Two Different Strike Zones?? WS Game 5

[Always Wright]

Here's my question. If he had the authority to suspend the game indefinitely, why did they wait for the Rays to tie the game before they stopped play? It was a complete joke that they played the top of the 6th. That was far and away the worst conditions I have ever seen baseball played in. It was extremely dangerous for the players, in particular, Hamels. And the run the Rays scored has to be considered somewhat tainted - how could anyone make a good defensive play in those conditions. If Bud had big ones, he would have stopped the game after 5 (or even before) and done what he said he would have done. Suspend the game until conditions were acceptable. Instead, he waited until the Rays tied the game and the suspension is supported by the rule book. Big ones indeed.

Chris Wright
Brooklyn, NY

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by Always Wright

Here's my question. If he had the authority to suspend the game indefinitely, why did they wait for the Rays to tie the game before they stopped play?

Because "they" think the Rays are good for ratings?

Maybe they shouldn't have started the 6th. Maybe they thought the field would still be playable. But to say, "let's start the 6th so the Rays can try to tie it and we can make it a suspended game?" I don't think MLB umpires think like that. At any rate I certainly hope they don't care what the score is.

[SAump]

MLB erred on the biggest stage.
The game Monday should have never been started.
The weather forecast called for rain, followed by more rain.
I didn't think about how well the wet field would drain.
If you ask, me I would call it a draw and play another 9 innning game.
A three inning game is questionable at best.
I hope every pitcher on staff is on hand and pitching changes occur every half-inning.
Everyone is coming in from the bullpen. That is just how important the game is now.

[ILRef80]

Originally Posted by Toadman15241

The 2007 rule change did not get rid of games being official after 5 (or 4.5). Selig stated that IF the score was Philies 2 Rays 1 after 5 1/2 innings he would have suspended the game.

To those of you arguing that there is no problem with this POSSIBLE "ruling," would you have a problem with it if it were during the regular season? (And when was the last time a game was suspended after it was official even though one team was ahead. Never.) If your answer is yes, then there is a problem. The rules should not change from the regular season to the WS.

At some point, you have to exercise some common sense. The reality is that no one (not even the Phillies) wants a rain-shortened game in the World Series...much less a series clinching game.

[Umpmazza]

Originally Posted by Toadman15241

Since when does the WS have a different set of rules than every other MLB game?? Listening to Bud's press conference and he stated that if the Rays didn't score in the 6th that the game would be in a rain delay for 24-48 hrs in order to complete the game. What a joke. If the game was 2-1 after 4.5 the game should be called. Period.

ETA: Bud just got asked the question. He said that he has enough power to do whatever the hell he wants to do. That is nice to hear.

Are you serious? Its the world series for christ sake.. and you think that it should ne called on a rain delay... yes I agree with the regular season games, but not for the championship. Good call by Bud Selig. ( for Once)