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Please watch the 3rd(1:48) and 4th(2:03) replays that are shown on the MLB site given by TNO. The 1st and 2nd replays cut off right at the point where it is harder to tell the outcome. The 3rd and 4th replays continue the whole play through and give a much better picture. This makes Meals correct call much more obvious.
Why is a runner who is clearly going to his right in the grass suddenly end up in the dirt at the end? Why not continue to the right in the grass area to slow down? Because he sees the ball cross in front and he makes the attempt by turning and stepping (big) back to his left, and then decides against going to 2nd because the ball is not far enough away for him to make 2nd before a fielder could pick the ball up and throw him out.
Bet this would look doubly more obvious if the camera had been right on the 1st base line behind home plate like it is on the playoffs. Meals call was easily correct and Darlings statement about calling this type of play for even less, is just as correct.
And yes, Tim Tschida admitted making a mistake on the tag play in the playoffs, so the umps know they are not infallible as do all of us.
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