MLB Notebook: Valentine says technology would help umps
BY Associated Press
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
6/12/12 at 3:09 AM
A day after being ejected, Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine was still steamed about umpiring, and said technology should be used to eliminate human error in calling balls and strikes.
"I want a ball called a ball and a strike called a strike. Figure out how to do it," Valentine said before his team began a series Monday at Miami.
Valentine, upset with plate ump Al Porter, launched a tirade with two outs in the ninth inning of Sunday's loss to Washington. The Red Sox dropped all three games in the series, and Valentine said his frustration about the way pitches were called built through the weekend.
Valentine declined to propose a specific solution, but said the technology exists to improve the accuracy of calling pitches. He said he doesn't fault umpires, because he believes it's impossible to see the final few feet of a pitch traveling 90 mph and sometimes breaking sharply.
Jays' Morrow leaves with side strain: Blue Jays right-hander Brandon Morrow left Monday night's game against Washington after just nine pitches because of a strained muscle in his left side.
After giving up a leadoff double, Morrow motioned for the trainer after missing low on a 1-1 pitch to Bryce Harper, the second hitter of the game. Following a brief discussion involving manager John Farrell, Morrow walked off the field and down the steps to the clubhouse.
Chad Beck came on to replace Morrow, who also left a May 30 start against Baltimore after he was struck on the right shin by a batted ball.
Morrow came in having won three of his past four starts, a stretch that has seen him throw two shutouts. The former first-round pick has thrown three shutouts this season.
