Post by crashtest on Oct 13, 2007 6:38:45 GMT -5
www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-10-13-selig-replay_N.htm
Bud Selig is willing to allow discussions on instant replay. I'm a little divided on this. For example, technology exists to plot the exact path, speed, break of every pitch. Simply wiring the plate ump with a HUD in his facemask would allow balls and strikes to be called with precision and FAIRNESS. No more squeezing the rookie because he shrugged his shoulders at the last blown call to make him "pay his dues". No more 24" home plates for the 90's Braves to pitch to. No more gnat's anus strike zones for Bail Bonds to get grooved to. No more screw jobs from umps out to rig a NY/Boston WS when Dave Smith faces Ray Knight.
I just don't see how instant replay for action on the field is all that accurate. For example, I don't think I've ever seen a disputed HR down the line definitively resolved by a replay. The Rockies faceplant guy probably didn't touch the plate, but the replays from 5 angles were not definitive - besides, the argument could also have been made that the catcher obstructed the runner since he did not have possession of the ball and had already muffed the throw when the runner was blocked off the plate. With the exception of Brocklander's call on Reynolds in '86 (which was a COMPLETE STEP away from bang-bang), umps seem to get about 99% of the bang-bang force plays correctly.
A complaint is that it would cause a delay - as if dirt kicking, base throwing, hat tossing arguments that everyone knows will go nowhere don't cause delays. How about this: the manager tosses out a yellow flag - nah, that's too football - he tosses out a bag of baseballs or a box of sunflower seeds to show his displeasure over the call and indicate his desire for instant replay review. If he loses his case, then with the next pitching change he makes in the middle of an inning, the relief pitcher is not allowed any warm-up tosses from the mound. Or, the offensive team automatically has the next batter called out; the defensive team has the next batter automatically take first - depending on whether the appeal is rejected and which bench made the appeal. (Interesting matrix here - what is more valuable, an out or a baserunner? Obviously it depends on the game situation. Managers would have to keep one of those "two point conversion cards" in their pocket ....let's see, runners on first and second, one out, 7th inning, tie game, visiting team.....risk the out....)
What do y'all think?
Bud Selig is willing to allow discussions on instant replay. I'm a little divided on this. For example, technology exists to plot the exact path, speed, break of every pitch. Simply wiring the plate ump with a HUD in his facemask would allow balls and strikes to be called with precision and FAIRNESS. No more squeezing the rookie because he shrugged his shoulders at the last blown call to make him "pay his dues". No more 24" home plates for the 90's Braves to pitch to. No more gnat's anus strike zones for Bail Bonds to get grooved to. No more screw jobs from umps out to rig a NY/Boston WS when Dave Smith faces Ray Knight.
I just don't see how instant replay for action on the field is all that accurate. For example, I don't think I've ever seen a disputed HR down the line definitively resolved by a replay. The Rockies faceplant guy probably didn't touch the plate, but the replays from 5 angles were not definitive - besides, the argument could also have been made that the catcher obstructed the runner since he did not have possession of the ball and had already muffed the throw when the runner was blocked off the plate. With the exception of Brocklander's call on Reynolds in '86 (which was a COMPLETE STEP away from bang-bang), umps seem to get about 99% of the bang-bang force plays correctly.
A complaint is that it would cause a delay - as if dirt kicking, base throwing, hat tossing arguments that everyone knows will go nowhere don't cause delays. How about this: the manager tosses out a yellow flag - nah, that's too football - he tosses out a bag of baseballs or a box of sunflower seeds to show his displeasure over the call and indicate his desire for instant replay review. If he loses his case, then with the next pitching change he makes in the middle of an inning, the relief pitcher is not allowed any warm-up tosses from the mound. Or, the offensive team automatically has the next batter called out; the defensive team has the next batter automatically take first - depending on whether the appeal is rejected and which bench made the appeal. (Interesting matrix here - what is more valuable, an out or a baserunner? Obviously it depends on the game situation. Managers would have to keep one of those "two point conversion cards" in their pocket ....let's see, runners on first and second, one out, 7th inning, tie game, visiting team.....risk the out....)
What do y'all think?
