[grunewar]

Instant replay has turned into a "mating dance." Here's how it's worked in my observation.

Close play occurs. Manager pops out of the dugout and goes on the field. Saunters over to the ump. Both turn and look toward the dugout and casually talk about whatever. Bench coach is on the phone with someone reviewing the play to give the coach the "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" - challenge or not. Once the "thumb" is given we either go to the review or not.

Granted, in the games I've watched, although those decisions only take a minute or so (before replay), they seem to happen a lot. Must have happened seven to eight times in yesterday's Nats vs Braves game.

Blech - so far.

PS - most times it seems the replay justifies the umps decision and they don't go to the replay as the call was either validated or too close to challenge.