Get The Call Right: Why MLB Should Expand Instant Replay

What exactly has gone wrong with the umpiring this year in Major League Baseball? As of this season, the fans have witnessed, Tigers pitcher Armando Gallaraga lose a perfect game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

 Replays later revealed very conclusive evidence that the player was out at first.

Jim Joyce inexplicably blew an easy call at first base.

In addition, more controversy emerged after third base umpire Bob Davidson cost the Florida Marlins a walk off win against the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Replay footage immediately showed that the ball was clearly in fair territory the entire time.

Astoundingly, missed an easy play that occured right in front of him. Therefore,  he had a very easy call to make. Gaby Sanchez was robbed of a game winning hit and the Marlins had a walk off win taken away from them.

As a result, Jim Joyce is now emblematic of umpire incompetence. If baseball currently had instant replay in effect, Jim Joyce would have been taken off the hook. Instead,   every blown call will forever be referred to as a Jim Joyce.

 Unfortunately, this incident will be Jim Joyce's defining legacy. He will forever be known as the umpire who took away perfection and history.

On the other hand, Bob Davidson ended up looking like an egotistical maniac after refusing to apologize for his obvious mistake. This type of inexcusable arrogance should be made an example of and it should shed some light on the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.

This is a  teachable moment and an important life lesson for everyone. When you know you are wrong, you must have the courage to admit your mistakes.

In comparison, Jim Joyce had the class and integrity to apologize publicly and personally to Armando Gallaraga.

I would like to introduce some convincing logic and reasoning as to why baseball needs to expand instant replay.

The bottom-line is we have the technology available to get the call right. The players want it. The fans want it. Therefore, why can't it be implemented into the game? 

All you have to do is ask retired ump Don Dekinger whose blown call cost the St Louis Cardinals the 1985 World Series, whether instant replay should be expanded or not. I guarantee you that he would say yes in a heartbeat.

Baseball needs to avoid future disasters like the ones that have occured this season. Umpires should not be deciding wins and loses in baseball. Baseball needs to let the players ultimately determine the outcome of the game. Therefore, an effective umpire does not decide the outcome of a game.

 I strongly believe, either needs to have a more effective umpire accountability system or they need to implement instant replay not just for home runs but for additional calls as well.

The umpires should be able to use their transgression and best judgement. Also managers should be allowed to ask for a replay if they deem it neccessary

Don't get me wrong I am not advocating the expanded use of replay to challenge balls and strikes. I am not that crazy or demented!

However, baseball can do a lot more with the replay system.

Of course instant replay must be managed and used responsibly

Instant Replay has worked very successfully in the NFL. Also instant replay has been used by the NHL and they have had no issues with it whatsoever.

For example, in game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the league's video review system was used twice and both times they ended up getting the call correct. So therefore, why can't it work effectively in professional baseball?

I understand the fact that the baseball purists and traditionalists will vehemently disagree with me on this issue. However, they need to understand the benefits of implementing a replay system.

I believe decisions could be resolved definitively and accurately without causing much of a delay. Baseball has the capability to make it work.

I am willing to give Major League Baseball some props and credit for deciding to review home run calls. This is a very good step in the right direction. However, there is a lot more that needs to be done.

At the end of the day, it is about getting the call right!  There needs to be more of a commitment to achieving this objective.

Major League baseball needs to stop living in the past. Its time for the game to finally embrace technology.