9 Comments
Oct 6Liked by Craig Brown

It was a poorly played game by both sides and the umpires didn't have the best night either.

I'm curious about your opinion of the strike zone? I have a hard time judging it without just taking the on screen placement of the pitch relative to the on screen zone as fact. I know the Yankees had some complaints, but they're also well known umpire workers. And I've never seen Bobby complain about a call like that. Maybe it was just tight over all?

Expand full comment
author

I thought there were several calls on the edge that went against the Royals. But I can’t be too aggrieved because again…right on the edge. The called strike to Witt on the replay looked like it was super close to knee-high. The zone at Baseball Savant has it right on the edge. Too close to take in my opinion. Good pitch.

Expand full comment
Oct 6Liked by Craig Brown

After much weeping and gnashing of teeth, idiot typist me has one comment:

If technology is going to be used in this great game of baseball, why not go all the way?

* get the ABS system installed so that at least a bad call can be challenged, if only in the playoffs.

* put cameras and /or sensors inside the bags to capture the angle of the approaching runner

as he makes, or does NOT make, contact with the bag.

Expand full comment
author

There is the Hawkeye system in place for tennis calls. They measure the damn spin rate of pitches. There has to be the ability to make this call with technology beyond a dude sitting in front of a monitor looking at a bad camera angle.

I’ve long said that baseball isn’t interested in getting the call correct. They’re interested in the appearance they’re trying to get the call correct.

Expand full comment
Oct 6Liked by Craig Brown

Awfully tough to win a five-game series when you give away game one: Perez, one of the slowest guys in MLB, trying to score with nobody out; the bullpen walking everybody in sight; poor throw from Salvy to second; etc. Maybe it was postseason nerves that will dissipate for game two, a but very bad start.

Expand full comment
Oct 6Liked by Craig Brown

The bullpen for sure was very tight. To much respect or fear of the Yankees hitters.

Expand full comment
author

I thought the Perez send was just a terrible call. Want to wave him home with 2 outs? Fine. With nobody out? Foolish.

Tough loss.

Expand full comment
Oct 6Liked by Craig Brown

I am usually pretty good at shaking losses off, but last night's is a different story. The replay review was tough to accept. The strike zone was, in my opinion, questionable. I wish we played today because this game will haunt me until Monday's game begins.

Expand full comment
author

Yeah. That’s going to leave a mark. I was entertained for the most part, but left unsatisfied. Thumbs down from me.

Expand full comment