Instant replay not ending controversial calls

We’re four days into expanded instant replay and I feel like I just ran into the brick wall at Wrigley Field before the ivy was planted.

My head hurts trying to understand some of the new rules and ramifications. We’re getting more calls correct -- and that’s admirable and necessary -- but we’re still seeing controversy and confusion. Trouble is, last year we could simply blame the umpires, and what’s more American than that? (Sorry, umps.) Who do we yell at now? The umpires? The umpires reviewing the plays in New York? The manager of your team for wasting his challenge on a correct call? The camera guys for not getting the exact perfect angle to review a play? Joe Torre? Alex Rodriguez?

Be careful what you wish for. We should have known from watching the NFL that instant replay wasn’t going to be a panacea. That doesn’t mean these first few days haven’t been frustrating.

On Wednesday, the Pirates led the Cubs 2-0 in the eighth inning as the Cubs loaded the bases with one out. Nate Schierholtz grounded to second baseman Neil Walker and the Pirates turned a 6-4-3 double play. Pirates pitcher Mark Melancon pumped his fist, believing he’d escaped the jam.

Except Walker’s throw to shortstop Jordy Mercer was wide of the second-base bag and replays clearly showed Mercer hadn’t touched the bag. Cubs manager Rick Renteria came out to question the call. The umpires went to the replay center and the call was overturned, giving the Cubs their first run of the game.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/45548/instant-replay-not-ending-controversial-calls

MLB Admits Botching Replay in Red Sox vs. Yankees Game[/b



We're just two weeks into the 2014 MLB season, and there are already problems with the new instant-replay system.

In the eighth inning of Saturday afternoon's contest between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, shortstop Dean Anna ripped a pitch by Burke Badenhop down the right-field line and appeared on first glance to beat Daniel Nava's throw into second base.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2027178-mlb-admits-botching-replay-in-red-sox-vs-yankees-game