There Goes the Neighborhood

With all this discussion about expanding the use of instant replay, sometimes the human side of baseball is forgotten. There are certain plays in baseball where it's ok to not get a call right. The strike zone, while actually defined in the rule book, is largely subjective based on the home plate umpire. Tim Tschida's strike zone is different than CB Bucknor's. Another example is the "neighborhood play." The neighborhood play is a reference to a middle infielder being in the neighborhood of second base when turning a double play. In 99% of double play balls, the second base umpire will call a runner out at second as long as the middle infielder comes close to the base when turning a double play.

If baseball selects its best umpires to work the playoffs, it is reasonable to assume that now isn't the time to change accepted conventions. However, in game two of the ALCS, Angels shortstop Erick Aybar was turning a double play where he never touched second base - but came extremely close and was in fact straddling the base - and the Yankee runner was called safe.

Baseball fans can argue for furthering the use of replay all they want but it's important to maintain the human element. In Joe Torre's most recent book he reminds people to always remember that the game has a pulse. Let's keep it that way.

First to Third: All These Missed Calls!

Joe Mauer hit a double in the top of the 11th in game two of the ALDS to give the Twins a runner on second with no one out. Well... maybe not. Despite having an umpire stationed down the left field line just for these sort of calls, Mauer's double, which was fair by a foot or two, was ruled foul. Mauer singled and the Twins would go on to leave bases loaded before the Yankees were able to win the game.

It's been a rough October for the umpires so far, as several calls have been missed - and not just by those pesky outfield umpires.

Some have called for the expansion of instant replay, but anyone who has seen The Matrix knows that machines can take over any minute. Those who watche the American League will tell you baseball games are long enough. Where's the compromise? How about taking a page out of the NFL's book and giving the managers a challenge flag and a set amount of challenges per game. I'm a purist, so I don't agree with this at all, but let's have some fun.

I tell you what, baseball loves this idea of a series. The Reds will play a three game series against the Pirates in May (and no one will show up!). Why not give managers three "challenges" per series (or four for a four game set). Dusty Baker can use all three in one game or none at all (they won't carry over... this isn't rollover minutes, people). Baker can challenge boundary calls just like the umpires can now. The umps can also review a play on their own - managers can't provoke this without using a "challenge." He can't challenge balls and strikes, but maybe he can challenge a close play at first base. How would that change the game? Would we really be worse off then? Would games be officiated more accurately? Would the pace of play slow to a halt?

Photo Credit: BizofBaseball.com

Baseball Instant Replay: A Look One Year Later by SportsJudge's First-to-Third

In baseball's year of using replay, under half of the reviewed plays resulted in umpire calls being overturned. Umpires have overruled themselves 18 out of 48 times replay has been used since the first use of replay upheld an Alex Rodriguez home run on September 3, 2008. For a game that isn't known for embracing change, baseball's integration of instant replay has gone surprisingly well.

Baseball purists lobbied against the implementation of replay, arguing that a slow game would become even slower. After reviewing many uses of instant replay, each use of replay required the umpires to leave the field for under five minutes. Another predicted criticism of replay would be that it would lead to calls for increased uses of replay. Would managers ask for a red flag to throw to review a close play at first base, like the NFL? Did the second baseman or shortstop really touch second base on that double play turn (probably not)? Thankfully, for those purists, that hasn't been the case. What we have seen, however, is the effective use of technology by a game that stands close to its traditional roots. Close calls are reviewed, the call is made correct if it wasn't already, and the game continues. What more can fans ask for?

Related:
MLB.com's history of replay use.