Expanded Instant Replay: MLB Meets the Rest of Us in the Future

Since the first major league baseball game was played in 1871, players and fans relied on umpires to make the right call behind the plate and on the field. For the most part, we trusted their judgement. We didn't really have a choice. However, when human error is a component in any situation, things aren't going to be perfect, tradition or not.

In 2008, MLB turned to replay to resolve disputes on potential home runs (fair or foul) but this season replay was expanded to include anything that could change the outcome of the game if missed. So pretty much any call.

I don't consider myself a baseball purist by any means and I'm not getting my panties in a wad over expanded replay, but like many fans, I was pretty concerned about the amount of time verifying calls other than homers would add to an already lengthy game. So far though, it seems to be working.

How it works: Almost every call can be challenged by a manager. Teams have someone in their clubhouse watching TV replays. That guy then calls the bench with their professional opinion on whether it's worth a challenge. Basically (and rather unfortunately in the spirit of Earl Weaver) instead of running his chicken legs onto the field to throw his cap in a scene and spit seeds into the umpire's face, a skipper can calmly demand a challenge. The final decision will then come from an umpire in the central replay booth in New York... like an umpire desk job. Disputes will then be deemed either confirmed or overturned. If the manager wins the challenge, he gets another.

The first use of the new system happened in Pittsburgh on Monday. Cubs manager Rick Renteria challenged Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija being called out at first base in the fifth inning. It took two minutes for the umps to hook up a headset on the field and get confirmation from New York that the call was correct. Of course, if the call was correct in the first place, it's going to seem like a giant waste of time to one side.

Later on in the 10th inning, Cubs runner Emilio Bonifacio was called safe at first base on a pickoff play. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle challenged the call and it was overturned. Pittsburgh won that game 1-0. Not such a waste of time after all, says Bucs fans.

Elsewhere in the National League, the Brewers' Ryan Braun was called safe at first base for an infield hit in the sixth inning. Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez successfully challenged the call, which took only 58 seconds to overturn.

What are your thoughts on the expansion of instant replay? Is it good or bad for the game?

[USA Today]