MLB has stated that instant replay will be extended. What will this mean for the league, players, managers and, most importantly, fans? Here are some of the rules as of Thursday.
According to CBS Sports, "Owners approved funding the replay expansion when they met Thursday and plan to approve the exact rules in January following the completion of negotiations with the unions for umpires and players."
Things are not quite clear yet, but the one thing we do know is that managers will be allowed to challenge. Whether they file for this on a scorecard or reach for a flag in their pockets to signal for the challenge, is not yet known, but they will have two challenges to burn throughout the game. Like the NFL, where challenges take place frequently, managers will not be penalized if they win the challenge.
This is a more secure blanket for the umpires, who have always done a great job as ballparks and ground rules get more complicated by the day. There are plenty of stadiums with domes and home run lines and obstacles all over the majors. Ground rules vary and umpires do a great job staying on top of these things. However, blowing calls like the one of the "Imperfect Game" by first base umpire Jim Joyce. Rather than giving Armando Galarraga a new vehicle, he should have taken home credit for a perfect game as he clearly recorded the out at first base. So the rules will also protect players as the right play will be called.
This means managers will have more leeway. Instead of getting thrown out of ball game, managers can rely on the replay to get their point across. Rather than extending an argument they will likely lose, managers can just ask for a replay; end of discussion.
Fans will now have to be a little more patient. Of course, it would be absurd for managers to use the challenge when their team is getting blown out, but there may be some occasion. In the meantime, fans can grab more beers or enjoy more snacks as they wait for the game to resume.
Some ground rules on the replay should be added, for example, what if a manager wants his reliever to warm up if his current pitcher is having trouble getting outs? What if managers use the challenge with reckless abandonment? They can call for a replay and buy time for their relievers. Managers have always found creative ways to get their bullpen the time it needs to warm up, so what will prevent them from using the replay?
Instant replay will surely help umpires get the right call. While the human element has always been an argument for not having instant replay, the key is always to get the right call and technology will allow that as of 2014.
