A few months ago, Larry Granillo gave us a detailed analysis of the “neighborhood play” -- you know, where the umpire gives a middle infielder a force-out at second base, just sorta because hey why the hell not? -- and Larry essentially concluded that while the neighborhood play wasn’t/isn’t dead, it’s probably on life support. There are just too many replays on television, plus (we hope) the umpires are more conscientious these days.
We have a new Worst Call of the Month
Ronald Martinez
And then you’ve got the bottom of the second inning Wednesday night. Watch this:
Really, second-base umpire Dan Iassogna? That’s your final answer?
You can’t see this in that clip, but Iassogna totally bailed out Pedroia, who fumbled a one-hop liner before throwing (too late) to Stephen Drew. The only consolation for the Tigers: Drew didn’t get the relay to first base in time for the double play, and the Tigers scored three runs later in the inning. So they’re up 5-0 after two frames, and have a fantastic chance of evening the series at two games apiece.
None of which absolves Iassogna for his brutal call, probably the worst we’ve seen this month.
See More:
