MLB Urban Invitational: USC @ Southern

[D-Man]

There is so much wrong with what they did. Ultimately, because they got the call wrong.

(edited because I got the starting scenario wrong)

R2, 2 outs, sinking liner to F8. Runner was going on the pitch so R2 scored, BR to first.

First problem: I don't believe any umpire called anything. They just let everything run it's course. U1 (crew chief) and PU see the apparent drop and no one is coming out so all is well. It's normally U1's call under the 2008 CCA mechanics. CCA has the infield umpire going back to the "U" for routine fly balls. Problem is on trouble balls the coverage changes. From F8 striaght in or out to the LF DBT, coverage responsibility is transferred to U3. U3 probably had the first part of the recent change in his mind when it appeared he didn't go out.

Second problem: Southern coach came out. Why? Could U3 have nade a call? I didn't think he did but why else would the SU coach come out? Now, U1 makes some hand gestures that didn't seem to go with the play but he had to be telling the coach that it was his call and F8 showed no control. OK, fine, the SU coach goes back to his dugout. Why didn't the crew get together at this time. To me U1 had no doubt there was no catch. Boy is he in for a surprise.

Third problem: The batter digs in and a pitch is thrown. Next thing you know, everyone is running off the field confused. U3 has made a call on the catch! Huh?!?! Without any conference with his partners, U3 takes the call, A PITCH TO THE NEXT BATTER LATER!! I mean think of all the priveledges of appeals teams lose because of one pitch to the next batter. I know, we are umpires and we have an obligation to get things right. That alone should have resulted in a conference. If the other two umpires (including the one who's responsible for the catch/no catch, have no catch, shouldn't he other umpire accept that call until his take can be heard away from the coaches and players. He absolutely can not take that call at that time without a conference.

Fourth problem: Now he's got to explain this to the USC coach. There is no scenario I can imagine that will result in the USC coach remaining in the game at this point. Even if U3 concedes, he is going to get lambasted. Of course, the USC coach must have said one of the magic words because the ejection was abrupt and sudden. The USC coach seemed incredulous that he was thrown out, as well. Not that that necessarily means anything but in this particular context, who knows?

U3 seemed to be the youngest guy on the crew. Maybe he was trying to make a name for himself. He suceeded.

D