Very strange mechanics!

[ChuckElias]

Anybody happen to catch the Royals/Red Sox game last night? Aside from another Sox bullpen collapse, here's the thing that caught my eye from an officiating point of view.

Top of the 8th, Boston runner on first. On the pitch, the runner attempts a steal of second base. The catcher's throw just barely beats him there, but is high. By the time the shortstop puts the tag on the runner, he tags his hip and the runner's hand is on the base.

The umpire spreads both arms out wide. The left hand is open with the palm down in a "safe" gesture. The right hand punches the runner "out". I swear, that's what happened. He gave the safe and out signals at the same time.

The shortstop trotted off thinking he'd just recorded the third out, and the runner just laid there touching the base. They showed the catcher standing at home plate holding his mask with the huge goofy smile on his face and mouthing "What the f*@#$? What the f@#$?"

It was hysterical. Turned out the runner was called safe (which was the right call, according to the replay). Pretty funny to see everybody think that the call went their way!

Chuck