Hey, remember that at bat with Lance Berkman in 2010 when then-Washington Nationals' closer Matt Capps like totally got the then-Houston Astros' first baseman to swing at a 1-2 pitch only to have the umpires rule that the veteran infielder hadn't actually gone? Oh, he went... HE WENT!!!!
(Photo via MLB.tv)
Under the new rules for replays agreed upon by the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and the World Umpires Association... they will still not be able to review that blown check-swing call, but they did expand the circumstances under which replay can be used today...
• Check out Major League Baseball's Press Release on the expanded replay rules HERE:
All 30 @MLB clubs have unanimously approved expansion of instant replay, which will be in effect for the 2014 season and 2014 #postseason.
— MLB (@MLB) January 16, 2014
As a part of expanded instant replay, clubs now allowed to show all replays on the ballpark scoreboard, regardless if play was reviewed.
— MLB (@MLB) January 16, 2014
Managers will have at least one instant replay challenge to use during a game (1/3).
— MLB (@MLB) January 16, 2014
If any portion of challenged play is overturned, manager who challenged the play will retain ability to challenge 1 more play in game (2/3).
— MLB (@MLB) January 16, 2014
No manager may challenge more than two plays in a game (3/3).
— MLB (@MLB) January 16, 2014
After the beginning of the seventh inning, the umpire crew chief may choose to invoke instant replay on any reviewable call.
— MLB (@MLB) January 16, 2014
After viewing video feeds, the Replay Official will make the ultimate determination of whether to overturn the call.
— MLB (@MLB) January 16, 2014
So what do we think about the new rules? Too much, not far enough? When do we just go ahead and build the Robot Umpires everyone is waiting on? Did anyone agree to never let Angel Hernandez umpire in the majors again? Can they build a Balkin' Bob Davidson-model robot? "That. Is. A. Balk."