White Sox "Catch" Angels Napping

(FOX Sports Video Stills)

Well that was an unfortunate way for Game 2 of the 2005 ALCS to end.  The ball was clearly caught by L.A. Angels catcher Josh Paul, however all five umpires ruled that it wasn’t a catch and AJ Pierzynski was ruled safe at first. "At this point I would say, at best, it's inconclusive." Stated umpire supervisor Rich Reiker. Come on Rich, the call was obvious, heck, half of the Angels were already off of the field. The one thing I will say is that AJ Pierzynski was heads up to run down to first. The catch wasn’t super-obvious and he helped his team win the game. Still, wrong call, and a crappy way for a good game to end.

This is in stark contrast to the umps getting two controversial calls right in the 2004 ALCS. The first being Bellhorn’s bomb of a fans stomach, and the second being the infamous A-Rod slap play on Bronson Arroyo. I really think that at least in the playoffs, where so much is on the line, that MLB should use video replay. Most other major sports, including some conferences in NCAA Football use it, so why not? It assures you of having the best chance to get the right call. Purist may cry foul, but damn, there was no such thing as video cameras at the turn of the century, the technology is available now, so why not use it? I’d be surprised if this wasn’t a topic at the winter meetings this year.

Random Red Sox News Links

Manny Being Meeting – “I get the feeling that he wants to stay in Boston, but I also get the feeling that he wants to know what the direction of the team is going to be.”

Sign Theo – “I don't foresee any problems, but I don't want to comment further at this time.” – John Henry

Guillen Would Rather Play Sox or Yanks – “Boston and New York are going to outslug you," Guillen said. "These guys (the Angels) beat you in so many ways, like (Tuesday) night. They have nine guys that can beat you. Against Boston and New York, if you pitch good, you have a chance. You pitch good against these guys and you might not because they bunt, they move runners."

Ratings Suffer in ALCS - It has been confirmed: White Sox-Angels isn't Yankees-Red Sox.

The Effect of a World Series Title on Red Sox Fans - The 2005 Boston Red Sox were unceremoniously swept under the rug by Ozzie Guillen and his band of merry men from the South Side. No postseason Big Papi miracles this year, no repeat World Series Championship, no duck-boat victory parade on the Charles River. All that’s left is a winter to dwell on what went wrong, to languish in the disappointment of another season.

Comments

[peter exerter]

I call it a good way to end a game and some real hussle. That's what good base running is all about. The quick run to first through off the umpire and made him rethink his call in the Sox favor!

[peter exerter]

I call it a good way to end a game and some real hussle. That's what good base running is all about. The quick run to first through off the umpire and made him rethink his call in the Sox favor!

[Digital-Derek]

I agree 100% AJ did the smart and right thing on that play. It was close and he gave his team the 'V'. Great hustle.

I just wish the game ended on a different note, but what does it matter what I think! ;)

I do think that they should look into video replay for future playoff games though, could be annoying at times, but would make everything a little more legit.

Congrats on the win though, take 'em anyway you can. The play showed determination on his part, and may be part of the reason why they swept the Red Sox.