[QUOTE]
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoBits
As amateur officials, don't we do that already? Don't we award bases on obstruction by what we think the runner could reach without obstruction? If an amateur can do that with a two-man crew, I would think a pro could do with four sets of eyes AND a dozen cameras watching.
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Apples / Oranges
In 90-95% of OBS calls the runner gets ONE base. If he trys for more absent any post OBS evidence the call is what it is.
if judgement is involved it's not that difficult.
Example:
R2: B1 singles
R2 is obstructed by F6 in going to third base. R2 trys for home. R2 is going to be awarded third base.
R2 now trys for home where he is out by a mile or good margin. The OUT call stands. If he is out by a whisker or couple of steps, award home.
IMO, it's not that complicated
Now Tag Plays in which you are a proponent of using replay.
Sitch: Game tied bottom of 9 R1/R3. 1 out
Infield playing IN.
Ground ball RIGHT at F4 who applies a TAG on the oncoming R1. The umpire calls OUT and F4 flips to F3 for the DP and send the game into extras BUT
R1 is SCREAMING that F4 missed him. The manager challenges the call.
Upon review F4 did not tag R1.
Now what!
Send R3 back to third put R1 on second base?
Would that have been the likely result if the call were correct to begin with?
Very Unlikely because with the score tied and infield playing in IF the umpire ruled safe F4 would have thrown home to get R3.
Do you score the run and end the game?
Again very doubtful.
Now we have a situation in which the umpires are in a "catch 22" Replay SHOWED that the call was incorrect BUT it's virtually impossible for the umpires to place runners. No matter what they do an argument will follow AFTER replay.
In other words, the station breaks for a commercial while the umpires are reviewing replay. They come back and for sake of argument put R1 at second and R3 back to third.
Now Each manager is going to be upset and an argument will most likely occur. So not only did the game slow down for replay we STILL have the ensuing argument ANYWAY.
Leave the Replay system where it is. THAT'S ENOUGH
Pete Booth