Obstruction: Mets vs. Pirates

[rbmartin]

Obstruction call on Reyes proves costly for Mets | mets.com: News

Any thoughts? Please withhold your opinion until you see the arial view.

[MikeStrybel]

From the ground, it appears that Tabata had to hitch his stride in order to avoid contact with Reyes. Since Layne was not in the air, he would have only had his backdoor view and thus, his call was made tougher. His delay was unfortunate, it's almost as if he said, "What the heck was that?" and then made his call. From the air, it was pretty obvious, even to this Cubs fan (despise the Mets) that Tabata got away with one.

[MD Longhorn]

I don't know. It doesn't take much for OBS to be OBS - and it appears to me that the runner slows and turns a bit to avoid Reyes... and then is only barely thrown out. Not sure I'd have called it, but I don't think it was an egregious error on the umpire's part. He appears to have grounds for the call.

[MikeStrybel]

His delayed call is what makes this tough. Tabata hesitated going around two while glancing at the fielder, making this an even tougher call. Did that hitch cause Tabata to be thrown out, not likely but apparently Layne thought it did.

[mbyron]

I like the call. F6 has no business being there, right in the path of the runner rounding 2B.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I like the call. F6 has no business being there, right in the path of the runner rounding 2B.

I agree.

[rbmartin]

After being "thrown out" the runner immediately started heading for the dugout. That tells me that HE did not feel he was obstructed.
I also agree with 2 previous posters. F6 standing where he did only invites trouble.