The "Gelinas Play" of the AL playoffs? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Cowperson · 10-13-2005, 08:03 AM

Controversial ending to the White Sox game last night. Did the ball hit the dirt? Replays appear to be inconclusive.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9679563/

Cowperson

habernac · 10-13-2005, 08:38 AM

tough call, but the catcher has to tag the batter there. Then there wouldn't be anything to walk about. Simple routine play. Tough to criticize the ump as well, it was a damn close call.

Resolute 14 · 10-13-2005, 08:59 AM

The only replay where one could suggest it shows the ball hitting the dirt is the extreme closeup on the catcher's glove, and even that is inconclusive.

The part that bothers me about that play isnt that the ump got the call wrong, it happens, but that he failed to communicate the call. He signaled strike three, and he said nothing about there being no catch. I can understand Paul's reaction. Lacking an indication from the umpire that the ball was still live, his reaction was normal.

For anyone who wants to see several replays, go to mlb.com and click on the video link "Pierzynski's K in ninth" right below the banner for the main article.

JiriHrdina · 10-13-2005, 09:11 AM

Snakeeye is bang on. Its not the actual play - its the umpire's call that is the problem. He essentially called the player out. It would be like if the Refs in Game 6 pointed at the net to indicate the goal and then called it back (assuming replay wasn't in place).

Its horrible when stuff like this. For a team running on fumes, this could cost he Angels the series.

Sylvanfan · 10-13-2005, 10:07 AM

Plain and simple the catcher should have tagged Pierzynski out regardless if he caught the ball or not. It's a routine thing that major league catchers do on any play thats close. Just like how the catcher is supposed to run down the line to cover first when no one is on base. I still think Scocsia pooped the bed by bringing in Paul to catch as opposed to moving Benji Molina from DH to catcher and keeping Davannon in the game as the DH. I know guys are tired, but at this time of year Molina would have been able to step in and catch a few innings. Instead Scoscia has to be stubborn and costs himself the game by having a third string guy not pay enough attention to a seemingly routine play. Still the umpire didn't exactly look sure of the call himself and certainly contributed to a confusing situation.

Resolute 14 · 10-13-2005, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sylvanfan@Oct 13 2005, 09:07 AM
I still think Scocsia pooped the bed by bringing in Paul to catch as opposed to moving Benji Molina from DH to catcher and keeping Davannon in the game as the DH. .

Can't do that. Once the DH moves into the field, the team loses the DH position. In a tie game, you dont want to risk going into extra innings with your pitchers having to bat.

shoestring · 10-13-2005, 06:53 PM

The catcher is the only player not facing the ump. You would think there would be a rule that requires the ump to be vocal.How does a catcher know if something isn't said? Besides the ump didn't have the best view anyway so how can he really state that the ball wasn't caught?
Yes the catcher should have tagged him but he heard strike three and figured he caught the ball,so the guy was out. Besides the batter started towards his own dugout knowing he struck out.

I think the Angel's should run for first after every out called on them just to make a point.lol

Displaced Flames fan · 10-13-2005, 07:59 PM

I thought it was a great move by Scioscia to voice his displeasure about the call, and then go on to say they didn't deserve to win anyway. Good way to put it behind you and move on.

I think the Angels are the better team and will win the series. They'll be up 3-1 going into game 5.

Resolute 14 · 10-13-2005, 11:09 PM

I hope so too. I would like to see the White Sox exorcise their demons, but not until Ken Williams is fired as GM.

Nothing would make me happier than the Cards beating the Angels in the World Series.

Sylvanfan · 10-14-2005, 10:33 PM

Well I'd like to see the Angels take out the ChiSox since Vladdy and Cabrera are some recent former Expos. But the Sox are getting some pretty stingy starting pitching right now. Garland tonight, Buerhle on Wednesday, and even Contreras should have only allowed one run had the Sox defence not botched things in the opener. If the Sox starters can keep throwing like that and not allow Anaheim, or Los Angeles to make this a bullpen battle than I think the Sox will walk away with this one.