Erick Aybar's footwork (or lack thereof) creates a giant gray area
Big League Stew —
... grounder to second, the Angels shortstop straddled the bag and then threw the ball to first. But neither foot ever touched the base and umpire Jerry Layne ruled Cabrera safe. Watch it here ...
Jerry Layne says "neighborhood play" is not for the ALCS
The Replacement Refs —
... To recap: With Melky Cabrera bearing down on the base after a Jorge Posada grounder to second, the Angels shortstop straddled the bag and then threw the ball to first. But neither foot ever touched the base and umpire Jerry Layne ruled Cabrera safe. Watch it here ...
I Beg For Consistency
Bugs & Cranks —
Don’t worry, this is not another in depth breakdown of the neighborhood play like I’ve done in the past. I just happen to disagree with the opinions of a couple writers I respect a great deal.
In case you missed the play… video here.
“That’s a first for me: broadcasters complaining about a call the umpire got absolutely RIGHT. Go figure.”
Rob Neyer (Via Twitter)
“…with so much on the line, Aybar has to know that he has to touch the base before throwing to first. Layne made ...
They Screw Up At Least One Important Call Every Game
Lookout Landing —
... Here's video of the play in question. What's clear is that Aybar never actually touched the bag. What's also clear, though, is that he got close, close enough that he would ordinarily get the call. The same call that he had gotten in, say, the third inning, when ...
