IR rant

[Jimurray]

Cubs vs Mil, didn't catch much, flipping channels, was treated to announcers treatising  (is that a word) about instant replay. And while typing this I see another replay where the safe might have been a tag out. According to them IR is coming. The first play was inconclusive even with IR. I think IR and  12 ump mechanics, no, make that 16 would solve the problem. What problem is that? That is that the game is boring to the average dufuss who pays his money and wants to yell at the umpires, from what I hear in the stands they don't know much about baseball.  Let's take the umpires out of the equation and  let the computer call it. The technology should already be available. While they are great athletes  and I love to watch them (and their kindred at the lower levels with the heart and desire) I don't think I would watch much more baseball if they try to make the game, no the calls, perfect.

This might be a rant but I decided to post it anyway.

[Umpy]

I dunno, Instant Replay seems to work okay in the Little League World Series.

[JaxRolo]

It's an embarrassment to Umpires to be corrected but Instant replay.

Just wonder how many reversals it will take before not being allowed to umpire anymore.

[Mr Umpire]

The worse part about it would be hearing the comments "Man, I wish we had IR like the pros."

[JHSump]

Just wait, regardless of whether the pros go to IR, one day some rec or tournament coach will bring a cellphone out to an umpire to show him the video of the play, as taken by a parent moments ago! If that happens to me, I will enjoy that EJ.

As a matter of fact, don't be surprised if some parent near 1B starts video recording *every* play at first, just in case he wants to "review" it or "argue" the call, or hand the cellphone to the coach so he can argue the call.

If that happens to anyone else, please report it on this forum!

[Welpe]

It's an embarrassment to Umpires to be corrected but Instant replay.

Just wonder how many reversals it will take before not being allowed to umpire anymore.

I'm adamantly opposed to IR in baseball but I don't believe replay overturning calls in football has any effect on the officials. I can't imagine that the MLBUs would stand for a system like that.

I will say though, I think it is inevitable IR is coming for baseball. When it does, I will enjoy how the statistics are going to show how the umpires get a high majority of the calls right. Then the cry babies will have to find something else to whine about.

[Welpe]

As a matter of fact, don't be surprised if some parent near 1B starts video recording *every* play at first, just in case he wants to "review" it or "argue" the call, or hand the cellphone to the coach so he can argue the call.

That already happens. I'd think even most rec ball coaches know not to try and shove a camera in the umpire's face but if not I'd be glad to educate them on that.

[JHSump]

Has anyone here been approached by a coach carrying a cellphone (or video camera), trying to argue a call?? Yes, that would be a "teaching moment"!

Has anyone been approached by a fan with a camera (after a game, perhaps)?

[cyclonehokiece]

The closest I have come to a cell phone was a coach using one while in the coaching box, and from what I overheard (not really trying but he was talking quite loudly), it was dealing with what I assume is his day job. I told him to hang it up and put it away while on the field for his own safety.

[Welpe]

Has anyone been approached by a fan with a camera (after a game, perhaps)?

Yes, after a game. I laughed and kept walking.

[NoCal Blue]

I can see it being rolled out with some type of "restrictions". Could be the number of challenges a manager has or that a set specific circumstances exist. and you know that when it is instituted it will be used to evaluate officials.

[zm1283]

I dunno, Instant Replay seems to work okay in the Little League World Series.

No, it does not work okay in the LLWS. It is a total joke. I could be wrong, but it seems that the coaches are allowed to ask for a review on pretty much anything they want. The LLWS was a joke before IR, now it's even worse. The funny thing is watching them huddle on judgement plays just because a coach asks them to, then we get to hear the announcers talk about how LLWS umpires are great because they are working hard to "Get it right". :rantoff:

[Umpire in Chief]

It will happen it is just a matter of time. At first there will be restrictions, then there will be expansion.

Think of it this way how many more commercials can they sell each time the came is delayed for a replay -- This is what will drive the expansion of replay ultimately.

[midmoump]

HOORAY for instant replay!!!!

I WANT to work some BS youth game that has a two hour time limit and instant replay! What a blessing! I would ask for it CONSTANTLY! I would ENCOURAGE IT!

Me: "He's out!"

Coach: That's ok, Johnny. He only got you by a step.

Me: OOOOOH! That sounds like a challenge! Let's go to the film!

We would have one hour of baseball, one hour of replay, and I get paid the same! How cool is that? Of course, all replays must take place in the shade with a cold drink in my hand.

Coaches and fans and MLB and ESPN should be careful what they wish for! Baseball has an awful lot of "reviewable" plays. . . Come to think of it, maybe I'd just find something else to do with my free time since baseball does not need my experience, training, effort, or judgment.

Pete

[Thunderheads]

I think if MLB is going to expand ...it's going to be via a manager challenge or request for replay, and it can only happen 1 time in a game, each side. It's just an opinion ...IF it gets rolled out

[OHUMP]

Hey lets make it interesting it costs them $1000 to ask for a review. Every time they are correct they get the money back and can challenge again but if proven wrong the Umps of that game get the $1000 kind of like a protest fee.

[hbk314]

I think if MLB is going to expand ...it's going to be via a manager challenge or request for replay, and it can only happen 1 time in a game, each side. It's just an opinion ...IF it gets rolled out

If it ever comes to it, I'd like to see teams limited to one incorrect challenge per game. If you challenge and are right, that shouldn't stop you from challenging again.

[Mudder]

Always believed in IR, and think it should have been brought in a long time ago for fair/foul and even safe/out calls (balls/strikes - no, discussion for another day). Big believer in "getting the call right" Of course it'll have to be worked out how to best implement it, ie.challenges, etc, and to not slow the game down, etc., but as umpires we should welcome it as an aid, not a replacement. In other sports that have it where on-field calls get overturned, it doesn't make the official look bad.

[OHUMP]

My main question is on fair/foul calls you call foul and it is fair how do you decide where the runners should be placed since all action stopped on the foul call. Will this lead to more close calls being called fair and just let the replay then call it foul?

[LMSANS]

My main question is on fair/foul calls you call foul and it is fair how do you decide where the runners should be placed since all action stopped on the foul call. Will this lead to more close calls being called fair and just let the replay then call it foul?

Call everything fair, then fix it. :tantrum:

[mw94]

My main question is on fair/foul calls you call foul and it is fair how do you decide where the runners should be placed since all action stopped on the foul call. Will this lead to more close calls being called fair and just let the replay then call it foul?

Call everything fair, then fix it.

thats what this guy says!

http://espn.go.com/m...ay-system-works

[scrounge]

My main question is on fair/foul calls you call foul and it is fair how do you decide where the runners should be placed since all action stopped on the foul call. Will this lead to more close calls being called fair and just let the replay then call it foul?

Call everything fair, then fix it.

All kidding aside, I think we've ALREADY seen something similar in football. The clear emphasis on fumbles, etc., is when in doubt to NOT whistle or call the play but rather let it go knowing it can be fixed by replay later.

[mstaylor]

I hate to tell the writer of the article but the replays are already being done by someone else. The replays all go to NY and they are looked at there. The replay sytem at the LLWS is an unmitigated disaster. It is the most screwed up, convoluted mess you could think up.