MLB plans to expand instant replay in 2014

[BigUmpire]

Highlights of the new system:

 

• A review will be initiated when a manager informs the umpire that he wants to challenge a play. He will be allowed one challenge in the first six innings and two more from the seventh through the end of the game.

 

• If the manager wins his appeal, he retains the challenge. The challenge from the first six innings does not carry over.

 

• Not all plays are reviewable.

 

• If a manager disagrees with a reviewable call, his only recourse would be to use a challenge. Managers would not be able to argue a reviewable call in a bid to get it overturned without the use of replay. A manager could still argue in situations not open to review, such as when defending a player or questioning an improper substitution.

 

• All replays will be reviewed by umpires at MLB Advanced Media's state-of-the-art facilities in New York, with technicians available to provide the necessary video.

 

ʉۢ There is no provision to cover the possibility of an obviously blown call late in the game if the manager has used all his challenges.

 

 

Comments please.

[iankelleyumpire]

Well, there goes the human element. 

[JHSump]

"Not all plays are reviewable."  I would like to know what calls can be reviewed, and what calls cannot be reviewed.  Is that list available?  Or is it still being developed?

 

"Managers would not be able to argue a reviewable call in a bid to get it overturned without the use of replay."  By rule, judgement calls are not arguable already.  Yet judgement calls are argued all the time.  Even balls and strikes are argued. Often the manager is just trying to influence the next call.  I don't yet see how this new procedure will stop any of these arguments, especially since managers would then be giving up what they may see as the potential to influence the umpires.

 

"All replays will be reviewed by umpires at MLB Advanced Media's state-of-the-art facilities in New York, with technicians available to provide the necessary video."  Will sound be available in addition to video?  HD video is one thing, but high quality sound could also be important, specifically the sound available to the umpire that made the call.  Examples would be on a foul where the bat just nicked the ball, or a HBP when the pitch just nicked the batters jersey.  Close plays at 1B are another example.  Video alone would not provide the full information available to the umpires on the field.

[Jocko]

I'm all for it. I used to not be, but now the stupid ass announcers won't be jabbing the umps as bad.

[Dannytheman]

I think if the coaches are wrong on their appeal they should pay 1000 dollars in a kitty, if the umps are wrong they pay 1000.  Let's see who gives most at end of year.  Games are already over 3.5 hours now.

[Jocko]

I see a new coaching position. Advising mgrs when and when not to use their reviews.