You all know that I am not into bashing the MLB guys, but this is call is really questionable.
Baldelli takes first after the ump's strange motion - Video | MLB.com: Multimedia
I am not even going to question whether the batter went around (because in my opinion, he did)! My problem is with the terrible mechanics. We stick our hand in the air, fingers up then he points to 1st. Now everyone thinks that the batter is called out on the checked swing but wait! Now the 1st base umpire comes up with a "no swing" call because he thinks he was being asked.
Sorry, this whole new era of mechanics SUCKS! I will stick to pointing to the batter with my left hand and saying "Yes, you went!" then point the strike with my right hand. For a checked swing appeal, I take 2 steps up the line toward my partner (1st or 3rd) and point with my LEFT hand and ask, "Did he go?". I have never, NEVER had any confusion to either a swing call or a check call in my career!
And I am a Boston fan so I could care less who wins this!