If you’ve always appreciated the coach’s challenges in football and wished something similar were in place for MLB, then you’re going to love the expanded instant replay that the team owners are working to implement. And if you’re one of those people who are extremely passionate about keeping baseball pure and leaving the instant replay stuff for other sports, then you might want to step away from the computer for a moment because it’s happening.
The MLB team owners voted unanimously this week to move forward with funding expanding instant replay, which would include at least one manager’s challenge per game for each team. The only hurdle remaining in implementing the new MLB instant replay is getting the support of the Major League Baseball Players Association and the World Umpires Association, something Commissioner Bud Selig doesn’t think will be a problem.
“We made a gigantic move today, and I’m very pleased about that,” Selig said. “The bottom line is, we’re moving forward on replay. People spoke very emotionally about it. Clubs are very excited about it. Unless there’s something I’m missing right now, we’re going to have replay in 2014.”
Instant replay has been around the MLB for a few years, but only in a limited capacity. Now, instead of using it just to make sure a home run is actually a home run, managers will be able to utilize instant replay to challenge pretty much anything except balls and strikes. While it hasn’t been determined whether each team will get one or two challenges, the managers will get to keep the challenge if they were right on the call they challenged.
In addition to less calls being blown that could determine the outcome of the game, the new MLB instant replay will also decrease arguments between the managers and umpires. This aspect of expanded instant replay is the part that quite a few baseball fans have a problem with. After all, who would want to miss out on something like this?
As you can see from the Twitter reaction, opinions on the expanded instant replay are divided, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Do you think the MLB owners got it right by approving expanded instant replay? Add your thoughts below.
All the expanded instant replay in MLB is going to take away 1 of the most exciting parts about the game… Arguments/Ejections #Notabigfan
— Trevor Rachels (@bravefan1993) November 15, 2013
Wow great job by the @MLB and making a great decision on expanding instant replay , technology is advancing so much
— Elijah Rivera (@elijahrivera6) November 15, 2013
I'm actually glad #MLB approved instant replay, but the "always get the call right" crowd still won't be satisfied. That's the problem.
— J.W. Cannon (@cannonjw) November 15, 2013
Instant replay will end up go way far and ruin baseball
— Zach Barnes (@Captain_barnes) November 15, 2013
[Image via YouTube]