White Sox 2-1 Over the Angels
I'vce been absent because of the playoffs. Back in March I called the season. I got 6 of 8. I predicted the Angels would beat the Cards in the World Series. I didn't have enough confidence in the White Sox then. I have a love/hate relationship with the team. I've always been a Sox fan, but I hate the owner. I like the Angels because they feature two of my favorite Ex-Spos.
Anyway, the White Sox won tonight:with a controversial call.
Here's what I said over at Lance Mannion's site:
It doesn't matter what the catcher or the batter thought happened...it is what the umpire calls.
Doug Eddings (the umpire) mentioned his "mechanic" after the game. That's the move he makes after a pitch. He throws his arm out first -- which for Eddings means "swing and miss" and then the arm pump for "strike." Not "out." Eddings reinterated that he didn't call the batter out. He followed the ball until the batter reached first and then called him safe.
Josh Paul saw the swing and assumed that Pierzynski was out. He didn't wait for the call and he was burned by the decision.
Great catch by the Pierzynski. As the White Sox catcher he had heard Eddings make the "out" call all night and when he didn't hear it he ran to first.
Note: for those who forgot MLB Rule 6.09:
"The batter becomes a runner when_ (a) He hits a fair ball; (b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out; When a batter becomes a base runner on a third strike not caught by the catcher and starts for the dugout, or his position, and then realizes his situation and attempts then to reach first base, he is not out unless he or first base is tagged before he reaches first base..."
"Legally caught" is covered in Rule 6.05 ""Legally caught" means in the catcher's glove before the ball touches the ground. It is not legal if the ball lodges in his clothing or paraphernalia; or if it touches the umpire and is caught by the catcher on the rebound. If a foul tip first strikes the catcher's glove and then goes on through and is caught by both hands against his body or protector, before the ball touches the ground, it is a strike, and if third strike, batter is out. If smothered against his body or protector, it is a catch provided the ball struck the catcher's glove or hand first."
I like the result, but wish it had happened in a less controversial way. (It is so tough for me to cheer against Vlad and Orlando though.)
