MLB needs replay for postseason
Mike Vaught
Issue date: 10/30/09 Section: Sports
The NBA even wised up and started using instant replay for calls at the buzzer in 2002 and 2003. In the 2008-2009 season, referees were able to use instant replay to determine whether a player's foot was on or off the three-point line on a made field goal.
If two of the major sports in this country have gone to some form of instant replay why is baseball so far behind? MLB only began using it this year when home run calls were being blown on a regular basis and it became an obvious problem. Now a coach can ask for instant replay to be used, and the umpires can review the play and make the correct call. Yes, it slows down the game but I'd rather see them take an extra five minutes to get a call right then see my team lose on a gaffe by the umpires.
I also believe that MLB umpires have the toughest job of any of the referees in sports. If they don't have the right angle or just happen to be in the wrong place, then it is quite possible that they will miss a call. This is all the more reason for the league to adopt a more advanced form of instant replay.
Each missed call is more proof that instant replay is needed in baseball, whether fans like it or not. It will take more time, but I'm sure a Twins or an Angels fan would not mind waiting the extra time if it meant their team had a better chance to win.
Umpires make mistakes like everyone else does. However, unlike the rest of us their mistakes are aired for the world to see. So why not give these guys a back up plan just to make sure they get the call right.
If two of the major sports in this country have gone to some form of instant replay why is baseball so far behind? MLB only began using it this year when home run calls were being blown on a regular basis and it became an obvious problem. Now a coach can ask for instant replay to be used, and the umpires can review the play and make the correct call. Yes, it slows down the game but I'd rather see them take an extra five minutes to get a call right then see my team lose on a gaffe by the umpires.
I also believe that MLB umpires have the toughest job of any of the referees in sports. If they don't have the right angle or just happen to be in the wrong place, then it is quite possible that they will miss a call. This is all the more reason for the league to adopt a more advanced form of instant replay.
Each missed call is more proof that instant replay is needed in baseball, whether fans like it or not. It will take more time, but I'm sure a Twins or an Angels fan would not mind waiting the extra time if it meant their team had a better chance to win.
Umpires make mistakes like everyone else does. However, unlike the rest of us their mistakes are aired for the world to see. So why not give these guys a back up plan just to make sure they get the call right.
Be the first to comment on this story