Should MLB use Instant replay for more than just home runs?
The 6/2/10 Detroit/Cleveland game will definitely bring up discussions about instant replay in baseball. Armando Galarraga was robbed of throwing a perfect game when the first base umpire called Jason Donald safe in what should have been the last out in the game. This would have been the first perfect game in Detroit’s history and the first complete game, shut out and perfect game for Galarraga. Instead, the record book will show that Galarraga pitched a one hitter. A noble effort, but not nearly as momentous as a perfect game.
Jim Joyce acknowledged after the game that he blew the call- after he saw the replay. But how does that make anything better. Just ask the New York Giants if they felt better after the NFL officials acknowledged that they blew the call in the 2003 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. What should have been a pass interference call was not called. The result the Giants were returning home with their season finished instead of having a 2nd chance for a game winning field goal. Granted, the NFL doesn’t allow for instant replay for questions on pass interference. My point being an apology after the fact doesn’t make the botched call any easier to take.
Major League Baseball currently allows instant replay only when there is a question of if the home run went over the fence, was foul or not, or if there was fan interference or not. But there is no chance to review close calls at the plate or for that matter any base. That is like saying that the NFL would only use instant replay to determine if a player stepped out of bounds during a kickoff or punt returned for a touchdown.
The continued fast pace of sports will just present more opportunities for officials to make a bad call. Why not give the officials an opportunity to get in right when it matters most; when the outcome of a game could be affected or when a pitcher/hitter has the chance to earn a place in the stats books.
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