UGGHH... as a proponent of instant replay, this is just wrong. The only play I do not want to see instant replay on is trapped balls. There is to many outside variables on how to handle the play, and the time involved to check, that it should be the last thing implemented in a replay system. What is wrong with using it on force outs? That should be the easiest to implement, should be the fastest to do, and should eliminate a ton of arguments.

Edit: I was under the impression that Bud was for instant replay all along, but has been saying that it would have to be the right replay system or such and that he wasn't going to push it either way. And after reading the excerpt completely, it seems that was the case.

There is to many outside variables on how to handle the play, and the time involved to check, that it should be the last thing implemented in a replay system.

I don't think trapped balls are usually that tough to check. Maybe occasionally there's one where you need a few different angles to see it, but most of the time you can see it right away on the replay, but the umpires were too far away to see it.

I think the last thing to be implemented (and really, never implemented) is non-force plays. That's the kind of thing that can take 20 minutes to get right, and still might be wrong.

As for the variables on how to handle the play, it's really not any different than fan interference. The umpires decide where to put the runners. If they call it a hit and replay shows it to be an out, the runners return safely to their base -- for the most part they would have gotten back safely anyway. If they call it an out and the replay makes it a hit, the umpires will determine where the runners end up just like on fan interference.

I think I agree w/ no. 2. I was thinking that umpire resetting baserunners would be a big issue but that's what they're supposed to do anyway and I guess it would probably happen at the same rate w/ replay or w/out.

I don't think trapped balls are usually that tough to check. Maybe occasionally there's one where you need a few different angles to see it, but most of the time you can see it right away on the replay, but the umpires were too far away to see it.

Really? My experience has been different, it usually takes multiple angles to get a definitive view, and even that is usually debateable. And of course that isn't dealing with the how to handle the runner issue. Again, if they are going to add replay, the force out is the next logical step. It's simple, easy to judge, doesn't have a bearing on future plays(99.9% of the time that is) is the most common error (probably) and the one that leads to the most manager arguments.

I think what's important is that they need to end the "crew goes into the dugout and looks at a monitor" thing. They should have a league official in the press box whose job it is to watch the replays, and be ready for when the crew chief calls up to him. Since he'll probably be looking at the replay already when the crew chief calls up, half of the work would already be done.

Really? My experience has been different, it usually takes multiple angles to get a definitive view, and even that is usually debateable.

Well, that's my opinion on it. I respect yours.

I think what's important is that they need to end the "crew goes into the dugout and looks at a monitor" thing. They should have a league official in the press box whose job it is to watch the replays, and be ready for when the crew chief calls up to him. Since he'll probably be looking at the replay already when the crew chief calls up, half of the work would already be done.

Agree. I do not know why any sport would insist that the call must come from the men on the field.

In Jeff Foxworthy's voice.

"You know you are choosing a poor instant replay system, if you are following the NFL method, you just might be a retarded league"

he had me until 'replay.'

#7 The CFL has the stupid challenge model, but they've made it work pretty well by not putting the ref under the hood and going with a strong definition of indisputable evidence. It's rare for them to spend more than 20 seconds and they go with the call on the field unless it's clear the call on the field was wrong.

Basically they catch egregious errors and encourage the on-field officials to make what they feel is the right call. Replay isn't there to make the call for them.

it usually takes multiple angles to get a definitive view, and even that is usually debateable. And of course that isn't dealing with the how to handle the runner issue. Again, if they are going to add replay, the force out is the next logical step

You have a pt. Perhaps, and this is supposition on my part; the thinking is that: Trapped balls are one of the most difficult 50-50 type calls, lots of times umps make calls that are totally at odds with the film and we get crazy phone calls; and b) these really are fairly rare. Whereas force out at first is: usually pretty clear to even the average fan; and b) occur way too often in a game.

Of course the reasoning can totally backfire and they are reviewing trapped balls every night and still getting them wrong and people are still complaing. But I guess you really wont know until you try...

Something like that. Obviously I have no idea what's in their minds just a thought.

#7 The CFL has the stupid challenge model, but they've made it work pretty well by not putting the ref under the hood and going with a strong definition of indisputable evidence. It's rare for them to spend more than 20 seconds and they go with the call on the field unless it's clear the call on the field was wrong.

The problem with going to the camera in the tarp/dugout, is that your eyes aren't adjusted for the changed light conditions, so time is being wasted just for your eyesight to get back in gear both ways. There is no justifiable reason a major sports league that is making billions of dollars in profits, can't spend money on an extra replay official, off the field.

It bothers me that they keep trying to do things, that is clearly the wrong way to do it. As fans (even football fans) can make a decision on a replay long before the officials do. I have never seen a replay in which the crew goes to the camera and make their decision before the network has already shown the definitive angle at least three times. It makes no sense to go to a system that is clearly inferior to what is being broadcast already. I can see keeping a system (say human umpires) as a taste of nostalgia, tradition, but in this case there is no tradition to keep, you are developing something from the ground up, why not develop the best way off the bat?

You have a pt. Perhaps, and this is supposition on my part; the thinking is that: Trapped balls are one of the most difficult 50-50 type calls, lots of times umps make calls that are totally at odds with the film and we get crazy phone calls; and b) these really are fairly rare. Whereas force out at first is: usually pretty clear to even the average fan; and b) occur way too often in a game.

I agree that the trapped balls are rare and that the force outs are more common, and that the umps probably get trapped balls wrong way more often (as a percentage of chances) but force outs seem so easy to set up a replay system for that it boggles my mind that it's not being done already. On top of that, if you want to sell replay to the hard core traditionalist fans, a system of fair/safe which is easy and fast to do, would be a great way towards breaking the ice with them. I'm one of the few (if not only) person on this site who likes what Bud has done mostly (post 1995 at least--not counting the Expos) and I like the fact that he is tip toeing around the issue and not just unilaterally saying it's going to happen. I keep hoping that he is taking counsel of every thing that is being said on the subject and that he eventually puts in the only plan that makes sense(a replay official in the press box or like hockey at the home office)

As I said before, anything that emulates the NFL's ###### up system, is going to alienate the fans and be an ultimate mess.

"it's a pop up into short center field. Here comes the centerfielder! He slides! Did he catch it? . . . I don't know! Let's wait until they're done reviewing the tape! After this commercial break...."

Fcuk. Replay.

Well, this is going to suck.

it boggles my mind that it's not being done already

they should have automatic replay anytime two (or more ) runners end up at same base. Those plays can be deal breakers.

The other thing that strikes me about trapped balls, is that this brings up the touchy subject of making calls on the fly and resetting base runners. Will umpires call more traps safe and let it play out? And runners advance at their own risks? Or if the ball was really caught, then the runners out on the basepaths get to go back, and they get essentially the "free play" as in football and def. offsides? It's touchy but I'd like to seem them come to grips with this sooner than later. The sooner they get to that elephant in the room the better.

"it's a pop up into short center field. Here comes the centerfielder! He slides! Did he catch it? . . . I don't know! Let's wait until they're done reviewing the tape! After this commercial break...."

"Oh no, that is the worse call I have ever seen, James Joyce missed the call, Verlander's perfect game is ruined by a miscall from the umpire...oh wait, the crew chief is signalling to the first base bag, and apparently the instant replay booth in New York has called in and overturned the call that Joyce made 30 seconds ago and Verlander gets his perfect game".

"it's a pop up into short center field. Here comes the centerfielder! He slides! Did he catch it? . . . I don't know! Let's wait until they're done reviewing the tape! After this commercial break...."

"It's a pop up into short center field. Here comes the centerfielder! He slides! Did he catch it? . . . I don't know, but the umpire has ruled him out. No, wait, he's changed his mind to safe. But what do they do now?! The lead runner had already scored a run from third, but the men on second and first didn't move, and they are calling it a force out at third when he threw it in. The run counts, but they get the third out. Now both managers comes running out and start arguing with the umpire. The umpires get together, and start talking. Let's view the replay again. Oh, he caught it! That should be the third out, no run should score! The umpires are still talking..and they've stuck with their decision! Neither manager likes that at all! They are taking turns yelling at the umpire. Boy, we would have had this solved pretty quickly with a replay official in the booth...."

"Oh no, that is the worse call I have ever seen, James Joyce missed the call, Verlander's perfect game is ruined by a miscall from the umpire...oh wait, the crew chief is signalling to the first base bag, and apparently the instant replay booth in New York has called in and overturned the call that Joyce made 30 seconds ago and Verlander gets his perfect game".

Yeah, but if replay gives Galarraga's perfect game to Verlander that's pretty messed up. And Joyce probably could've gotten the call right in the first place if he hadn't been working on Ulysses between pitches.

Yeah, but if replay gives Galarraga's perfect game to Verlander that's pretty messed up. And Joyce probably could've gotten the call right in the first place if he hadn't been working on Ulysses between pitches.

Matt, James.....what's the difference (says a guy who's first name is James)