Suspend Jerry Layne

AP Photo/Tony Dejak

Seriously, there must be some form of punishment for umpire Jerry Layne.

He made a, let’s be kind and call it “questionable” call on a ball four pitch. It was the second inning of the A’s and Indians game in Cleveland. Oakland pitcher Scott Kazmir reacted to the pitch.

Virtually no time passed between ball four and Layne throwing out Scott Kazmir.

The A’s had to go to the bullpen in the second inning because wittle Jerry’s feelings got hurt. I don’t care if Kazmir launched into a combination of profane words that even George Carlin would not approve of, you do not affect a game life that if you are an umpire.

If you want to warn someone, fine. Otherwise, turn your back. Dust off the plate. Do something other than taking over the game.

There was not enough to between the pitch and the ejection for Kazmir to do anything worthy of the heave ho. Hell, his pants were still on. And even if he did moon Jerry Layne, it was early enough in the game to say “Kazmir… next time the pants come down, you are gone.”

The real message has to go to the umpire. Your job is to make calls and keep the game under control, not take it over.

And when someone like Layne steps over the line, there needs to be a punishment.

Now the A’s did indeed win the game, but that is beside the point. It isn’t the umpire’s job to take over the game.

Plus the fact that Layne would NOT toss manager Bob Melvin speaks volumes about the face that Layne knows he was wrong.

Let’s get to the updated Dodged Bullet/Teeth Grinder tally.

An explanation of what this is all about can be found HERE.

 

 

GIANTS DODGED BULLET – TEETH GRINDER Tally

21 Dodged Bullets 12 Teeth Grinders

TOTAL: + 9

 

A’S DODGED BULLET – TEETH GRINDER Tally

Despite Jerry Layne’s best efforts to sabotage the game for the A’s and ejecting Scott Kazmir, Oakland came back. Josh Donaldson’s bat led the way to the 6-2 win in Cleveland. DODGED BULLET

14 Dodged Bullets 14 Teeth Grinders

TOTAL: EVEN

 

RED SOX DODGED BULLET – TEETH GRINDER Tally

14 Dodged Bullets 15 Teeth Grinders

TOTAL: -1

Full slate of games tomorrow. Hopefully I won’t remember a single umpire.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 17, 2014

The Sporting News

I want Derek Jeter to get some truly bizarre presents during his farewell tour. And next year, Alex Rodriguez can break some great records and milestones. Will there be any celebration for THAT?

That and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Josh Reddick, Christian Yelich, Chris Tillman, Jorge de la Rosa, Michael Saunders, Yu Darvish andAngel Pagan all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball

Max Teeth Grinding

photo by Stuart Cahill, Boston Herald

I know Max Scherzer is a great pitcher. But is it possible to hit into MORE double plays, Red Sox?

I truly hope so. Meanwhile the Giants can’t pull ahead of the Marlins and the A’s are inspired by Wham.

Let’s get to the updated Dodged Bullet/Teeth Grinder tally.

An explanation of what this is all about can be found HERE.

 

 

GIANTS DODGED BULLET – TEETH GRINDER Tally

Giants rally to erase an early hole and Angel Pagan makes an interesting catch in centerfield. But the Marlins score 2 in the 9th to win, 7-5. TEETH GRINDER

21 Dodged Bullets 12 Teeth Grinders

TOTAL: + 9

 

A’S DODGED BULLET – TEETH GRINDER Tally

13 Dodged Bullets 14 Teeth Grinders

TOTAL: –1

 

RED SOX DODGED BULLET – TEETH GRINDER Tally

The Red Sox hold the Tigers to a single first inning run. But they spoil big time scoring opportunities and fall weakly. 1-0. TEETH GRINDER

14 Dodged Bullets 15 Teeth Grinders

TOTAL: -1

 

With more than a quarter of the season in the books, it would behoove the World Champions to get on a roll.