MLB Considers Instant Replay Plan With Central Replay War Room
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MLB Considering Instant Replay
On Boundary Calls This Season |
In an instant replay plan being considered by MLB, video review of disputed calls would "take place at a central location and would be the responsibility of the umpire crew chief at each game," according to an umpires' union memo cited by Buster Olney of ESPN.com. USA Today Friday reported that umpires were "advised that instant replay could be in use as soon as" August 1, and sources said that MLB is "attempting to institute instant replay on home run calls before the end of this season." The replay plan laid out in the memo "will differ significantly from what is used in the [NFL], because [MLB] managers would have no power to prompt a replay." The memo states that the replay would be reviewed in a "replay war room" at MLBAM's N.Y. offices, and the chief of each umpiring crew would "have means to communicate with the war room directly." The memo also states that umpires would "have access to all video feeds," and that retired umpires are expected eventually to "play some role in replay supervision." MLB "believes replay would be used only about 10 times each season." According to the memo, the replay official would "tell the crew chief what the replay official sees on the video replay or replays -- and would not offer any advice or recommendation as to what the call should be. The crew chief would then decide whether there is 'clear and convincing evidence' that the original call by the crew is correct or incorrect." A source indicated that umpires are "in favor of replay as long as it's done in a way that protects and supports them." Olney noted while MLB Commissioner Bud Selig "hasn't given the go-ahead, it's believed he would support a system that would preserve the character of the sport and not delay games significantly" (ESPN.com, 6/14). ESPN’s Jayson Stark said, “People at (MLB) have finally concluded that instant replay is going to happen” (“Outside The Lines,” ESPN, 6/13). One MLB source said of instituting instant replay, "It's a matter of when, not if. ... The only thing holding this up is [Selig]. If he finally gives it his blessing, it can happen quickly" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 6/13).
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Scioscia Feels There Should Be Very
Limited Scope For Use Of Instant Replay |
REAX: USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale notes some "wonder if it's fair to implement replay during the season and not wait until the regular season's conclusion." Red Sox manager Terry Francona: "It seems putting together something this quickly, I don't know how that works. In the middle of a season, how do you change rules?" (USA TODAY, 6/16). Cubs manager Lou Piniella said of replay, "I don't think it's needed at all. How many times do you see players make errors? Baseball has talked about speeding up the game. It's all you hear. All of a sudden, they want instant replay? You're going to have slower games and more restless people in the stands." White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen: "Why not? I don't think it's a big deal. I think it will help everyone. It's a good idea, hopefully umpires go for it" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/14). Angels manager Mike Scioscia: "There is a very limited scope that has merit. I think it should be limited to a home run or fan interference." Angels CF Torii Hunter: "You want to get all these calls right. I think it's a slap in the face for the umpires, though" (MLB.com, 6/14). In Milwaukee, Michael Hunt writes, "That's the thing about baseball during the Selig era. It has been quite progressive, bringing about innovations such as [interleague play]. Other than [Selig's] sensitivity to the length of games, what's not to like? ... Let's roll tape, the sooner the better" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 6/16). In DC, Dick Heller wrote instant replay in MLB is an "idea whose time has more than come." Heller: "If judicious methods are employed, I wouldn't mind seeing TV used on, say, disputed third-strike calls and close plays on the bases" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 6/15). However, the GLOBE & MAIL's Jeff Blair wrote the institution of a limited instant replay system "will put the game on the slippery slope toward instant replay on balls down the line. Instant replay is a Pandora's box. It can't be closed" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/14).
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