7-8-06 Cardinals @ Astros

[jwwashburn]

I do not want my lack of confidence in Bob Davidson's judgement to color my opinion of this play.

In the bottom of the 11th, Roy Oswalt was pinch hitting with 2 outs and hit what appeared to be a double. La Russa asked for his team to appeal that Oswalt did not touch first base. Davidson called him out. The replays show that he was, at least, EXTREMELY close to the base. He did not step on top of the base, that much id for darn sure. He may or may not have touched it. Jose Cruz, Sr. was coaching first and did some gyrations and may have said something that might have influenced Davidson

Questions for those who have seen the replays or saw it live.

1) I was taught to call out a runner on an appeal of this sort ONLY if I am sure that he missed the base. Am I right in this standard? From what I can see, there is no freaking way that Davidson could be sure that Oswalt missed the base.

2) Was Davidson where he belonged on this play?

3) Are you as shocked as I am that Garner did not go out and murder Davidson?

Joe