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Originally Posted by greymule
Even though Upton's interference would not have been called in MLB in the past, it is the fourth such INT called in MLB recently. Apparently umpires either decided on their own or were instructed to crack down.
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Earlier this season, the Phillies had such a slide executed against them and the umpire did not make the call. They raised all sorts of hell in the media and MLB.
The following weeks, there was another play similar that the umpire didn't hesitate to rule interference and it has occurred a few times since and the umpires are taking this call in stride.
I believe what people who don't understand the calls are confused, including the players. Because in the past players were allowed the occasional wide slide or a (bent) leg just high enough to catch the fielders feet, I think the players believe they can do anything they want and it has gotten out of control. Breaking up a double play is part of the game, but these guys have made it obvious, VERY OBVIOUS the they are not attempting to reach the base, but are on a mission to make physical contact with their arms and hands with the defender which couldn't be miscontrued by Mr. Magoo as an effort to reach the base.
IOW, it has gotten to the point of absurdity where the umpires don't have much of a choice. BTW, none of the INT calls made that I have seen on replay could be mistaken for anything other then INT.