A few weeks ago, baseball decided to ok a replay system to review close calls on home-runs. This was mostly decided because of an unusual string of tough plays during the early part of the season, at least one involving the Yankees on national TV.
Home-run decisions have become harder because ballparks are more and more going with unusual dimensions in the outfield. I'm a fan of this because I like the goofy factor, but this is definitely a drawback. Modern umpires are being asked to make quick judgments on whether or not a ball hit above or below something like a yellow line. Keep in mind that the umpire is more than 200 feet away when this happens and each play involves a change in score.
Last night for only the third time, a replay was involved and it cost the Twins three runs. (I didn't see the play and have no opinion but the Twins don't seem to feel robbed.) I heard some of the after talk on the radio while driving home and they said this was the third time in 300 games. Then they mentioned that each time it happens the umpires are in communication with the league office. Apparently there is some nerve center in New York where a team of people confer with them to make sure they make the right choice.
Picture that, a team of people in New York who sit around and help with a decision once every hundred games or so. Not just any decision but one that every fan at home wishes they could also offer input. This calls to mind a single question: where in the world is the application for this spot???
Research is inconclusive, but I'll stay on top of this.
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