[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Peruvian

Paul Emmel must have the largest balls in the history of umpiring.

In the bottom of the 10th, Carl Crawford of TB was on third, tagging up as Tino Martinez hit a fly ball to left. During the catch, Seattle shortstop Jose Lopez came over to cover third and positioned himself just off the bag between third base and the catch, essentially screening Crawford's view of the catch. Emmel ruled that Lopez "obstructed Crawford's view of the catch and awarded him home."

What?!?

During the replay, it did look as though he tried to screen him. When Lopez came over to third, at the moment of the catch, he kind of discreetly threw his right shoulder up in on obvious attempt (IMO) to screen him, although Crawford could easily see the catch.

What do you think? Is there a case that even covers this? I don't think I'd ever call that, especially to score the winning run - but that's why they get the big bucks and not me.

There is a case that covers this as others have mentioned, but you are talking Seattle vs. Tampa bay, 2 teams going no-where meaning I wonder if this call would have been made in a Red-Sox, Yankee Game or some other meaningful game.

Even if the player is blocking R3's view, there is still the third base coach. The 3BC is also watching the play and tells the runner when to tag / leave, so I'm surprised the call was made.

Since it was Seattle vs. the DRays, nothing will probably come of it, but if it was any other meaningful game, my gut tells me something would be said or at least investigated.

Pete Booth