’t read Bernie’s column, but sometimes it is necessary to state to the masses what may seem obvious to those of us who follow these things more closely.
As I posted earlier in another thread, I believe the 12 vs. 11 pitchers is just what you say. Boggs is deemed more valuable than K Greene. I still bet if there was an injured player to DL, we would have seen Freese instead.
As I proved by looking at deployment of past Cards NLDS rosters, on the average, three of the 25 active players do not appear in the DS. So chances are Boggs won’t pitch anyway.
(A small side point. K Greene was not released. If the Cards experience a rash of injured infielders, he still could be added to the playoff roster at any point. Very, very small chance it would happen with T Greene and Freese apparently on the taxi squad ahead of him, but with three infield injuries, it could.)
One thing unusual about the present situation is convergences at 3B. Glaus was hurt this year. His replacement, DeRosa, also quickly suffered an injury that he has been playing through. Freese was injured last winter too. All three guys have had some tough luck this season.
Glaus has worked hard at rehab; it cannot have been easy. DeRosa has played with a wrist injury. TLR may not want to disrespect the sacrifices of these veterans (and player’s union union members) by bypassing them for a rookie, Freese.
Freese is no youngster, in baseball terms. He did not turn pro until after using 4 years of college eligibility, over a five year span. He has about 1.5 seasons of AAA experience. He seems to have rebounded from his foot problem, after an operation, helping Memphis to win the PCL. In terms of ability to play, he qualifies. We have 3Bmen with physical problems and we struggle to hit southpaws, and by pure coincidence we have a AAA 3Bman who is healthy, can both field and hit, and swings righty.
On the other hand, TLR does not like to turn to rookies who have not played much in the majors during the regular season. Its not fair to them to throw them into the deep water of the playoffs and possibly shake their self confidence. AAA grads can try out for next year’s team, TLR thinks.
For the final roster slot, a choice must be made. There is Boggs who can bring gas as a reliever. Or Freese, who as fate would have it by sheer co-incidence happens to fit where the team is weak. However if Freese is on the roster, fans might want to see him start instead of our MLPA union guys who have played and rehabbed through pain. We shall see who the Cards choose.
Jumbo, that fanciful stuff doesn’t matter. No one is hurt so Freese cannot be rostered. It is that simple.
Brian, you have previously counselled me that the Cards can DL a guy for “bench sores.” In other words, they could conjure up an injury to fit their needs. While I was a little skeptical about such an opinion and know you were joking as well, TLR himself admits Glaus is physically limited in terms of fielding.
Everything works out neatly. We honor two Purple Heart vets, DeRosa and Glaus. There could be physical uncertainties about Molina and Smoltz, so adding another pitcher, Boggs, gives depth and enables Motte to serve as an emergency catcher, if need be, heaven forbid.
Molina is fine…………. Tony had a little teaching session with him last time out…….they have an understanding now………….. Yadi could be the key here with his off field approach. Ludwick is the problem. His late step-in antics make him an easy target.
From another of Brian’s articles, I learn MLB has changed and now allows in-series substitutions for injured players from the taxi squad. That could influence the post-season roster choices. If DeRosa or Glaus do not do much, either could be DL’d for Freese, provided they aggravate their pre-existing physical ailments (or develop those bench sores from sitting between innnings). Interesting.
Yeah, I’m a little surprised that they didn’t dream up a DL stint for Khalil.
1st inning
Cardinals can’t hit…………. Holiday with his high hands is exploited by Dodgers. They will do it again. He is looking for the ball down. they take him up and in. Molina should be whipped.
Duncans strategy is to avoid the curve first time through…………yikes…..he lights it up to get out of the inning. We are being out coached already. I laugh at Brennly unable to figure out all the unusual hitting styles.
How many LOB’s are we going to see. Again. I wonder how Boras likes seeing Holliday standing there like a cigar store indian with basesloaded
We’ve lucked out having Albert walked twice. Holiday can’t deal with the tactic, but now Wolf is gone. These guys should kill Weaver. Molina at 6th got Ludwick walked last time. Nows his chance.
Holliday very relieved to be HBP. Not a good sign. No confidence. Boras knows he gets paid to produce runs, probably texting Matt as we speak. 3 more LOB.
105 for Carp……………if he goes back in, it shows that Tony just has a cult of personalities. This is what they got Smoltz for…………. Tony is being out coached in every phase. Albert just grounded out……….. He was stepping in the bucket big time…………..which is part of the solution to his problem. Thats a good thing. Its the solution to the inside challenge. He must dictate.
The Tomey fake was so fine.
Oh boy………..here come KMac.
Cards look exactly like they have the last month. Nice job by Miller. Are you praying for a rally Westy.
Not now………..the Dodger weakness has been passed to their strengths. We don’t have any character.
Albert goes out of the zone 3/1…………………… thats just poor baseball. It bothers me that the Cardinals have this guess the count mentality. The Dodgers aren’t giving in……… they are dictating by appealing to Cardinal stupidity………….. that is a team that is prepared to exploit another’s scouted weaknesses. Tomorrows game will be very interesting.
Tony pretty much settled all the questions by using Ankiel. We didn’t have a bench! Molina won’t be hitting 6th tomorrow. Albert has that look on his face I’m sorry to say.
I can’t see any line up changes tomorrow. Just the order changes.
Rasmus had some nice at-bats and Ankiel… was Ankiel…
This is why I didn’t want to go against Torrey Brian…………. That team is vulnerable. There is no finesse lefty going tomorrow. We have to look at pitches. Pujols looks shot.
Positives: Schumaker and DeRosa did well at the plate. Rasmus had 3 good at bats.
Reyes and McClellan gave up a run,surprise. Ankiel and Glaus struck out, wow. The big news was Carpenter’s lack of command. It seemed as if the homerun preyed on his mind and he never got comfortable.
Jumbo, to me the tone setter for the game was Holliday’s passive at-bat in the first inning. The Cardinals had a huge opportunity to get out on top and Matt just stood there like a statue. A fitting symbol for the game one result as Ankiel replayed it to close the game.
Pitching not hitting underperformed. In a previou thread I gave stats showing that excluding the games where we had a 9 or more run outburst, we averaged a paltry 3.32 runs per game (compared to 4.02 rpg in non-9+ games last year)
http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2009/10/01/carpenters-record-setting-grand-slam-and-six-rbi/#comment-5426
Scoring 3 means you are counting on extra tight pitching for your wins. So the offense played up to reasonable expectation, based on a whole season’s worth of results, and it was the pitching’s failure to deliver the extra tight game that resulted in the loss.
14 Cardinals runners stranded on base is all I have to say about that…
We stranded 11 the other day. The offense can find a way to generate LOB’s no question, but we pushed across the usual number, so what’s the beef? I agree that Holliday’s cigar store indian impression in the first set the tone. Give that man a heimlich, please.
bb, I ain’t buying your math or your logic.
The Cardinals scored 730 runs in 162 games this season. That works out to 4.5 runs per game, not three.
The Cardinals stranded 1152 runners in 162 games. That is seven per game on the average. 14 is a HUGE difference.
Holiday and Pujols have both had a power outage. Holiday, since raising his bat and right elbow which is designed for dropping the bat on the low and inside pitch, has hit 1 home run,(low and inside) in weeks. Torrey was pitching him inside at the hands, Dream pitches for a strong stanced big man, and he was completely tied up. They kept Albert out of the game, which he was from the start anyway. They played better, and were better prepared than us.
Carp was avoiding the big curve. Bad idea, or problems developing? Regardless, we have to overcome the confidence we just generously imparted. Unless we win today, there won’t be a forth start for Lohse or Smoltz. Carp will go on short rest, and they will both be used today and Saturday.
I’m starting to question DD a little. Thats not good.
WC said: “…I’m starting to question DD a little. Thats not good.”
No offense intended, WC, but I was just wondering who you do NOT question?
Dave is completely committed to his ball players. Carp could have used a breather a number of times in the long inning………. none was forth coming. It was too obvious. I know that Dave knows he is probably leaving ST Lou with Tony if this team is out in the first round. I’m sensing emotional confusion. Like maybe his resentment creeping out through guarded feelings. Thats all. He may not be aware of it.
Unlike our pusillanimous pugilists, Wainy has proven to be a stand up guy, who doesn’t choke, wet his pants and get PMS in the clutch. No one should be surprised if he pulls a magnificent performance out of his hat, and single handedly brings them home tied up with home field advantage.
I didn’t feel Carp pitched that bad BB. The Dodgers were ready to play. We could have squashed that team early. Pinero and Lohse are going to give up runs at home. Unless we hit, there is no advantage.
Re Brian’s 2, I agree Holliday hurt with his first at bat. Carp hurt with his first three pitches. If one must lose, it seems good to lose with Stars. They got the Cards here. If they struggle, they show the game is hard and they are human.
Disappointing game, to say the least. Lots of runners stranded by both teams, no doubt.