The
biggest game-changer in baseball may be an improper strike called by an umpire.
Games 2 and 5 of the current World Series have proven the point. Cubs’ pitchers
have been given a much wider strike zone than Indians’ pitchers. The Indians
have had walks that have been turned into outs by a horrendous call by the
umpire. They have had to swing at pitches outside the strike zone, for fear the
umpire would call what was clearly a ball a strike. Even an honest Cubs’ fan
would have to admit that the called strikes in these two games have been more
than suspicious. One can only conclude that either someone has paid the umpires
to tilt the game in favor of the Cubs, or that someone is paying the umpires to
extend the series for advertising dollars.
Of
course, one may conclude I’m just a jilted Indians’ fan, but that conclusion
doesn’t measure up to scrutiny. The Cubs pitchers have been given several
called strikes that were actually grazing the corner of the batter’s box. Yes,
believe it or not, they were that far outside the strike zone and were still
called strikes!
This
has not been a situation of borderline pitches being called. Certainly there
have been those calls, for both teams, and one could argue those calls either
way. No, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about two separate
strike zones that have been called—a regular strike zone for Indians’ pitchers,
and a significantly widened strike zone for Cubs’ pitchers. In game 2, it
likely didn’t make much of a difference. Cleveland was outplayed that game.
But, last night, in a one-run game, all those extra unearned outs the Cubs were
given were likely the difference between who won the game.
Major
League Baseball should change the rules to allow a manager to challenge a
called third strike. They should also use ball-tracking technology and a review
board to rate an umpires’ proficiency calling balls and strikes. Those umpires
that don’t make the cut, will be given their walking papers. If a home plate
umpire’s proficiency is below 90 or 95% in any playoff game, then they cannot
officiate for the rest of the post season. I suppose the only way things could
be worse is if baseball hired former NBA referee Joey Crawford and put him
behind the plate.
Well,
at least the series is heading back to Cleveland. So, we won’t be playing in
that joke of a ballpark called Wrigley Field. Yes, I called it a joke. Who
designs a stadium with a brick wall just inches outside of the foul line in the
corners? Plus, I won’t have to hear another ridiculous rendition of “Take Me
Out to the Ball Game”. If the Indians are just given mediocre officiating the
next two games, they will beat the Cubs. Until last night, the Cubs showed no
heart. Over the series, they’ve been outplayed in all aspects of the game. Let’s
go Tribe!
