Ejection 123 - Rocco Baldelli Ejected in Extras After Overturned Replay Gives TOR Run on Plate Block

1B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli after Replay Review awarded Toronto a run, ruling that Minnesota catcher Gary Sanchez illegally blocked Blue Jays runner Whit Merrifield at home plate. Report: www.closecallsports.com/2022/...
Twitter: / closecallsports
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The relevant rule is OBR 6.01(i)(2): "Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as they are attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the catcher without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the runner, the umpire shall call or signal the runner safe. Not withstanding the above, it shall not be considered a violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(2) if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in a legitimate attempt to field the throw (e.g., in reaction to the direction, trajectory or the hop of the incoming throw, or in reaction to a throw that originates from a pitcher or drawn-in infielder)."

[@Abacadabraholmes]

Very rare for Baldelli to get this angry. It absolutely shouldn't have been overturned. It looked like he said the f word to the replay people

[@JesusSaves8705]

I was there, he definitely dropped the f bomb toward the replay ppl

[@matteocarlini27]

Hello Michael, The Funny thing is who does Rocco argue with. The umpires didn’t want to change the call. They got the call right and the Replay Center overturned it.

[@Abacadabraholmes]

@@matteocarlini27 I completely agree. It's the same when players and coaches argue balls and strikes, they all know that you can't do it, yet it's still the most common reason for ejections

[@rickdoner5181]

I have taught my referee students for decades (granted not the same sport) with judgement calls, that if you can not say 100% it violated a rule (it was a foul), then it is good.

[@mptr1783]

which the plate umpire did.............

[@Ben-eo4fu]

what sport may i ask?

[@rickdoner5181]

@@Ben-eo4fu I'm a professional billiards referee.

[@AEMoreira81]

@@mptr1783 - The umpire on the field got it right. This was an awful replay reversal.

[@mpicewe3023]

Nobody cares

[@christophers.4286]

It's absolutely ridiculous to overturn the call. It is an absolutely preposterous rule.

[@Abacadabraholmes]

Christopher S I agree completely. It reminds me of the way that the nfl protects QB'S. You can hardly touch them. Seems like they are doing it for the runners. It's supposed to protect the catcher rather than the runners

[@timmybangs4711]

Im all for protecting the players especially the catchers. MLB should implement the softball rule lol. Where in a tag and run to home trying to score, there should be two homebases. One homebase for the catcher and one homebase for the runner. They will determine the out/safe call like they would a player running to first after making contact. Whatever gets there first either the ball or the runner will be safe.

[@RetroOcracy]

A catcher is not allowed to block the plate or pathway with his feet or legs.

[@christophers.4286]

@@RetroOcracy yes and he wasn't.but the rule itself is ridiculous

[@toscodav]

Don't shoot the messenger. Umpires didn't make the rule.

[@Briansgate]

I agree with you on this one. The rule on the field should stand since there was no CLEAR evidence to overturn.

[@timw8646]

no clear evidence? hahaha you must be blind

[@xhxnchovibez]

So blocking the plate ISNT clear🤔

[@thexen3120]

This is getting ridiculous. Amazing throw and catch which would have been rewarded for over a century is now punished. Something has to change. Out all day and the umps are getting hung out to dry on these plays.

[@NWA744]

Especially since Merrifield deliberately slid into Sanchez instead of sliding to the outside. If the Runner makes a deliberate effort to slide into the Catcher, then "blocking" should not apply.

[@auzmo]

A half century ago this catcher would have been knocked into next week.

[@bubhub64]

@@auzmo ....hell just a few years ago.

[@auzmo]

@@bubhub64 well I was speaking to the for over a century part. And yes we cant have people get their heads knocked off anymore with the increased knowledge about the possible effects from head injuries.

[@timmybangs4711]

Im all for protecting the players especially the catchers. MLB should implement the softball rule lol. Where in a tag and run to home trying to score, there should be two homebases. One homebase for the catcher and one homebase for the runner. They will determine the out/safe call like they would a player running to first after making contact. Whatever gets there first either the ball or the runner will be safe.

[@danb6838]

Seriously.....someone should lose their job over this call!! Even the on field umps, looked like they didn't know what to say to Balldelli...it was so ridiculous! What is wrong with MLB? It shouldn't be that difficult? MLB should investigate the people in New York to find out what could have possibly motivated them to make such an OBVIOUS blunder! This was either some sort of "fix", or it was terrible incompetence! I don't know which is worse!

[@andersenpickard4064]

To be fair, the field umps might NOT know what to say. They had called no obstruction on the play, so unless NY walked them through their reasoning thoroughly, there’s not much they can say.

[@banjobenson9348]

MLB is doing its. Best to drive away fans.

[@NWA744]

They just couldn't let their media darling Blue Jays drop three in a row to the lowly Minnesota Twins.

[@blueskies25]

When it's "I don't know".....don't overturn the call on the field

[@mph7282]

The replay folks didn’t say “I don’t know”. They said “that is clear and convincing evidence of a violation”.

[@TheOvieShow]

Well good thing a youtube video is not the review office.

[@NWA744]

@@mph7282 Except there was no clear and convincing evidence, and their explanation of the ruling made zero sense in context to the rule being challenged.

[@mph7282]

@@NWA744 that’s your opinion. The replay officials disagreed and concluded that not only was there evidence, it was overwhelming. Their’s is the only opinion that matters. Point being, it was not a case of “I don’t know”.

[@blueskies25]

@@mph7282 they might have been right on the call but to say there is "clear and convincing evidence" is an absolute lie

[@theburnetts]

I think if even Lindsay looks at this in slow motion from many angles and comes to the conclusion of “I don’t know” then that leads me to believe it’s just a poorly written and confusing rule. I would love to see this rule removed. It’s just too ambiguous. Nobody knows what will and won’t be called for blocking. In my opinion the catcher here did everything he is supposed to according to this rule. He set up in exactly the right place. And then he drifted as needed to catch the throw. I don’t know what else he was supposed to do. I would love to hear an explanation from MLB as to what they believe the catcher should have done to avoid the blocking call.

[@almostfm]

@CableTvTomato The problem is that on a play like this, for the catcher to, you know, catch the ball, that's where he needs to be. With your change, he has to be there to catch the ball, but somehow can't be there until he's caught the ball. Because NFHS rules are covering high-school kids, I get that the rule needs to be written more toward protecting the kids, but if we're going to implement that change in MLB, we might as well say that if the catcher has the ball and the runner is less than 20 feet from home, he's automatically safe.

[@timmybangs4711]

Im all for protecting the players especially the catchers. MLB should implement the softball rule lol. Where in a tag and run to home trying to score, there should be two homebases. One homebase for the catcher and one homebase for the runner. They will determine the out/safe call like they would a player running to first after making contact. Whatever gets there first either the ball or the runner will be safe.

[@bretttaylor3787]

@CableTvTomato Then follow the rule. The catcher followed the rule perfectly and still got the wrong call. I think that's the whole point of the video. If the rule is followed perfectly and there is still confusion they need to look at the rule.

[@sshmuckatelli]

Or her voice is so annoying I had to skip the commentary

[@jeffhughes6167]

If not for the catchers left foot blocking the plate the base runners foot was clearly past the edge of base before the tag, very clear to me that the catch international was blocking the plate, I have no favoritism to either team.

[@stevenicholson7488]

This rule is garbage. You have to catch the ball? WTF are you supposed to do? How is he supposed to catch the ball, by leaning out like a giraffe?

[@soullessaway90]

if you block the plate you get run over but not anymore so good call

[@brianmullaney6237]

@@soullessaway90 I guess you didn't watch the video. Or even know what the rule says. Or is it a kneejerk "umps are always right"?

[@bretttaylor3787]

@@soullessaway90 Come on, know the rules before saying stupid shit.

[@danesleezer9733]

What is the baserunner supposed to do when home plate is blocked?

[@mfuchs2004]

@@danesleezer9733 if the plate is blocked because the ball is there he's supposed to be tagged out. Just like he was. That had ALWAYS been the rule going back nearly one hundred years. It's not new, and every game you ever watched or played allows a plate block to field a play. Prior to the Buster Posey rule change, the catcher could ALWAYS block the plate, regardless of where the ball was. Since the advent of the BP rule, the catcher can only block to field a ball or make a play with a caught ball. Just like in this play.

[@Kibayasu]

With two of these plays in such a short time being overturned I have to imagine there's going to be a meeting about it. Something needs to be clarified to someone and that needs to get passed onto the teams.

[@timmybangs4711]

Im all for protecting the players especially the catchers. MLB should implement the softball rule lol. Where in a tag and run to home trying to score, there should be two homebases. One homebase for the catcher and one homebase for the runner. They will determine the out/safe call like they would a player running to first after making contact. Whatever gets there first either the ball or the runner will be safe.

[@baseballumpires6901]

@@timmybangs4711 that is one of the dumbest rules ever but even then only matters in a force out play. Doesn’t work for a tag play. We need to stop changing the rules for these modern day soft skinned players.

[@timmybangs4711]

@@baseballumpires6901 thats the point of the rule. It eliminates having to make contact. You dont need to make a tag. It keeps both players safe especially the catcher since hes the sitting duck. Especially what with know now about concussions and injuries, the players need to stay protected.

[@baseballumpires6901]

@@timmybangs4711 but again, that only makes a difference in a force play. A tag play a separate base makes no sense. If the catcher is setting up on the catchers plate and the runner slides into the runners late how can the catcher make a tag? I don’t work softball very often non fact very rare. I have seen the second plate on the field before but have never seen it in use. Every softball game I have worked and my daughter has played in has been straight up ball.

[@timmybangs4711]

@@baseballumpires6901 like i said the rule eliminates the need to make a contact “tag.” Its used in softball all the time you probably have seen it but didnt pick up on it. Believe me before the buster posey incident, i would of been against this rule but since the players are much stronger now and faster the severity of the collisions are much more dangerous. Careers are being cut short and you deal with lifelong injuries all because of one play.

[@duffyy1]

I am a Jays fan and I can tell you this it was a awful call. So bad. We got away with murder man.

[@jordanfreidel1751]

Twins fan here, no hard feelings tho, it was the umps not the players, we love you guys over in Toronto

[@NatTurnerswitBurnerz]

@@jordanfreidel1751 No, it wasn't the umps. The umpire called him out.

[@jordanfreidel1751]

@@NatTurnerswitBurnerz I meant the umpiring crew in ny

[@Flexb123]

I was surprised it went that way since i've seen hundreds of similar plays at the plate where it seems like the runner gets blocked off the plate. Jays def got a break and gift but I do think catchers shouldn't be able to block the plate and need to leave something there for the runner to slide to. But obviously MLB hasn't sent that memo out yet and wasn't fair to the Twins to all of a sudden start calling that.

[@anthonystevens6812]

Without any doubt the most angry Baldelli has ever been as twins manager

[@brianjohnson7110]

Terrible call. Bullshit. He was out.

[@choppacrewboysgaming6178]

@@brianjohnson7110 that was obstruction. cant throw your body in front of the plate to stop the runners momentum Lol he throws his body than taggs him. not bullshit

[@cmdugan]

Did your hear his comments after the game? I went from indifference to Rocco to loving him. 😝 The Twins need to channel the anger and go on a tear.

[@anthonystevens6812]

Reminds me of a play very similar in 2014 in miami when Stanton made a throw to home that got overturned and then manager of the marlins mike redmond went on an epic tirade like this one

[@ted101010]

They need to change the rules and have it like 1st base where you only need to touch the base before the runner, problem solved!!

[@coolmadmike]

The most depressed I've ever seen a dugout after they scored the go-ahead run in extras. Everyone in the world knows NY blew the call. This is the kind of stuff curses are made of. Keep an eye on the Blue Jays in the coming weeks.

[@NWA744]

They've already dropped back to back games against the Orioles and are now 1-4 in their last 5.

[@NWA744]

When the ball left Beckham's hand in left field, Sanchez was clearly standing in front of the plate, slightly to the right of it, and clearly out of the runners path, it is also incredibly clear from the behind plate view, that Sanchez adjusted into the path of the runner for the purpose of receiving a thrown ball from the outfield, which the rule book clearly states is NOT a violation of the blocking rule, as the catcher has every right to try and make a play on the throw to home. I don't know how anyone could watch that angle and still say "I don't know" as it is clear and obvious that Sanchez did not a) deliberately enter the path of the runner with the intent of blocking him, and b) was brought into the path of the runner during a legitimate attempt at receiving a thrown ball. New York screwed the Twins over on that egregious call, and Merrifield was completely out with the initial call on the field being correct. Lets also not forget that Merrifield admitted to deliberately sliding into Sanchez.

[@jason60chev]

The rule also does not specify that the catcher has to "reach" or "Stretch" in order to field the throw and stay out of the path.

[@kman6349]

Slow mode is distorting your brain! SAFE

[@kevwwong]

What I see from that wide view is that Sanchez goes from standing on the plate to straddling the line. That's pretty clear. So I think the trajectory of the ball plays a factor as to whether it's a block or not. Then Sanchez receives the ball. What may be the key here is that he lifts his left leg back into fair territory, reaches across his body to receive the ball, then moves the leg back to block the plate and swings his arm down. It's subtle, but it creates the perception that he is moving out of the way (due to an illegal position) and back to block (which by this point is legal because he has the ball). The other factor is that Merrifield slid straight into Sanchez. Yes, it was deliberate, but if you think there's a lane violation, I think that is the best way to make your case - the other player shown at 2:32 did the same. If you try to slide around, it feels like a concession that Sanchez is in the clear. I think Merryfield did what he could to avoid hard contact, but you could interpret it as a charge and I wouldn't fault you on that. I think that all of this, put together, led to New York concluding that there was obstruction. Personally I think they were correct, but I can see how it can be interpreted as inconclusive, and it probably does come down to who was reviewing the call. Finally, lost in all of this is that I think Rocco would've challenged Merrifield's slide, but he burned his challenge on the previous play. But I suppose that if he still had his challenge, we would not have gotten that magnificent tirade.

[@JamesGeiger23]

@@kevwwong Don't forget that the catcher is allowed to block the plate all they want once they have the ball. From what I saw Sanchez did not block the plate until he had the ball which is perfectly legal according to the rule. I don't really understand why he slides feet first when he could have gone head first going around and reaching his arm out to touch the plate. Why would you make it easier for the catcher to tag you?

[@kevwwong]

​@@JamesGeiger23 You are correct wrt the catcher being able to block the path once he has the ball. However Sanchez was in the path before he had the ball, and the critical part about that was whether he set up there (illegal) or was drawn there by the throw (legal). Obviously the replay officials (and I) saw it differently than you, but we're talking milliseconds and half steps here, and that's why there's a lot of good debate about this play, and it does point out some flaws in the rule. With regards to the slide, the logic is that if you feel that it's obstruction, slide straight (i.e. into the catcher) to emphasize the obstruction - if you get the call you'll be awarded home anyway. And if you're gonna go straight, the lowest risk of injury to either player is if you slide feet first and control your motion so you don't spike the catcher.

[@nyd1998]

He was pissed! That’s a BS call! Change the description of the damn catcher block rule!

[@DaveR24]

MLB replay review is AWFUL on this play. They are right there with the NFL and all of their BS.

[@grantmourning189]

Diversity could have made a better and more inclusive tag. Haha! Screw demons in this world.

[@grahammarshall1199]

Imagine if this play cost’s a team a World Series!!

[@vinceniederman]

OMG Yeah Then Any Fan Would Start Cursing A lot!

[@bobsuszka1159]

don't worry. As bad as a call it is. This won't cost Minnesota a division title. Rocco Baldelli will cost them a title because he is an inept manager. He's the king of 15 outs and less starts and overrelies on his bullpen. He shouldn't have even had a chance to argue this call because any smart GM would have fired him weeks ago

[@jacobrichardson1952]

I would just quit watching MLB

[@vinceniederman]

@@jacobrichardson1952 Why Would U Stop Watching MLB For?

[@grahammarshall1199]

@@vinceniederman Cause the rule is a f-ing joke

[@MLB_CoercedFreeman5OutOfATL]

Without factoring balls and strikes into the equation (and as a Braves fan), this is hands down the worst call I have seen in 2022. That it absolute textbook and what catchers have been taught to do for decades. 1. Allow a path to home plate without the ball 2. Catcher entitled to move in virtually any direction if it is for the purpose of catching the throw 3. Leave path to plate open while ball is not in the possession or immediate area of the catcher receiving the throw 4. Once catcher has possession of the throw, catcher is then entitled to block or partially obstruct the runner's path That is obviously not the "Official" rule, however, that is how the game has been played and accepted for ages. Why? Because if it's not broke we don't fix it! This is a crime against the Minnesota Twins. MLB owes them. It's obviously never going to happen but if the MLB came out and said they were going to take this game off of the Twins and Jays schedules and play a makeup game somewhere I'd be one hundred percent okay with that. Condolences to all of the Minnesota Twins fans out there - and to baseball fans in general who know this is *trash*. Twins, I'm heated with you over this call.

[@dirtymikendboyz5488]

You made some really reasonable points! I think the call might be based on the slow motion…. Before Gary has the ball you can see him start to drop the knee into the path of the plate. Which he didn’t “need” to do to catch the ball. There was no way the ump would have been able to tell so good call on his part. But this is the downside to instant replay.

[@genesage318]

Umpires this season have been abysmal. Of the mlb wants to make a loop hole to protect the catcher yet punish the catcher at the same time for trying to field the ball. Than do what some softball coed leagues do, have the runner run through a line behind home plate and all the catcher has to do is field and tag home plate. Before runner crosses the line. But as a Braves fan after seeing Alonso about kill D’Arnaud and the crappy balls and strike calls that seem to go always in the Mets favor this weekend. It was tough

[@MLB_CoercedFreeman5OutOfATL]

@@genesage318 The balls and strikes calls that hurt the Braves and change entire at bats, Braves pitchers, and ultimately the game…it truly is difficult for the casual viewer/fan (not their fault) to fully comprehend what those calls do to a game. When pitchers are forced to feel the need to essentially throw the ball down the middle to good hitting teams and the batters feeling pressure to expand the zone against already A+ pitching teams…it becomes nearly impossible to get anything going. Hitting any MLB pitching is difficult, even for the best, but when hitters have to expand their zone and start swinging at everything close because of balls called strikes against them, it’s nearly impossible to get anything done against guys like Scherzer and DeGrom. If umpires are giving a consistently high zone or inside/outside zone and it’s reliable, that’s one thing…when batters (for any team) have to cover bottom of knees to letters and also cover 1-2” on either side of the plate. Good luck. Last postseason the Braves hitters were favored with the strike zone in 3 out of every postseason game they played. So Braves hitters were at a disadvantage in 13 out of 16 of their postseason games. One ball called a strike in an at bat completely changes it. 0-1 vs 1-0. 3-2 vs a Walk. 2-2 vs 3-1, 1-2 vs 2-1, etc. This significance of this often gets overlooked.

[@andrewthein4901]

​@@dirtymikendboyz5488 I think that although he makes the intitial move to drop the knee before the ball is in his possession, his knee was in the air until he received the ball. IMO, that means that there was still a lane for the runner until Gary had the ball.

[@MLB_CoercedFreeman5OutOfATL]

@@dirtymikendboyz5488 I appreciate your respectful comment. And I do see your point and it's obviously a close call or we wouldn't all be discussing it so heavily. The reality, however, is that G. Sanchez followed the rule exactly while using what it still allows a catcher to legally do. -- MLB says he didn't have to catch the ball in foul territory. First, *it's kind of debatable that he even did considering no part of his body was touching the ground at the time he caught the ball* [edit]. The throw also would've been over his head. Second, and more importantly, virtually no part of his body was touching the ground in foul territory until the throw pulled him one step to his left where he then stepped into the batters box for a split second before lifting his left leg into the air in order to give the runner a path before he was in possession of the baseball. This is most obvious in the overhead view of the replay. -- It's basic fundamentals at probably every level from Varsity HS baseball (College at a minimum) and higher to NOT catch throws that require a tag in front of the base or home plate. The baseball travels faster in the air from a throw that travels all the way to the bag or plate than it could ever move after a player catches it in front of the bag and then pulls the ball backward toward the base for the tag. It's completely standard and expected (from an on-target throw) to let the ball travel as long as possible until it's directly over the bag or base path and only then to catch the ball and drop the glove down to make the tag. A) SLOW - reach forward, catch ball heading toward base, pull glove back and down to make tag vs B) FAST - let ball travel until it's immediately over the base/plate, receive throw, drop glove and ball straight down to make tag. -- As far as impeding the runner's path to the plate/bag, I disagree that his path was impeded. The one step he took into the batters box was to move into the path of the throw before he moves his left half out of the runner's path. There's also nothing in current rules stating whether or not the runner is required or entitled to either a feet-first or head-first slide. If the runner had slid headfirst to the outside of home plate (the side in foul ground) he had plenty of space for his arm, or even just forearm and hand, to avoid contact with Sanchez. If runner insists on a feet first slide it's called a hook slide. According to the rule Sanchez didn't break it by either 1. Blocking plate or path as he had possession of the ball 2. There was reasonable space allowed for a clean path to home BEFORE he caught the ball. He wasn't hanging out in foul territory as MLB suggests. 3. He was in fair territory except for the one step needed to put himself in the path of the throw. He was as legally close to the plate as possible given the throw so he didn't have to catch the ball 3 feet in front of home plate and then swing his glove back toward the runner. We could pick this rule apart all day long. At the end of the day, however, wasn't this rule designed to protect catchers? It wasn't designed to allow runners an advantage on tag plays at the plate. If Merrifield wanted the run in that situation then MLB should encourage players to learn how to slide better instead of handicapping catchers into allowing free runs. Pretty soon MLB will modify this rule up so hard that catchers won't be allowed to tag runners until they've slid home safely, stood up, and verbally confirmed they're feeling good and didn't get any strawberries on their butt cheeks during the slide. 1 Strawberry = 1 run. 2 Strawberries = Catcher ejected.

[@Jamesott86]

This is bad, how does this keep happening? Does MLB even care about this? What a joke that a team can’t protest a game/run when someone in NY makes a bad call.

[@darrinthorpe9292]

And, we don't know the names of the umpires in new York making the calls. How convenient. That means, no accountability.

[@Jedwild21]

@@darrinthorpe9292 it was probably Angel Hernandez 😉

[@Rzo139]

They're probably in a late night meeting trying to figure out how to deal with the backlash they've been having about it.

[@jaydee4177]

@@darrinthorpe9292 actually the Minnesota announcer says their names at the end of this video if you listen all the way through, they don't keep it anonymous

[@timmybangs4711]

Im all for protecting the players especially the catchers. MLB should implement the softball rule lol. Where in a tag and run to home trying to score, there should be two homebases. One homebase for the catcher and one homebase for the runner. They will determine the out/safe call like they would a player running to first after making contact. Whatever gets there first either the ball or the runner will be safe.

[@CoachOlsson]

I also wish Rocco went to the ump, said "good initial call" then pulled out a phone and at least acted like he's calling replay and got emotional 😂

[@no_problem8023]

One day, two plate blocks? Its a conspiracy.

[@stephenj.schneider5185]

It was a ridiculous call to overturn this play. Basically, they are saying the run counts no matter what, because the angle of the ball on the throw. Absolutely, insane.

[@choppacrewboysgaming6178]

thats what Obstruction is Lol go look it up. baseball and softball 101. you cant block the plate you gotta move your body and tag with your arms.

[@culvertowns3069]

@@joelzand3594 you can be in the lane to receive a throw read it

[@chiefskingdom4151]

@@joelzand3594 terrible call. Pansy ass baseball is what the game is becoming. Thanks buster posey

[@mbdg6810]

@@chiefskingdom4151 the rule is Essentially: Catcher can’t start blocking in foul territory then move to fair to catch the throw (early block which is illegal) Catcher also can’t block prior to having ball This overturning was bad though.

[@choppacrewboysgaming6178]

@@chiefskingdom4151 you act like you can be a catcher. stfu seriously. go read up on some rules

[@marthareis5873]

Even the Jays announcers said that Sanchez had to be there to catch the ball and were surprised by the overturn of the call.

[@garygemmell3488]

Well, at least we now have a new "Most Confusing Rule in MLB".

[@bernier42]

Check swings might be the most

[@mbdg6810]

@@bernier42 check swings just leave one term up to too much subjectivity.

[@dalegarraway9865]

Nope - Balk

[@pwk22]

First time I've seen evidence of Rocco having a pulse.

[@JWickyJr13]

That is tough. Because in order to make the play once he gets the ball, he has to go down to a knee. This is an absolutely absurd rule. I agree, let's not tackle the catcher but holy shit, what is Sanchez supposed to do there when that's where the ball was thrown?

[@DavePainkiller]

By their ruling, he's supposed to get out of the way and just let the guy have a fair chance. Everybody gets a trophy.

[@dl72fan]

Looked like 2 accurate calls to me. Bad reversal. They need to stop with this stupid plate blocking rule

[@jacobgalipeau6872]

Did you not watch the video. They said specifically the owners want this rule to protect their players it’s not going anywhere or their will be a strike from the owners

[@brianwitherby1958]

at first glance i thought the overturn would be the right call but press pause at 1:51. there's clearly a foul territory lane to slide into when sanchez receives the ball and starts to go to the ground to block the plate. not sure how you can blame the catcher for blocking fair territory when that's where the runner chose to slide.

[@Ironman875]

This is like the play with the Marlins game in 2014 in the same situation like this.

[@jayladadoperhal5196]

The catch should have both legs facing the centerfield and as the ball comes to get the tag applied then you may move with the ball! The biggest key as the catcher is too have a stance above the plate (starting position. Catcher need to be above plate as soon as the ball is hit to the outfield

[@JosephRVilla]

My thoughts: After the 4:25 to 4:37 time marks, once the replay decision was handed down, it was NOT a surprise that Rocco was going to being tossed, and about to go off on both the HP umpire & 1B umpire/crew chief. Here is my issue, they (the replay crew back in New York); need to give a full explaination to both managers & the fans why they made that decision. At the 6:08 to the 6:12 time marks, a very understandable, “getting your money’s worth”, ding. IMO: Well, what do you expect?! No one was going to be happy about this, especially for the Twins. If the replay was upheld, then the Blue Jays would have WENT OFF!! Anyways, these, “loopholes”, within the current rules need to be fixed, no doubt about it. But, how?!

[@coolmadmike]

Yes! When the play gets reviewed, show the umpires in NY reviewing and making the call on the jumbo-tron! That should correct some of this madness!

[@TheRubyrott]

This play was regular to me. The catcher's set up to receive the ball was legal. He needed some space to receive the ball.

[@rghart4025]

Was Angel in the review studio? Was the reviewer channeling Joe West? Somewhere, Jocko Conlon weeps for that reversal.

[@JesusSaves8705]

I was at the game, I figured Angel Hernandez might’ve been in New York this call is so bad

[@OurWorshipSound]

I’m not sure, but an observation and a question. C was dropping his leg to block the plate before he caught the ball. But my question is why do tag plays at the plate necessarily have to look so much different than tag plays at other bases (besides the ability to overrun HP)?

[@howardfischer1915]

Because in the “good old days” when catchers were allowed to block the plate, the runners would routinely try to bowl them over NFL football style and jar the ball loose, knock them over etc etc. This didn’t happen on the baselines since the players would have over run the base and been tagged out after the play. At home plate of course as soon as the player touches the plate the play is over, no such thing as “over-running” hone plate. So you only had plays like that at home plate, really. The whole reason the rule came into being was to prevent those NFL style plays in a non-contact sport and prevent injuries.

[@justinotto9782]

As a catcher turned JUCO/NAIA umpire... this rule has got to change. I hate it. What are catchers supposed to do?

[@AxisofHonor25]

This is textbook to the call that was made back in 2014 with Marlins vs Reds play in Miami. In fact, I think that’s the original play that started this whole fiasco. This could go both ways, but the call on the field was out and nothing there was convincing enough to overturn it. This is another play that could have been called into protest fresh off a game in which the ground rules at Kauffman Stadium were botched. There’s a major issue going on with the review team in New York.

[@cinci4life116]

Except there is a big difference between the 2 plays and that's where the throw came from. This throw came from left field and can take the catcher into the basepath which happened here. The catcher was also in front of the plate in fair territory initially until seeing the throw was going to the left so he had every right to move that way to catch it making this a bad reversal. The Reds/Marlins play saw the throw coming from right field. A throw from right field will not take the catcher into the basepath so the catcher has no reason to shift into that illegal position like the Marlins catcher did when he could have easily caught it in fair territory first making that reversal 100% correct.

[@AxisofHonor25]

@@cinci4life116 great observation. Thanks for pointing that out. In both cases,the controversy is focused on where the catcher is positioned to receive the throw. And there’s argument for both sides of the call in that Miami/Cincy game as well. I think the issue is that once a call is made, there has to be clarity about what’s clear and definitive evidence for overturning it.

[@dinosaurdanny6971]

STRANGEST. WEEK. EVER.

[@lastdance2099]

I don't know if this violates the plate blocking rule, the rule is just poorly written. But if MLB really loves this rule then let them release a detailed explanation of *why* this call and the San Diego call were overturned.

[@lewf5685]

What are Mark and Paul doing up in that replay booth that they can’t get this one right?! Also, do the replay officials (spelled with a little “o” in the case of Mark and Paul) have to have overwhelming evidence to reverse a call in the MLB? Thanks for another good one!

[@kenchilada]

To have this happen twice in the same week is an embarrassment. Both catchers follow the rule and start out of the path and move to where the ball is. These umpires are becoming a laughing stock. Plays on the field are hard enough but to make that call from the booth with extra time is a joke.

[@priceright8963]

This happened three times this week. The Twins/Orioles call was a more blatant rule violation, though.

[@vincentkeyes3304]

This bad call after reflection is just like so much of what we see in our media. The folks in NY knew what they were doing by making this bad call, they were manufacturing outrage to increase viewers, hits and clicks. And it worked to their benefit.

[@mlbhighlights1177]

Can you analyze the nimmo out call at second from the game today? For potential slide rule interference, and why nimmo was out? How is this different from the infield fly chaos where the runner was given second due to an umpire’s error in calling him out? Would the review have been different if nimmo would have ran to second after the first tag attempt?

[@DosCincoNetwork25]

We’re at 123 ejections on this season and we have 19 dings for getting our money’s worth 🙂 💰

[@kirkluther1222]

They have to stop looking at these plays in super slow motion. It completely changed how you view these plays. They should be required to look at these in regular speed and make the call based on that

[@cameronsprout6143]

Can we just admire the throw

[@priceright8963]

New York didn't.

[@chriswoodsports]

Even after all of this mockery, we still can’t get the right call. What’s the point of having replay if they just going to make it a joke out of it. At least Rocco Baldelli got his money’s worth

[@jasonklabunde6415]

Why are there umps on the field if New York makes the final call. What a joke.

[@xDrexelx]

To me, it seems like MLB is pushing for catchers to stay behind/straddle the plate and then step up once holding the ball like a position player would at second or third. Honestly, if we are looking to keep catcher safe I feel this is the best policy. However, almost 100 years of catchers standing on or in front of the plate is a hard habit to change.

[@gregorysarmas692]

What is the catcher to do in terms of fielding the throw?

[@tauris61]

Is there a way to find the MLB replay crews and are the crews only crew chiefs please answer in a timely manner

[@stew4313]

This is a sad part about the game now. I know the rule was put in place to protect the catcher but what can the catcher do? He can't catch the ball and go down for a tag at all. He didn't move early into the baseline or anything. I vote out but who am I to say

[@fnstyle]

Serious question here: why does the catcher have to block the plate? Does the 2Bman or short shop block second base? Does the 3Bman block third base? Then why at home plate? What’s so different about home plate in terms of getting the out?

[@sococomfort22s34]

The answer should be obvious. Home plate is where runs are scored. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKbUhJShrpdjn9k

[@emrow346]

@@fnstyle anybody on any bag can block the bag as long as they have possession of the ball

[@colinhill7715]

Side note: why is Allen porter the CC instead of Marty Foster?

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

You know Rocco is jacked up when he drops the F bomb. He’s not a profanity guy.

[@natemarroquin]

This is not a good call by the crew in New York. It will be interesting to see if it determines the AL Central title chase or not.

[@slovell920]

Now every mundane call decides a pennant race. Please......lolol

[@tyrapp262]

I seriously doubt that one play determines the whole season.

[@CoachOlsson]

Great safe call at 3rd. I think Sanchez set up outside the block and throw took him into it

[@brianmullaney6237]

ESP once again required, catcher has no right to field the ball, NY materially effects the outcome of a game. It is bad enough when the on field umpires do that, but unaccountable umpires in NY?

[@mbdg6810]

This one looks very legal unlike the baltimore one. Very poor reversal of call.

[@munaclassic4020]

The rule states he can't make a block attempt without possession of the ball the jump setup is therefore early and illegal. Probably bullshit but in the wording of the rule is correct so the overturn is correct.

[@coolmadmike]

@@munaclassic4020 The wording of the rule says the catcher can block the lane without the ball if he is fielding the throw, so the overturn is completely wrong. Not to mention; Merrifield bragging about sliding into Sanchez intentionally to get the call overturned in his post game interview. Sanchez did his job perfectly! Dirty Merrifield. Dirty NY.

[@munaclassic4020]

@@coolmadmike the catcher is allowed to stand in the lane to field the ball not whatever sort of jump block Sanchez does to land in a full plate block position. And as there is no way the throw was going to be below chest level making Sanchez's movement more then just fielding the ball which is illegal no matter how bullshit it sounds. By the books the run scores but in sportsmanship I feel like Merrifield is out.

[@brianmullaney6237]

@@munaclassic4020 He has the ball then, he is allowed to block the plate at that point.

[@brentmeinert9818]

it's obvious now that the only reason this rule exists is for point shaving and payback for petty grudges.

[@scottwhitt9379]

I think this and the San Diego ruling aren’t in the spirit for what the rule was intended. To me blocking is the old school guy afoot in front of the plate, up the line and the runner how no choice but to run him over. If the catcher is tracking the line, I believe that’s a lane for the runner.

[@tomchell4360]

I mean if Merrifield just stops and throws his arms in the air like the Baltimore runner does he get the same call? I don't think so.

[@j0n.p]

Jay's fan here. I, nor our announcers could believe the call was overturned. He was out, for sure. Tough break. But as they say, "we'll take it".

[@dennis_ohara]

I agree with you. They blew the call.

[@clutchclaytv]

Imagine a casual going to there first baseball game in a few years and sees that that’s embarrassing for baseball the game I love fix it how we don’t reward a great defensive play & bad baserunning where he slides in fair territory to create contact so he can cry about that rule exactly is heartbreaking

[@michaelrocker9000]

The call at home was out any day of the week.

[@tminn4334]

Can a team do two challenges at once?? Please explain the challenge rule.

[@mptr1783]

google it. Yes, they were looking at the possibility of 2 scenarios in one replay

[@thurm64]

the catcher's leg sort of came down in front of the runner, maybe that's what they saw? i don't love the call by the crew in new york, but i can *maybe* see where they're coming from

[@sigmafactoryskibidi]

The catcher had the ball meaning he had control of the baseline in the circle of home plate

[@TheOvieShow]

The interference occurs before then. He gets in the way before he has the ball, which allows make to make the perfect block once he has it. Giving Whit absolutely no chance, since Whit isn’t allowed to plow into Sanchez.

[@basedjiren3889]

@@TheOvieShow he was never blocking the plate genius as a matter of fact the runner slid under him before he even went down to tag him. This was a shit call

[@tyrapp262]

@@basedjiren3889 Actually Sanchez was blocking the plate. The real question is whether or not he allowed a lane for the baserunner.

[@TheOvieShow]

@@basedjiren3889 Choose to be delusional, idc

[@Relentlezz41]

How do you overturn that???

[@rickmckay3039]

If the ball comes from centre or right field the catcher can easily be in front of home plate catch the ball and move back into the path of the runner but both plays today came from the left side and it is almost impossible to not be in the base runners way if the ball is thrown perfect like they both were I am a jays fan and will take it but I don’t know how Sanchez could have done any different there should be a rules discussion

[@chrisdar79]

This rule is absolute nonsense. The catcher has to be able to adjust to the ball...it's like they expect the adjustment to happen at the last possible second and that's ridiculous.

[@jpwiggo]

As an umpire -( sure I only do HS and low level college) - I"m lost. MLB - CLEAN UP THIS RULE. The sport needs this fixed. I thought I understood the rule, but now with these overturned calls, I"m lost

[@patchoground]

Review should not be left entirely up to replay in NY. NY should be consulted in replay with the final call coming from the umps on field.

[@1731dave]

Sanchez was in he path without the ball, then stepped away with that left leg and once he had the ball he then blocked the plate. I caught for 30+ years, all levels and once I had the ball I swept my left leg to not allow the runners foot to hit the plate - catching 101!!

[@eastcoastmikeyp]

Safe! I would not consider this blocking the plate in beer league softball. MLB owners need to understand that fans do not want to watch home run derby! That is one of my favorite plays of the season. Great hustle, great throw, great tag.

[@tedgey4286]

I don't know means the call stands. Another great analysis from CCS

[@justinbear7644]

The catcher gave a lane for the runner to slide and touch the plate. The plate was not entirely covered, caught the ball, and applied the tag. Not sure what else can be done.

[@alexe1707]

They need to do like the NHL and have a hybird system where anything thats interpretation is reviewed by the person who made the call.

[@slovell920]

More video replay and conferencing. Smh. How about we go back to being human

[@arleyhaskell7241]

No that is a horrible system and most of hockey fans want instant 3rd party review upstairs. Takes way too long, they look at tiny ipads and go into it tainted with the I'm 80% right view. Need instant fresh eyes.

[@alexe1707]

@@arleyhaskell7241 yes. But what is 100 % an interpretation call is best reviewed by the person who made the call, not having to rely on a person in a different time zones interpretation.

[@notenough1937]

Rule change coming.

[@Jaco927]

At 3:21, Sanchez (the catcher) has shifted into his final position over the plate. He is clearly shifting over to catch the ball, not block the runner. And at 3:21, the runner still has a completely unobstructed path to the plate if he slides which he must do. His teammate in the bottom right corner of frame is even signaling for him to slide. He can simply go between the catcher's legs at this point or shift to his right and go around the catcher. There is NO OBSTRUCTION at this point. At 3:26, Sanchez has now caught the ball and is in complete possession of the ball. Look at this timestamp. There is even more of a window at this point for the runner to get to homeplate as Sanchez has picked up his left leg to shift into a blocking stance. But at this moment, the plate is completely UNOBSTRUCTED. However, remember, Sanchez at this moment can lay down in front of the plate and be completely legal; he HAS POSSESSION of the ball. At 3:28, Sanchez has now completely blocked the plate. He has the ball and the runner is out. You could argue that the runner DID in fact try to go between the catcher's legs to the plate but in that scenario, he's simply got bad luck as the catcher caught the ball, closed that window, and blocked the plate. I have NO CLUE why this play was overturned. The runner also did not make ANY attempt to get around the catcher and went for the 5 hole when it was still open. No obstruction, just a BAD CALL!

[@vincentkeyes3304]

You make the case very well. The camera angle down the 3rd base line at roughly 2:25 shows what a perfect job the catcher does of making the play. In what other way could he achieve an out? This also shows what the runner was seeing as he was heading into home. Both players did what they were supposed to do with the only exception being the runner didn’t run fast enough. Of course it shouldn’t come to all this. Terrible overruling, embarrassing for the sport.

[@NatTurnerswitBurnerz]

Sanchez blocked the plate with his knee. The runner made contact with Sanchez before he put the tag down. If Sanchez bends down to make the tag instead of dropping to a knee, the runner is probably safe.

[@mlampson38]

once again the guys on the field got it right and NY blew it

[@gforce97]

you know its a bad call when a chill guy like Baldelli is very irate about it

[@ButchRahman]

He was only irate he was tossed. He was calm until then. He just wanted an explanation, but the Umpire said don't come out and he did, so he gone.

[@choppacrewboysgaming6178]

you know its a good call when dumbass twin fans dont know what obstruction is Lol

[@mptr1783]

@@ButchRahman hmmm, because MLB rule states the umpires MUST eject when anyone comes out to question/argue a replay ruling.........if they dont eject, they get in trouble from MLB. If they do eject, they listen to geniuses like you

[@ButchRahman]

@@mptr1783 Um…no need to be an ass, especially when we agree. I’m correcting the prior poster as to why the coach was irate. The umpire did warn him several times not to come out because the umpire knew he would have to eject him.

[@stevendeckert6373]

So now runners are encouraged to slide into the catcher when the throw beats them, to try and get a plate blocking call? That seems like the opposite intent of the rule...

[@heegabriel3336]

Smart baserunning by Whit exploited unclear rules resulting in an overturned out. Gary, following the throw went to extra lengths to lift his left leg, planted on his right towards the infield line before the ball hit the crease of the glove allowing a lane. Whit's gait started in foul and moved towards the infield initiating contact.

[@dereksimmons5877]

Thank you! Glad someone sees it. The outside is open and the runner chooses not to use it.

[@jizzmoat6520]

Smart baserunning, my ass

[@cmdugan]

Smart base running? Smart base running would have been to slide in head first and sneak a hand in there like a real ball player. He slid directly into Sanchez like it was beer league softball and got a break from MLB’s new stupid rule.

[@NWA744]

If its unclear, then it shouldn't be enforced, let alone used to overturn a play on the field.

[@heegabriel3336]

fwiw; My statement that it was "smart base running" was suggesting that the actions of Whit to influence the play, he knowing the rule, resulted in a beneficial outcome for his team. Not to suggest that it was a good send, or the correct call.

[@10-3leader]

Merrifield slid into Sanchez despite having a clear path to the outer half of the plate, knowing he was going to be out. Give Merrifield credit, he knew how to game the rules. Meanwhile, there's a replay umpire in New York who should be looking for a different line of work.

[@bobwhite2]

He stepped into the baserunners path when the throw was actually not on-line and slightly up the first base side. Going by what the rule says - he’s safe. It’s a judgement call.

[@justinhogstenii]

i remember that former Marlins manager Mike Redmon got pretty upset and got ejected when Jeff Mathis blocked home plate without the ball whe former Reds shortstop Zack Cozart was tagging up from 3rd base. this Reds & Marlins home plate call happened back on 07/31/14

[@normanreinhart7166]

Terrible call after u explaind it so well good job. Makes a difference how it's ruled first

[@jasonpeterson2450]

I'm a Jays fan and even I think this was BS. I guess the new rules make it the right call, but at the expense of the game. Catchers have always been able to block the plate. Sanchez is facing left field to receive the ball. The umpires had the call right, NYC didn't. BALDelli didn't need to act like a 6 year old throwing a tantrum yelling at the wrong people here

[@jonathanfrimerman8855]

Whos here after the same call happened in the Rangers-White Sox game???

[@kylemaxwell2759]

Watch it again. The catcher's knee starts to drop four frames before the catch. I don't think the initial shuffle left is what was called.

[@johnnyg2049]

Do away with replay and take the damned box of the strike zone on TV. They're both nothing but a joke.

[@slovell920]

Praise GOD!!!

[@johngoldsworthy7135]

MLB needs to adjust the rules if this is the case

[@skylercarlson717]

Coming from a catchers point of view, totally legal plate block, now would I have been prepared to get ran over, damn straight I would have expected it in this situation

[@brianschaffer9220]

6:00 I don't like the rule much, but with that statement, then that is on the defensive team, in this case, the Twins, it was the fielder of the Twins was throwing it to the catcher of the Twins, so that really doesn't apply.

[@glenne690]

In my honest opinion, as a Jays fan the call should not have overturned.

[@whatitdoo3834]

If catcher gets the ball in time the plate can be block..also can be if the Catcher needs to catch it or the ball is in the path while reaching for it.. catcher suppose to let the ball go or runner because to close to homeplate?🤷🏽‍♂️

[@djsiii4737]

Watch closely in slow motion. Sanchez is in the motion of putting his knee down to block the plate before he has possession of the ball. He did not need to do that in order to catch the ball. The rule is the catcher cannot block the lane or plate unless he has to play the ball. So he was standing up, then motioned to crouch to block the plate still before catching the ball. As a jays fan I would've been ok with the call on the field being upheld though.

[@georgenewman4464]

Fail. Being "in the motion of putting his knee down to block the plate" is not blocking the plate. MLB told the press after the game that it was Sanchez's motion in foul territory before he lifted his leg that caused the overturn. Also ridiculous, especially on what is supposed to be the standard of review on instant replay-but it matches CloseCallSports' explanation of what the judgment call is here (did the throw actually take Sanchez into the basepath?) rather than your comment, which disregards the rule.

[@bobwhite2]

The rule was applied correctly and for good reason. Take a look at the 1970 ASG when Rose leveled Fosse at the plate - essentially ending Fosse’s career. Could have easily happened on this play.

[@AsianVideoGamer]

I think Sanchez shuffled his legs to block before making the catch and made it intentionally blocking the path before he had the ball. You can see he was able to catch the ball in his original spot. If this isn't the reason then I have no idea why they over turned

[@snapmalloy5556]

You nailed it. He moved to block. He didn't have to move to recieve the throw. It was an intentional block

[@munaclassic4020]

This is why the review was short

[@mikecolie9290]

I love how the catcher turned to his left looking for where he thought the umpire would/should be and kept turning until he found him. Disregarding the obstruction ruling, the catcher's body was between the umpire and the ball/glove when the tag was made and he couldn't have seen it. He could see the leg never touch home plate but not the hand touch it (after the tag obviously). IMHO he shouldn't have rotated the way he did. What say you?

[@mannymota2871]

He was out

[@Bill-nv6lj]

25 years ago you would have heard that collision at Rogers Centre