Quote:
Originally posted by mcrowder
Pete - it was Adam Everett, not Craig Biggio... which invalidates that entire line of thought.
I'll say again... U2 KNEW he did not see the tag (my evidence - the lack of a tag). Most of us who have done this for a while KNOW when we are straightlined. Most of us, when this happens, have no recourse most of the time... but when we do (when the straightlined play is visible by another umpire), we ask for help (this includes, predominately, the "normal" help calls listed above, but is not limited to just those calls). An umpire in MLB is certainly likely to be much better than almost all of us... but should also know when we was straightlined.
Like it was mentioned above - an umpire needs 2 things to ask for help... 1 - Didn't actually see what he called (present in this case), and 2 - the likelihood that another umpire saw, or could have seen, the play better (also present in this case). While I'm not positive McClelland had a view of the tag/no-tag, I would think it LIKELY, considering that he's tracking the ball once he gets into position for the DP. And while it's possible he was still setting up position, and DIDN'T see the tag/no-tag, there is enough of a chance that he DID see it that U2 should ask.
But lost, and not mentioned, in all of this is the existence of a 6th umpire. U9 probably had the best angle of all on this, and had no other responsibilities on this play. It's highly likely that he DID see this. The question then becomes - did he (or McClelland) have a good enough view from 90 or 120 feet away to see for certain that there was no tag.
But there's no question in my mind that U2 should have asked.
(PS - this is not sour grapes from a Cards fan. I'm a lifelong Astro fan.)
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This makes no sense so I give up. You guys that want to ask another umpire can go ahead.
Just don't be expecting to move up to the next level because it won't happen.
Guys that are good umpires should know that when you're at first you might have a look at second, but you cannot tell if there is a tag or not.
Last year in HS playoffs, I know of three times I couldn't tell if there was a tag, one time that I actually know there was not a tag on a play at second.
In all three of those I asked and the umpires said there was a tag. And on none of the plays was there any argument from the coach who was at 3rd.
But I will continue to teach, its your call, make the call using the best judgement, etc., and move on.
I can just see the circus with U2 calling time, running out to U? in right field asking him, "did you see the tag?", sorry, I'm laughing now just imagining that.
When does the WS start? I can't wait to see how many times the best in the profession ask for help.
Thanks
David