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From Kaliix -
Windy, I agree with your getting it right philosophy, to a point. The example below of the fair/foul call is one in which getting help is commonly accepted. But your quote about "how bad it looks or how it affects...the play" is taking that philosophy into the absurd.
Where was the first base umpire in the Yankee/Twins series when that runner was "tagged" out at second on a steal when the replays clearly and unequivocally showed that no tag was ever made? The angle from first was the best angle on the play. But that is a judgement call that a first base umpire is not going to over-rule. Getting it right has it's limits. I just wish you would admit that.
I have...many times! I have never advocated that every suspect call is eligible for redux. The MLB has shown us that there are many plays that can and should use this application. We have discussed which ones we are comfortable with, ad nauseum. I will not waste bandwidth repeating them.
From Mario -
By the way these Minor League guys are AAA and will do what they are instructed. All this huddling stuff hasn't filtered down to them yet. They are not perfect (if they were they would be coaches) but take my word for it, they are right on top of their calls everytime. They are in line to move up but they have to wait for slots to open up.
I was in their shoes once upon a time and know the routine. Fitz has already told his crews to get the calls right - at almost all costs. The pressure on them is unrelenting. They hustle, they study, the polish and almost act robotic - but they still make enough mistakes to cost them a shot at the big time. Fitz has many examples of his tutelage working on top and without exception, they are guys that put the game before themselves. They can think and react better than most and are humble enough to know that getting there isn't as hard as staying there. The "fix -t" mentality is present at AAA and AA ball. Most Rookie and A level officials that screw up that much are gone before they see the next stop. Minor league training is about focus and desire. Even in the indy ball that I've worked for more than a few years, we try to make the best call we can. But, we know that our partners will assist us AND support us when we do make an error. It has filtered down and pride precludes many of these robots from enjoying thie freedom it affords. Think about it - your partner just kicked a call that has been captured by videotape and will be sent to Fitz. You are both fighting for the same job. Do you let him hang and know that he will soon be out of your way? Do you take the risk of offering input to someone who may feel you are trying to show him up and get seen? These young guns have a much different perspective. I know, I've been there and it isn't fun.
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