Instant Replay

by Just Rope Ball on Nov 7, 2007 10:39 AM EST

Dear Diary,

Well at least baseball is trying to make progress regarding replay: MLB GM's vote for some replay

The proposal, approved by a 25-5 vote, was limited to boundary calls -- whether potential home runs are fair or foul, whether balls go over fences or hit the tops and bounce back, and whether fans interfere with possible homers.

I would like to see replay implemented where the head umpire could pick up the phone, ask the replay umpire to make the call. One quick question and answer. I could see it expanded to include out calls (i.e. trapped balls or extremely close plays on the bases) but wouldn't want it to be used on every call. Need some way to regulate it usage.

Poll

What should Instant Repley be used for?

Anything the manager asks for.

4 votes

Nothing at all, my baseball is precious!

18 votes

Boundary calls as stated above.

22 votes

Any out call.

3 votes

Why not include balls and strikes?

1 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I heard that last night...

and at first hated it. Then they said it would be used only for close calls on HR's. To me this is really the only place it fits. I could see trying to use it for plays at the plate...maybe.

by cardzfanbub on Nov 7, 2007 10:37 AM EST reply actions

Instant replay is not the cure to all desease..

.. because if a play is stopped by a wrong call, even if you correct the call, the play is stopped anyway.

I strongly believe that this is why they limited the use to play-stopping events, because otherwise they should also create a compensation table to account for the stop of the play due to the wrong call.

GO CARDS!!!

by SuperSeve on Nov 7, 2007 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

Replays

The way it was described in the article I read you would have a new umpire in the booth watching replays. He would only make a call when the field umpires asked for a review. The question is though whether you will have the Umps work like Hockey Refs and air on the side of fair/bounced back onto the field, because those calls can be overturned. There are questions to be answered but I like the idea here. Balls and strikes are a no no and manager challenges are a sticky one too.

by StLHugo on Nov 7, 2007 11:14 AM EST reply actions

i am for it (with limitations)

really, its ridiculous that the fan sitting at home often knows the right call before the manager gets done arguing with the umps. i wouldnt even mind if the replay ump were proactive and made calls without the head ump calling in. if it is used properly and in the limited situations that were discussed, it shouldn't have a material impact on game time. time between pitches/batter timeouts and pitching changes are probably the biggest culprits there.

it shouldnt be used for balls and strikes. games would last 12 hours if they did. for the moment, i'd pass on manager review. i'd probably only go with that option if i felt the umps were properly using replay.

by dmb60614 on Nov 7, 2007 11:26 AM EST reply actions

edit

weren't properly using replay.

by dmb60614 on Nov 7, 2007 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

HRs yes, fair/foul no

I think it works for HRs because there's a pause in the action after a home run anyway. On home run calls, play it out as if it were not a home run, then go to replay. Replays are up to the crew chief's discretion.

I don't think we're at a point for replay on fair/foul balls yet though. I would say no replay on those until we can utilize a Wimbledon-esque system that beeps (or there's a light that turns on or whatever) when the ball lands on the foul side of the line.

by lightbulb on Nov 7, 2007 12:50 PM EST reply actions

THIS IS STUPID!!!

This is what makes BASEBALL baseball. NO REPLAY! A game of chance as much as it is skill! It's a slow enough game as it is... WHY SLOW IT DOWN!?!?! People will stop watching!

THIS IS DUMB! Even if it means the difference between a World Championship or not. COME ON NOW!