Maybe MLB is finally beginning to hold umpires accountable for some of their ridiculous on-field decisions.
On Tuesday, Bob Watson, the Major League Baseball vice president in charge of discipline, rules and on-field operations, told television station KRIV that Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt will not be penalized after being ejected from Monday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Watson said that umpire Bill Hohn will be addressed “in a very stern way” and that the matter will be discussed during a telephone conversation with Mike Port, MLB’s VP in charge of umpires.
Oswalt was ejected in the third inning of a 14-4 loss at Minute Maid Park when his 2-2 pitch to Nationals left fielder Josh Willingham was called a ball and the pitcher looked toward the first base line and yelled something.
Hohn removed his mask and barked at Oswalt, who then said, “I ain’t talking to you.”
Hohn then ejected him and a major argument ensued.
Hohn is one of many veteran umpires that have botched calls this season.
Joe West, who Yahoo! Sports writer Jeff Passan referred to as “an attention whore of Lady Gaga proportions”, said that West will either be fined or suspended after he summoned reporters to discuss the controversy he created in April when he criticized the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for playing excessively long games.
West was basically escorted out of Chicago last week after he ejected White Sox’ manager Ozzie Guillen and pitcher Mark Buehrle following two balk calls.
Prior to the May 26 game, Buehrle had been called for one balk in three years.
