- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
Like I said, I'm all for the call when its called consistently. Rules are rules. However, with it being a discretionary call, it seems to be everything but consistent. Then again so are a lot of other rules... (look back rule). I guess that's just part of the challenge of the game. Like it or not. The rule isn't inconsistent its the call..
Again, what do you find inconsistent? Each event can have different parameters, just going up in the air above the infield does not make it an IF.
When I saw this play, I immediately knew what the call was and why. That is probably because as an umpire, I see and analyze plays differently. Though the talking heads took a while before they finally caught on to why it was called.
This call was based on: 1)the fact that the SS never turned his back to the infield; 2) SS never really ramped up to full run, but just seemed to be cruising (ordinary effort); 3) stopped and squared up for a catch. That is when the call was made and the only thing that caused the ruckus was the ball not being caught.
Is it routine for an infielder to take a pop-up like this into the outfield? Sure is. Is there consideration given to the level of skill assumed at this level? Hell, yeah, this call isn't made at any other level of baseball. Might get call in a slowpitch game simply because the infielders play deep.
It also doesn't get called if this isn't a 6-umpire crew. Only because there was an umpire on the LF line with nothing better to do than watch this play and the ease with which Kozma is executing the play was the call made. If the ball was caught, nothing would have been said. If the LF picks up the ball and throws out one of the runners, the Braves would be pointing to the call as a great and fans cheering instead of demonstrating their lack of class and maturity.
My point is that every pop-up when the infield fly rule is available is different and consideration must be given to every factor and that can vary from game to game, even team to team.