Red Sox/Yankees Question

[Fittske]

Usually the point mechanic is given for non-verbal "swinging" strikes. I don’t know if this umpire uses the "hammer" mechanic for his called strike, but if he does, this could have been confused with an "out" call on the runner if he had given it. Good job by the PU to keep his presence of mind to single strike then make the safe call. I guess that’s why he is a professional :-)

[zm1283]

I thought Pettit asked the PU if it was a "ball" or not. I don't know how it would be a balk as Pettit was going out of the windup and not the stretch.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by Fittske

Usually the point mechanic is given for non-verbal "swinging" strikes. I don’t know if this umpire uses the "hammer" mechanic for his called strike, but if he does, this could have been confused with an "out" call on the runner if he had given it. Good job by the PU to keep his presence of mind to single strike then make the safe call. I guess that’s why he is a professional :-)

very good point

[rulesmaven]

Originally Posted by zm1283

I thought Pettit asked the PU if it was a "ball" or not. I don't know how it would be a balk as Pettit was going out of the windup and not the stretch.

Yup -- I've now seen the replay that inlcudes Pettite, and you're right. He wasn't pitching from the set position. Full windup, which is pretty much what allowed the steal.

[DonInKansas]

Bases were loaded, some pitchers like to go windup from there. Ellsbury was damn near into his slide when the ball was delivered.

[David B]

Originally Posted by Fittske

Usually the point mechanic is given for non-verbal "swinging" strikes. I don’t know if this umpire uses the "hammer" mechanic for his called strike, but if he does, this could have been confused with an "out" call on the runner if he had given it. Good job by the PU to keep his presence of mind to single strike then make the safe call. I guess that’s why he is a professional :-)

Watching it on ESPN and I was impressed with the PU's timing. Smooth, nothing seemed to phase him.

Thanks
David

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by DonInKansas

Bases were loaded, some pitchers like to go windup from there. Ellsbury was damn near into his slide when the ball was delivered.

If he hadn't tripped on his last step, he may not have slid at all.