For those that haven't heard, Selig and the commissioner's office have said no to expanded playoffs and expanded instant replay for the 2011 season (article here).
In regard to expanding the postseason, Selig said: "We couldn't do that for '11. The schedules are already done. But we're making good progress."
The expanded playoff decision isn't surprising - the schedules are already set and any proposed changes to the playoff format have to be agreed on by the players union. It's understandable that implementing expanded post-season was just not going to happen for 2011, but I don't think anyone expected that anyway.
However, the decision on expanded replay is not only baffling, in my opinion, it's completely unnecessary.
Though both issues are being discussed at the committee level, there is insufficient time to implement any changes prior to the March 31 start of the regular season.
Hmm, okay. First off, the instant replay they use now on homeruns was implement mid-season, on August 28, 2008. So why come out now, in the middle of January and say that there won't by any expanded use of replay for the whole of the 2011 season because there's insufficient time? Why not work on developing an acceptable replay system, and implement it when it's ready, whenever that may be? And really, there's 'insufficient time'? You would think they had been working on this, at the least, since Gallaraga's blown perfect game. So, why can't they get this done?
The GMs are scheduled to meet with Selig on Wednesday and Selig's 14-member special committee addressing on-field issues will gather on Thursday afternoon.
The committee includes four managers: Jim Leyland of the Tigers, Tony La Russa of the Cardinals, Mike Scioscia of the Angels and the recently retired Joe Torre.
From what I know, none of the four members of the committee listed above are really known as 'forward' thinkers in the game. I can't really imagine a guy like Tony La Russa advocating the use of expanded replay when he's so against the use of any sabermetric type stat.
MLB needs to get with it though. Instant replay is used, and used effectively, in both the NHL and NFL now, and you rarely hear complaints about either of their systems. Are they perfect? No, however, most of the time they get the call right, and isn't that what matters? Baseball needs to implement a replay system such that it isn't overused, however, if they have another situation where a player missed out on a Perfect Game because of a blown umpire call, they only have themselves to blame.
Well, at least:
"We've really had some very interesting discussions," Selig said.
What do you guys think about expanded replay? For or against? Confused about the decision to not have it for the 2011 season even though it could be implemented mid-season? More links after the jump. Happy (snowy) Wednesday everyone.
Jays Links
Andrew Tinnish " Mop Up Duty | Baseball News Sabermetric | Baseball History Bio
A look at the Jays Director of Amateur Scouting, 34-year old Andrew Tinnish. Do the Jays have the youngest front office in MLB?
The Southpaw: Stacking Up: Tampa Bay
The Southpaw starts a series of comparing the Jays 2011 team to division rivals. First up, Tampa Bay. Position by position, it looks as though the Jays have a superior team. What say you?
For Roberto Alomar, latest Puerto Rico homecoming quite special | bluejays.com: News
A nice little story on Alomar's return to his hometown in Puerto Rico.
The Jose Bautista Club | FanGraphs Baseball
R.J. Anderson takes a look at the 50 HR club, and concludes that there isn't another Bautista out there.
Madison Bumgarner, Mat Latos at risk of Year After Effect - Tom Verducci - SI.com
According to Verducci, Cecil makes the list of pitchers at risk of injury due to increased innings. I think the Jays were pretty careful with their young pitchers last year and don't think there is much to worry about. Thoughts?
The Greatest Blue Jay of All Time | 500 Level Fan
500 Level Fan has some input on the greatest Jay of all time. Goes through 9 tests and determines Tony Fernandez is the greatest Jay. By fWAR, Tony sits 3rd all time, slightly ahead of Delgado.
Worst Bunts of 2010 | FanGraphs Baseball
Encarnacion had the 2nd least effective bunt of the 2010 season by WPA.
Drunk Jays Fans: Vernon Opts To Speak
Stoeten with some musing on Vernon's opt out clause after the 2011 season. It's far fetched, but who knows?
Wil Ledezma Outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas, Another Move Coming? | Jays Journal
Ledezma was outrighted to AAA yesterday - Jared Macdonald wonders if we'll see another move shortly. What do you guys think - are the Jays finally ready to sign Manny?
Around the League
Review of Hitting Prospects, James Player Rater 1993 | FanGraphs Baseball
A look back at the 1993 prospects that Bill James rated, and how they have done for their careers. I like articles like this since it provides insight as to what you can generally expect from a certain graded prospect.
Worth a thousand words
An interesting article on the Philadelphia Athletics of the early 1910's.
Payroll Amounts for Players on the DL in 2010 | FanGraphs Baseball
The Jays didn't pay much for DL players in 2010. 28th in the league for salary, and 25th in the league for percentage of total payroll. Look at the A's - 40.4% of their total payroll was payed to players on the DL (cough, Chavez, cough)
The Platoon Advantage: Blyleven vs. Mo(rris)
A fun Morris / Blyleven comparison. With a little Rivera thrown in as well. Well worth a read.
Griffey card helps cops catch robbers - MLB News | FOX Sports on MSN
Sweet swing, great defense and speed, add 'catching bad guys' to Griffey's resume.