CLE vs. KC - Replay review stands, but MLB later apologized, telling manager Ned Yost they got the call wrong

[MikeSafari]

Interesting development. Apparently the official MLB statement reads, "This is one of those rare circumstances in which the super slow motion view was delayed and the Replay Official reached a decision without the benefit of that information. Earlier today we communicated with Ned Yost, and during the conversation we expressed our regret for this occurrence."

That being said, U1 (Bob Davidson) appears to be moving as the play happens, and is very, very close to it. Would probably have been better if he'd been a little further back.

[indianaumpire15]

Video is not working for me.

[Lindsay]

I assume it's this one? http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v142258883/clekc-call-at-first-stands-in-the-8th

[Thunderheads]

WAY too close!!!   And .... timing timing timing.............

[johnnyg08]

Maybe a little close.

[Thunderheads]

Maybe a little close.

​yeah ...just a touch ........

when you lean back because of the throw ....you may be a bit close  

Edited June 4, 2015 by Thunderheads

[Umpire in Chief]

Here's what I see... 

• Yes, he is close not where we would ideally want to be, but remember MLB guys do tend to get closer than we do. I don't think it is ideal, but I also do not have an issue with that. 
• I think the bigger issue which may have led to the missed call is it appears he is watching the ball and not the bag. 
  • I think this is a perfect example of why we watch the bag and listen to the ball smacking the glove. I would bet had he been watching the bag and listening for the smack he may have not made the mistake. Just my thoughts.
  • 

[ElkOil]

Here's what I see... 

• Yes, he is close not where we would ideally want to be, but remember MLB guys do tend to get closer than we do. I don't think it is ideal, but I also do not have an issue with that. 
• I think the bigger issue which may have led to the missed call is it appears he is watching the ball and not the bag. 
  • I think this is a perfect example of why we watch the bag and listen to the ball smacking the glove. I would bet had he been watching the bag and listening for the smack he may have not made the mistake. Just my thoughts.
  • 

​I'd bet that this is a product of doing the same job for a looooooong time.  I'm confident there is a fair amount of complacency in the way Davidson (and lots of others at all levels) perform after having done it since Christ was a corporal.  Discipline takes stamina.  And when you let things slide, your positioning, timing and focus suffers.

[Jimurray]

Here's what I see... 

• Yes, he is close not where we would ideally want to be, but remember MLB guys do tend to get closer than we do. I don't think it is ideal, but I also do not have an issue with that. 
• I think the bigger issue which may have led to the missed call is it appears he is watching the ball and not the bag. 
  • I think this is a perfect example of why we watch the bag and listen to the ball smacking the glove. I would bet had he been watching the bag and listening for the smack he may have not made the mistake. Just my thoughts.
  • 

​Is he one of the old school guys who watch the ball into the glove or did he follow the throw and didn't have time to focus on the bag?

[MadMax]

Here's what I see... 

• Yes, he is close, not where we would ideally want to be, but remember MLB guys do tend to get closer than we do. I don't think it is ideal, but I also do not have an issue with that.

Ironically, the MLBU trainers want the BUs to be further away, more so to be able to see a broader "snapshot" of the play's components. We as fans and followers think that, on a play, that the umpire's close proximity means he was in "great position", while in all actuality, it was a fortuitous mistake or error in anticipation / preparation.

Bob Davidson was likely IP'd close to the bag at 1B for pickoff attempts. As the play happened (within 4-5 seconds), Davidson did not anticipate how (deceptively) fast this unfolded, and did not leave his IP in a direction or speed that put him in a more ideal location for the relay throw. He is perilously (for us) close to the bag, and the throw turns his head to a very small window upon which to judge. He likely made best judgement (or guess).

You can see, too, Davidson did not really sell that safe call.

[noumpere]

Bob Davidson was likely IP'd close to the bag at 1B for pickoff attempts. As the play happened (within 4-5 seconds), Davidson did not anticipate how (deceptively) fast this unfolded, and did not leave his IP in a direction or speed that put him in a more ideal location for the relay throw.

This is a good point for those who are moving from 2-person to 3-person.  We are used to moving *forward* (and to the right) when going from regular A to take a play​ at first.  When we start in short-A (for a pickoff) we need to move *back* (and to the right) to get in position for the play.  It requires some "re-training" of our instincts to do so.

[zoops]

Anything that needs super-slow mo to distinguish safe or out...Is it any more than luck for an umpire to truly get the "right" call on a play like this?  

[BillKen]

 

You can see, too, Davidson did not really sell that safe call.

​Great analysis Max.  On this final point though...why would any MLB guy sell a close call nowadays?  No need to sell it hard because you'll just look dumb if you are wrong and they are gonna challenge it anyway if it is in doubt.  I'm sure that Davidson hates replay being the old school guy that he is...so I'd say that in all likelihood, he knows that there is zero pressure to get it right.  All you gotta do is just make a call and then let the camera and the NYC guy make the real call.  Selling calls is for amateur umps!

[Replacematt]

Is it just me, or did it look like he was about to punch him out and then changed his mind?

[MikeSafari]

Is it just me, or did it look like he was about to punch him out and then changed his mind?

​I thought the same thing.

[grayhawk]

Even though he is too close, the MUCH bigger problem with his positioning is he came way too far off the line for a throw coming from second base.  His angle is better suited for a throw coming from F5 and he's probably too far even for a throw from F6's normal position.  You can even see him move his head as the ball whizzed by it within 4 feet.

I am nowhere near the level of these guys, but I would think even Bob would admit that his positioning here was plain awful.