MLB released the rules and regulations for the new instant replay system that is scheduled to be in play in 2014:

 

To ease the transition to a seamless replay system, MLB will also be employing these at first base, third base, and centerfield.

 

MLB has the NFL beat in this situation simply because they have an off-site video specialist making the call. The NFL wastes too much time having the head official run off and on the field and reviewing the feed simply because the it's been collectively bargained that he always has the final authority over any call.

So MLB replay has been modeled almost exactly after NFL replay. What a disappointment. It's too bad Joe Torre has his name on this.

I really don't mind the new replay rules. The MLB tested the replay system during a few AFL games this season. Below is a link to one of the calls that was overturned through the replay system. In the video at the 0:17 mark the announcers state that the manager is using his challenge. At the 1:10 mark the umpire signals that the runner was out. In less than a minute from when the manager talks with the umpire about the call, the call is overturned. While some replays will take longer than a minute to overturn, I still think it is worth implementing the system.

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/26271672/v31207969/srrscot-replay-test-overturns-ramseys-rbi-single/?query=replay

I really don't mind the new replay rules. The MLB tested the replay system during a few AFL games this season. Below is a link to one of the calls that was overturned through the replay system. In the video at the 0:17 mark the announcers state that the manager is using his challenge. At the 1:10 mark the umpire signals that the runner was out. In less than a minute from when the manager talks with the umpire about the call, the call is overturned. While some replays will take longer than a minute to overturn, I still think it is worth implementing the system.

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/26271672/v31207969/srrscot-replay-test-overturns-ramseys-rbi-single/?query=replay

 

On second thought, I will say that it's a relief there are no "unreviewable" calls, not counting balls and strikes. That's the NFL's worst failing. If the intent is to simply get the calls right. But how do you feel about the idea of rationing one dugout challenge per game, two if you win the first challenge, and no dugout challenge permitted after the seventh inning?

What if they look at one part of a play and see something overturnable in another part of the same play?

 

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/817148387.gif?1382574825

 

In the 2013 World Series umpires overturned this play, Dustin Pedroia sliding into second base. This is just the sort of play that would be reviewed via instant replay with the new rules.

 

What if, in reviewing whether Pete Kozma caught the ball from Matt Carpenter, the review umpire decided that Pedroia went out of the baseline and should be out?

 

 

(This should be a gif animation. The picture loader inexplicably changes the extension to jpeg.)

I really don't mind the new replay rules. The MLB tested the replay system during a few AFL games this season. Below is a link to one of the calls that was overturned through the replay system. In the video at the 0:17 mark the announcers state that the manager is using his challenge. At the 1:10 mark the umpire signals that the runner was out. In less than a minute from when the manager talks with the umpire about the call, the call is overturned. While some replays will take longer than a minute to overturn, I still think it is worth implementing the system.

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/26271672/v31207969/srrscot-replay-test-overturns-ramseys-rbi-single/?query=replay

 

The added time is my biggest issue, so this is somewhat reassuring.

MLB released the rules and regulations for the new instant replay system that is scheduled to be in play in 2014:

 

Rules Not regulations. Just rules. The MLB is not a regulatory body last time I checked (that would be the executive branch of the Federal & State government )

Chief releases his rules and regulations for replay:

 

1. 5th umpire in a booth watches every play from all available angles and signals crew chief when something may be amiss.

 

2. Appropriate action taken.

Chief releases his rules and regulations for replay:

 

1. 5th umpire in a booth watches every play from all available angles and signals crew chief when something may be amiss.

 

2. Appropriate action taken.

 

But then they wouldn't need the cool sounding "Replay Command Center".

I wonder what they will do about the phantom double play at 2nd base? I think I read somewhere that it wasn't reviewable? It always was up to an umpire to determine the vicinity of 2nd base when turning the DP.

The added time is my biggest issue, so this is somewhat reassuring.

 

It may seem like added time, but when you consider the reduction in wasted time spent while managers argue with umpires, the system may actually speed the game along. Not the same kind of entertainment value, perhaps, tho.

Chief releases his rules and regulations for replay:

 

1. 5th umpire in a booth watches every play from all available angles and signals crew chief when something may be amiss.

 

2. Appropriate action taken.

 

I'd rather they do something like this than have a manager initiated challenge system. Let's just keep an extra umpire up above and have him "buzz" or signal the home plate ump if something needs a review. He can then communicate the correct call to the umpires on the field if something needs to be changed.

 

I don't like the "you only get 2" rule - why not just get the call right, instead of leaving an incorrect call because a manager has used up all of their challenges? (Granted, this may be a limited occurrence, but why take that chance at all?)

 

It's a step in the right direction, which is nice. The fact that there are no "un-reviewable" plays (looking at you, NFL) is a nice touch.

It may seem like added time, but when you consider the reduction in wasted time spent while managers argue with umpires, the system may actually speed the game along. Not the same kind of entertainment value, perhaps, tho.

 

After their challenges are used, there is nothing that stops this from happening right? Or that a manager can't argue but not challenge?

 

I'm unconvinced this system eliminates that. But if they are as efficient as the NHL....then my concern is gone. It just worries me to model this after the NFL, which does cause major game delays to do replay.

A little disappointing that this place:

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/5d581fe25a8d885dfc3c0d44ae6bc618d961f779/c=300-0-3653-2522&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2014/03/26//1395877837001-replay2.jpg

 

can't cope with challenges from 2 games simultaneously.

 

that 5 minute delay yesterday was brutal

 

http://www.twincities.com/twins/ci_25480671/twins-lengthy-replay-challenge-impacts-game

It may seem like added time, but when you consider the reduction in wasted time spent while managers argue with umpires, the system may actually speed the game along. Not the same kind of entertainment value, perhaps, tho.

It also devalues the bench coach position' as this person will no longer manage 25% of the season innings that Gardy gets ejected from...

At Thursdays night's Yankee Astro game, Umpires used instant replay to determine the count of balls and strikes.

 

http://deadspin.com/umpires-used-instant-replay-to-check-the-count-and-i-wa-1558360100

 

Does this constitute unintended consequences?

Braves are 2/2 in challenges...long live replay!

And down with the Nationals!

Braves are 2/2 in challenges...long live replay!

And down with the Nationals!

This got me to thinking...if they had replay back in the day, do ya suppose Gant would have been ejected for pulling Hrbek off the bag with that violent leg kick?