^^^I found it hard to believe the explanation given by Rick Manning in the booth, that the umpire
only has the authority to stop the game in the case of a power outtage or a player injury. You would think they(umpires) would have the authority to right anything that disrupts or destroys the integrity of the game....and that clearly disrupted the integrity of that game. It is bad enough if something random like a ball hitting a bird changes a play...but unacceptable that a thrown ball, whatever its origin, decieves runners or fielders such that play is corrupted. If MLB truly does not have a rule that covers that situation, they need to make one in a hurry, because there is apparently nothing to stop errant balls thrown purposely from the stands or 'by accident' from the bullpen from altering the outcome of a game.
Moreso, and especially since you have a high tribunal sitting in NY that reviews call challenges, it most certainly is possible to have called them in for 'help'. It should be about
getting things right.
[When a situation is not covered, Rule 9.01(c) comes into play. That rule gives the umpire authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in the Rules. In such instances the umpire is instructed to use "common sense and fair play."/QUOTE]
if that is a rule, then I'm furious that Francona did not protest the call...in fact, I thought it was negligent to just take it up the ass and accept the crew chiefs explanation without so much as asking the umpires to confer.
