Fall Ball Sportsmanship

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Ozzy, they do it all the time in spring training games in MLB. They call runners out when they are 2 steps past the base, they expand the strike zone, the don't call balks, etc. They try to speed the games up, especially in the Cactus League, where it's hotter than blazes all the time, and the games are lopsided.

The players and coaches all understand this, and they appreciate the service. These games are scheduled for 9 innings, and there is no mercy rule available. They can't just agree to stop the game, they have to play it out. The only ones who can mercifully speed them up is the umpires.

Holy crap. What complete nonsense. Every single sentence. Complete and utter nonsense.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

Holy crap. What complete nonsense. Every single sentence. Complete and utter nonsense.

I've attended many a spring training game in Yuma when the Padres used to train there, and I'm not the only one who has noticed that what I said actually occurs. I've also heard the broadcasters say the same thing in these games. So, you are saying that you have umpired in spring training games and know better? Didn't know you were a pro, my bad.

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by PWL

Oh, you could not be more wrong. They play until they run out of pitching on both sides. It is not that hot in Arizona in March. Yes they speed the games up, but that is because it is not like the regular season when you have all the commercials and the wins mean something. I guarantee you an umpire who calls a runner out two steps past the base will not be an umpire long. They just don't come out and argue every call. They just sit in the dugout and worry about the upcoming season. I know, I've been there.

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