First, I’d like to state for the record I’m a lifelong Phillies fan, but a baseball fan first and foremost. I’m also an amateur umpire who doesn’t have the benefit of instant repay. Working with only one other umpire has its inherent challenges, and if I had the benefit of instant replay there are may times I would use it.
I have to admit I am somewhat torn as to Joe West’s controversial September 4th interference ruling was the correct decision although it had little impact on the game. The Phillies big name players have underperformed in key situations all year and this game was no different. As baseball fans across America voice their opinion about the call, let’s examine the actual text of the instant replay rule and apply the exact verbiage:
“Instant replay will apply only to home run calls – whether they are fair or foul, whether they have left the playing field, or whether they have been subject to fan interference. The decision to use instant replay will be made by the umpire crew chief, who will also make the determination as to whether not not a call should be reversed.”
Phillies Interpretation – On the surface Phils manager Charlie Manuel is contending a complete misapplication of the rule. By reading the rule and accepting the first nine words as they are written, instant replay will only be used on “home run calls”. Manuel contends he never spoke with West until after he made the ruling. “I thought they wanted to review it to see if it was a home run. I was arguing because if he went to see it because of the defensive play, I didn’t think you could do that. Even if you go look if it’s a home run or a double, the defensive play doesn’t come into play there.” Manuel’s argument appears to be that since the ball was not ruled a home run the use of replay was unwarranted.
Marlins Interpretation – Marlins skipper Jack McKeon certainly wasn’t questioning if the call should have been a home run or double as both possible rulings would prejudice his team. In most situations when a manager decides to confront an umpire they read their player’s reaction. Right fielder Bryan Petersen’s initial reaction is what prompted Trader Jack to question the call in the first place. Whether Manuel did or did not speak to West at that point is moot. McKeon asked for help, and home plate umpire Chad Fairchild suspected interference. West made the decision to go to video replay, and made the call ruling Pence out for fan interference.
The plot thickens. There is no question that two dolts interfered with the play on the field (and were rightfully ejected for doing so). The greater question remains as to the actual wording of the replay rule and if West had the latitude to make such a broad interpretation of the rule.
It is somewhat plausible to agree with Manuel’s assertion that the language of the rule precluded West from considering the interference and making the fan interference call. There is also the very gray area that even if West had that flexibility, no one can guarantee Petersen would have made the catch. Although he is a major league outfielder there have been many times where fielders are camped underneath a fly ball only to drop it. In this case Petersen was running hard to his left with the sun glaring off his glasses. There’s no guarantee the ball would not have clanked off the heel of his glove, and thanks to two dimwits we’ll never know.
This morning across the airwaves and internet the partisan cronies and homers have all expressed varying opinions. Even Yahoo Sports’ David Brown entered the fray by referring to West as “Cowboy Joe” and stating he went “rogue”. West’s personality and off-field activities have nothing to do with the call. Being an umpire myself I can only conclude the actual correct call was made. Whether West had the leeway to make such a broad interpretation is not for us as fans to decide. The execs at MLB have very likely already informally exchanged dialogue and opinions and will rule on the protest very quickly. My bet? Incorrect interpretation but correct application – protest denied.
Now, as to my opinions as a Phillies fan I’d rather they just drop the protest altogether. We would all love to see Charlie step up to the plate once in awhile and say, “We need to stop playing down to the competition. Roy Halliday is looking rather average right now and Cole Hamels should sue for lack of support. We need to stop using David Herndon when the game’s on the line and I wish Ryan Howard and Chase Utley would start hitting with the game on the line. We were 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position and a .167 average is pitiful. We hit into 3 double plays and deserved to lose.”
Since that’s not likely to happen let’s close with these thoughts. Protest-schmotest. If it weren’t for the overall stellar performance of the starting rotation and a surprisingly respectable bullpen you’re looking at a third place team. Forty games over .500 is meaningless if you can’t win games against bottom feeders. With three games in Atlanta and four in Milwaukee this week we’ll see if the Phillies have what it takes to survive and dig their cleats firmly into their competitor’s throats. This week they’ll prove whether they deserve the hype they’ve received thus far and game up for the best of what the National League has to offer. Otherwise it’s October 2009 and 2010 all over again.
How’s that for unbiased?