O's moving on...

[hal]

holy crap!

Just watched the replay of the play. I've NEVER seen a ball hit that far being called an infield fly - no wonder fans are pissed.

They HAVE to improve this rule. Define the distance, then put a line on the field (like the 3 point shot line in basketball) and THEN allow 'instant replay' for the playoffs. Or do what the nhl does during he playoffs - every goal scored is verified by the 'war room' in Toronto. In this case, have the war room verify all home runs, home run length fouls and infield flies. Perhaps dropped 3rd strikes and other plays could qualify too.

[Speedy]

It was properly called. Typically the ball is caught so no one ever notices the umpire signal the call.

[Pam]

It looked the the short outfield to me.

[Speedy]

Short outfield is still infield fly territory. They showed the umpires signaling. Imagine if the bll had hit the ground and bounced into the glove of the outfielder who threw to third for a force and then the third baseman threw home for a tag out.

ps. I have no dog in the fight.

[hal]

I've seen shorter hits fall to the ground and not get called as an infield fly...

hmmm... just looked up the rule and it says, "blah, blah, blah which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort"

and watching the video again, I have to agree that the effort extended wasn't more than ordinary, but that's still a very long hit and few would have blinked if it was called an error with the runners safe.

but I have to agree that the call was correct as the rule is written...

[sekker]

If he hasn't caught it and was able to turn and throw for a double-play, the umps would be taking even more heat.