The "Phantom" call against BJ Upton & the Rays....?

Question

Did anyone see that call that the ump made? The supposed turn toward second base? What is your opinion on the call? Was the ump right or wrong? And of course, how great was Joe Maddon's rampage?

Answer 1

I thought the call was a complete and total joke. I am not a Rays fan, but Upton did not make any clear movement towards 2nd.  Bad call!!!!

Answer 2

The only move Upton made was to slow up quickly as to not run into the ball or the 2nd baseman. It was a bad call, but the Rays still won. It was a call Tim Donaghy would make in Basketball in order to hopefully make a couple a bucks.

Answer 3

Even though i am a huge redsox fans and i hate the Rays even i think that the call by the umpire was a horrible call, he didn't make one step toward 2nd base and i think that the ump is blind. by the way Joe Maddons rampage was hilarious

Answer 4

Yeah, I saw it over and over.  I can't see how the ump made that call.  But then again I'm a Rays fan.  Upton did kinda go towards 2nd but only about 6 inches and not enough for that call.

Maddon wasn't bad and did the right thing by arguing and getting tossed.  I've seen much better performances by other mgrs, though.

I was really glad to see the Rays continue to battle after such a horrendous call and come back to win.  It shows a lot about their character this year.  In previous years, they would've folded.

Answer 5

If Upton made any move, any at all, towards second, then the call was the right one. It doesn't matter if it's one inch or 10-feet.

Maddon's rampage was pretty good but he didn't kick dirt or rip up bases or anything so it's not a classic.

Answer 6

You're right. The slightest twitch towards second base constitutes a move towards second. However that is not written like that in the rule book and that is what has everyone up in arms, understandably. Upton planted his foot and very slightly turned his shoulder.  It was VERY slight, but enough to get the ump to call it. It doesn't matter if the player is in foul territory. It was ticky tack, but the rule nontheless. Maddon should have argued since it was a close call, but the umps got it right!

Answer 7

I saw it on the replays it was a pretty bogus call in my book. Upton was well in foul territory and didn't make any attempt to second, he was standing still. Bad call, Joe Maddon was right to go out there and argue. Maybe he did it to show BJ he still has his back over what has happened the last couple of days.