MLB might finally get out of the dark ages and introduce instant replay next season.
Traditionalists such as commissioner Bud Selig have resisted instant replay for decades, but so many home runs have been erased by incorrect umpiring calls this season that an MLB majority seems to acknowledge now that technology is needed. And so instant replay will be discussed in depth at MLB meetings in Florida in November.
Instant replay requires the final approval of Selig, who has repeatedly objected to removing the human element from calls. The thinking now, though, is that he may succumb to consensus pressure.
“You want to have respect for the game, the commissioner’s office and the umps,” Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said, “but I think there comes a point with the technology we have that something should change.”
• A video-game promotion in Toronto infuriated Yankees manager Joe Torre Wednesday night.
In the middle of the sixth inning, two Blue Jay fans were playing a baseball game on the scoreboard screen, pitching to New York’s Alex Rodriguez. They threw at him twice, hitting him once.
“It’s ridiculous,” Torre fumed. “Some of the videos they have period, it’s all about violence … One of our players gets knocked down and they start laughing and cheering. I don’t understand it. To me, this game is about playing it and not about hurting somebody. To me, if you show it at a ballpark, you’re telling the youngsters it’s OK to do it and that’s not a good message to send. I don’t know if it’s hockey — it’s a little more of a violent game than ours — and I’m not sure if that’s a carryover in what they do or how they promote. It certainly lacks good sense, I think.”
• Troy Glaus has shut it down for the season, citing an injury, but don’t be surprised if the Jays‚ tight-lipped third baseman is suspended for 50 games for receiving steroids after MLB’s ban went into effect … Ex-Jay Jay Gibbons is in the same pickle as Glaus and the word is that the Baltimore Orioles may void the final two seasons of his four-year, $21-million US contract … The Jays are trying to re-sign utility player Matt Stairs but they have no plans to keep pitcher Josh Towers. Look for him to sign with the San Diego Padres in the off-season.
• Former CFL analyst Leif Pettersen is a possibility to become the next president of the Argonauts. For the scoop, and for more CFL nuggets, check out my latestCFL Report, exclusively at www.metronews.ca.
In three-plus decades as a columnist and broadcaster, Marty York has built a network of solid contacts and a renowned reputation for his hard-hitting, groundbreaking style. The tradition continues in Metro Sports.
