2014 Version of EIR Announced

About a week or two ago, MLB announced (I think it was through media sources) that the owners, players and umpires will vote on an Instant Replay system sometime during the coming off-season.

Once again, it is my hope that all calls except balls and strikes are reviewable. The more important question, as MLB have said over the past few years, is how do they review this without interrupting the pace of the game? I'm curious, but I can wait until the off-season vote for that.

In related news, I believe more public accountability of the umpires is also needed such as making umpires talk to the media (with help from the PR representative(s) of the team(s) involved) and announcing that an umpire was fined an undisclosed amount and/ or suspended. They should also release the mid-year and end-of season evaluations of umpires (with names blacked out) starting with the end of this year.

Quick Update - A Blown Review in May

About a seven weeks ago, Angel Hernandez reviewed a HR hit by Adam Rosales of the A's against the Indians on May 8th. The call was ruled a double and confirmed upon review. However, video evidence shown by both teams' broadcasters showed the ball hit the fence above the yellow HR line, clearly a home run. The umpire crew got it wrong, a fact confirmed by MLB Exec Joe Torre the next day. Torre also said the call will stand, resulting in a 4-3 A's loss to the Indians. The reason: the same as the imperfect game: setting a precedent.

My question is: "If the crew didn't get the call right upon review, then is there still hope that expanded instant replay (EIR) will work like it does in other major sports?" I think there's still hope, but this definitely complicates the debate and the negotiations with the umpires union on instant replay.

In related news, EIR is expected to be ready for the 2014 season.