Bee Sports Editor/Opinion
Baseball needs to review its instant replay policy
Instant replay works in the NFL. It thrives in the NHL, where a central room reviews every goal. And the NBA expanded use of replay last season to give the referees greater discretion in all areas.
So why is Major League Baseball stuck in the 1980s in reviewing close calls?
The final out of the A's 14-13 win over the Twins on Monday exposed a flaw in the MLB's philosophy of only using replay to check home-run calls.
The Twins' Michael Cuddyer tried to score from second on Michael Wuertz's wild pitch. Catcher Kurt Suzuki threw to Wuertz, who tagged Cuddyer out at the plate.
Not so fast. Replays could have put a damper on the greatest comeback in Oakland A's history. From every angle, Cuddyer appeared to slide into the plate before he was tagged.
Cuddyer had a good reason to slam his helmet down. He was safe. MLB also has good reason to review its replay policies because Monday's game should have continued.
What to surf
http://mlb.mlb.com/ media/video.jsp?content_ id=5653893: Cuddyer sure looked safe.
What to watch
Baseball, Giants at Braves, 4 p.m., CSNBA: It's always worth it to watch Tim Lincecum pitch.
What to do
Water polo, USA Water Polo Women's Under-20 National Championships, Stockton, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.: Pacific and St. Mary's High School host this event through Thursday.
Tuesday's results
American League
• Twins 3, A'S 2 (10)
• Yankees 6, Orioles 4
• Indians 2, Blue Jays 1
• Tigers 9, Mariners 7
• Rangers 4, Red Sox 2
• Angels 8, Royals 5 (1st)
• Angels 10, Royals 2 (2nd)
• Rays 3, White Sox 2
National League
• Braves 8, GIANTS 1
• Phillies 4, Cubs 1 (13)
• Brewers 2, Pirates 0
• Nationals 4, Mets 0
• Astros 11, Cardinals 6
• D-backs 6, Rockies 5
• Marlins 3, Padres 2
• Dodgers 12, Reds 3
PCL baseball
• RIVER CATS 11, Rainiers 7
Today's poll
Should MLB expand the use of replay to review safe/out calls?
• Yes.
• No.
To vote, go to www.sacbee.com/sports.
Tuesday's poll results
Will the top NBA free agents really be available after the 2010 season?
• Yes. 32% • No. 68%
Total votes: 177.
The last word
What you're saying on sacbee.com comments: "I really like (Omri) Casspi and I think he will help the Kings, and I am really pulling for (Jon) Brockman. Undersized? He sure comes up with the rebounds." – greypond1 on "Great expectations accompany Casspi."
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