I know it's been a few days since the terrible call against the Guardians at the plate that cost them a big game.  But the drama played out over the weekend, as Guards catcher, Austin Hedges was fined by MLB for his comments after the game being very critical of the replay officials in New York that changed the game in the first inning. His comments were spot on, the call was ridiculous and even more egregious, unnecessary.  He absolutely knew he would be fined but it all needed to be said out loud by someone on the field.  I hope the team covered the fine. The entire league should send him a thank you card.

His Comments

On the record, I am not against all replay in sports, I do think there is a place for it to be effective.  But I am not a big fan of instant replay in sports being used to "help" officials with singular calls on the field.  I think in that realm, it overall does just the opposite.  Officiating in the NFL is at an all time low by far, in fact it's beyond bad.  NBA, well who cares about the NBA?  MLB, the umps have a very tough job, and have tons of games, and it could be better there too.  In a perfect "Scott World" I would rid it from all sports in that regard, because it doesn't work as well as they would want. IT DOES get many "right", but many times it fails when they need it the most.  Just ask Saints fans from a few years ago.

BUT if you HAVE to have it - I feel this.

In the NFL - Use it for issues of the clock.  In or out of bounds, and goal line scores only.

In MLB  -  Use it for fair or foul, Home run or not

In the NBA - Use it for clock issues, in or out of bounds, and for flagrant foul checks

In the NHL  - They do it the best for the most part, goals, off-sides, and clock issues.

It is always argued that "we have the technology" so let's get it right. Then why is it still so wrong or as controversial as often as it is? I know it all seems like such a good idea, and there are times it is and does work well. But to me, it still doesn't pass the test of being a really good thing overall.  But, it will be expanded, and yes, more than likely the electronic strike zone will be implemented at some point in MLB, and that may be a very big mess, as that is every pitch in every game.

We are never going back I know, but let's hope going forward that officiating and replay both improve dramatically.