Ump Blows Call as Phillies Lose Tough One
You be the judge.
So many things wrong here, that all stem from this moment. First, Bourn appears to be outside the baseline. MLB rule 7.08 says: [The700Level.com]
Any runner is out when –
(a) (1) He runs more than three feet away from his baseline to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s baseline is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely
Therefore, Bourn had three feet to work with, at the point of the tag, from his original established path to the base. In this case, that was just outside the foul line (left). Was he within three feet? Too close to call. Charlie Manuel was ejected for arguing this very point, when umpire Greg Gibson wouldn't grant an appeal. More on that in a second.
That argument may have all been for naught. Look at the picture- Howard tug Bourn. He appears to get his pant leg in the picture. He said as much:
Gibson may have blown BOTH parts of this call. Amazing. I guess they can't all go your way.
As if that wasn't enough, ejecting Manuel caused acting manager Pete Mackanin to make an odd choice in the bottom of the 9th. With Ruiz on first and no outs, he brought in Ben Francisco to pinch run. Then had Valdez attempt a bunt and brought Polanco in to pinch hit for Lidge. Why not bring Polanco in to hit for Valdez? I don't care what you say about him (any player getting that many at-bats will have some moments), Valdez has come up small all season long. Polanco has maybe the best bat control in all of baseball. He could have come in and played third in Valdez's spot, and then Sweeney could have hit for Lidge. Much better odds.
Perhaps the only positive takeaway from the game was Charlie's quote on why he was kicked out:
"I told him, that I didn't come out there to threaten his life. That's what they accused me of before one time."
That was his objection to being ejected. Awesome.
