WBC Blues

[Bob Hannah]

Today's Japan-USA game had that correct call erronously overturned that prevented Japan from taking a late lead and the USA needing only one run in the ninth to win. If the call stood as originally made (even though the original call was made by the wrong umpire according to the talking heads) the outcome could have been much different and the liklihood arose the tournament's complexion may have changed dramatically.

Where are these umpires from? Do all nations having an entry in the tournament contribute umpires to arbitrate the games? Does the host country provide the umpires? I don't know if this would be possible but for the sake of striving for impartiality an umpire shouldn't be allowed to officiate a game his country's team is participating in (then again, a scenario like this could open up a whole new can of worms).

[Cubano100%]

Yes. There are umpires form many nations including one from Cuba: Nelson Diaz.

[RedSoxVT92]

I dont think this call came out of patriotism though. They are minor leauge umps and arent all that good. The ump behind the plate had 30 year experiance but is still a minor leauge ump. So I just think that they screwed up the play because of there skill level. But it is very possible that the Ump was biased.

[MainSlot]

Dont know about the rest but the ump for the Cuba game today had lots of major league experience.

[Bob Hannah]

Yes. There are umpires form many nations including one from Cuba: Nelson Diaz.

Would that umpire be working Round 2 of the tournament in California, or in San Juan? Do you know how the umpires are assigned games? For instance, in pool play over in Tokyo, was it all umpires from Japan, Korea, China and Taipai? Is the San Juan phase of the tournament officiated only by umps from those Latin countries, or could a Canadian, Dutch or South African ump still be working the tourny?

[Cubano100%]

Would that umpire be working Round 2 of the tournament in California, or in San Juan? Do you know how the umpires are assigned games? For instance, in pool play over in Tokyo, was it all umpires from Japan, Korea, China and Taipai? Is the San Juan phase of the tournament officiated only by umps from those Latin countries, or could a Canadian, Dutch or South African ump still be working the tourny?

I read in the Cuban media that the Cuban umpire was assigned to the USA group in the first round. I do not know anything else. I know he is good and very experienced.

[laee3]

I dont think this call came out of patriotism though. They are minor leauge umps and arent all that good. The ump behind the plate had 30 year experiance but is still a minor leauge ump. So I just think that they screwed up the play because of there skill level. But it is very possible that the Ump was biased.

I agree, it was very suspicous. Why would he listen to second base umpire?? Third base umpire haven't said antying. If he believes that the runner came home then main umpire has every right reason to stick with it, but no! the minute Buck Martinez comes out he overturns that call!! that's looked awfully suspcious.

[aarond23]

I can't see it being a conspiracy theory, you saw all the US players point and make a point to appeal the play. I just think he saw it wrong. It happens unfortunately. I definitely felt bad for the Japanese players.

As for the video replays....I think it was a bad call but we really need to see the timestamps to really get an idea...it could literally be like hundreths of a second difference..hard telling.

But any good proffessional player is not going to leave early on a sacrifice fly like that. It just doesn't hapen that often. I would give the benefit of the doubt to the Japanese runner.