Obstruction Call Mets/Phillies

[umpjong]

Obstruction... His path was impeded. Yes he exaggerated it, but it was impeded.
Good call..... (cant not call it just because he made it look worse than it was)

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by umpjong

Obstruction... His path was impeded. Yes he exaggerated it, but it was impeded.
Good call..... (cant not call it just because he made it look worse than it was)

If you made that call, and I was your partner, I would have no problem backing you up on it. Yes, you can't not call it JUST because he made it look worse, but contact is not automatic OBS either. My judgment would be it's nothing, because the runner had a clear path directly to 2nd base, i.e., he was not obstructed, but instead of taking that path, he chose to run into the fielder. In other words, he was obstructed by his own act, not the fielder's.

[johnnyg08]

Reyes only impeded him because Victorino initiated the contact into Reyes...I'd be interested to see how the crew was evaluated on this call...only because I'm curious not because I really care one way or another.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

If you made that call, and I was your partner, I would have no problem backing you up on it. Yes, you can't not call it JUST because he made it look worse, but contact is not automatic OBS either. My judgment would be it's nothing, because the runner had a clear path directly to 2nd base, i.e., he was not obstructed, but instead of taking that path, he chose to run into the fielder. In other words, he was obstructed by his own act, not the fielder's.

But isn't a runner allowed to take whatever path he chooses?

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

But isn't a runner allowed to take whatever path he chooses?

No.

[dileonardoja]

Just like umpires are taught to sell their calls when necessary, Victorrino did a good job of selling the obstruction. Give him his due. When you see this in real time from the angle he had and only see it that once, it is very reasonable to make the call he did. When he got to the locker room and reviewed it maybe he had a different opinion of the play. I'd have no problem backing my partner if he made that call or if he made it the other way (a nothing).