MLB use of 6 man crews for the playoffs

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Will whatever benefits there are of having U5 and U6 go away (or become even a net negative) once instant replay use is expanded? In other words, if they are going to review the calls that are in doubt anyway, why have the larger crew?

Don't forget that the expanded use of IR starting next season (if passed by owners, the players association, and the umpires association) is still limited by the number of challenges a manager will be allowed during a game. In theory, a manager could run out of challenges, and then there's a situation that requires a judgment call by the LFU or RFU. I would agree with you if managers were allowed unlimited challenges.

As a side, who came up with "U5" and "U6" as designations for these umpires anyway? Why not "U4" and "U5", since there is no such thing as "U4" in a four-man crew?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Manny A

As a side, who came up with "U5" and "U6" as designations for these umpires anyway? Why not "U4" and "U5", since there is no such thing as "U4" in a four-man crew?

Should be ULF and URF ... or U7 and U9.

[CT1]

Our state uses 3-man for all HS playoff rounds. We typically work 3-man on the last two Saturdays before the playoffs to get ready.

The SEC goes from 3-man to 4-man for their tournament.

[UMP25]

From what one of my friends in MLB has told me, MLB is seriously considering employing a 5-man crew in the near future, with the 5th man either being a replay booth official, or rotating in and out of the crew per game with the plate guy. These are two ongoing discussions.

Whether they'll be implemented or how remains to be seen.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by UMP25

From what one of my friends in MLB has told me, MLB is seriously considering employing a 5-man crew in the near future, with the 5th man either being a replay booth official, or rotating in and out of the crew per game with the plate guy. These are two ongoing discussions.

Whether they'll be implemented or how remains to be seen.

Why not combine the two ideas - the guy who sits while resting (either after or before his plate game) can work the replay booth.

JJ

[UMP25]

If it makes sense, then it probably won't happen, John.

I do agree that your suggestion, or a similar one where there's an in-house reviewer like the NFL's booth reviews, would be better than what has been proposed for the 2014 season.

Originally Posted by UMP25

I do agree that your suggestion, or a similar one where there's an in-house reviewer like the NFL's booth reviews, would be better than what has been proposed for the 2014 season.

Are you familiar with the NHL review system? I feel theirs is the best of any sport.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by CT1

Our state uses 3-man for all HS playoff rounds. We typically work 3-man on the last two Saturdays before the playoffs to get ready.

The SEC goes from 3-man to 4-man for their tournament.

The SEC went to 4-man in conference regular season games this past year. Most D1 and a lot of D2 conferences work 4-man in conference tournaments.