Time is a precious commodity.
The decision makers at Major League Baseball understand patience can be a virtue in this fast-paced society we live in. As they continue to tinker and evolve they have hit a few speed bumps, some of which have come under scrutiny.
One associated with pace of play ties back into the current instant replay format which many believes not only breaks the flow of the game but tarnishes the sport in certain ways.
Arizona Diamondback legend and 2001 World Series hero Luis Gonzalez has an idea.
“I honestly think we should have a fifth umpire in the press box,” Gonzalez, now a Senior Advisor for the President and CEO told Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat during a phone interview earlier this week. “There should a five-man crew that they could rotate around.”
Gonzo believes a “rest day” in the press box would be beneficial for umpires the game after working behind the plate. Not only would it help keep the crew fresh, it would alleviate the awkwardness of umpires wearing headsets during game stoppages when communicating with the league office over disputed calls. The press box umpire would handle all in-game replays.
“You could make the game so much quicker,” Gonzalez explained.
He also believes the “mystery” behind who is reviewing plays in the current system is concerning. Gonzalez knows some managers may not have the best relationship with certain umps and may try to “get one over on ya” if there is a history between the two parties.
“I really think that that fifth umpire would work a lot quicker and easier because you would have them physically there at the game,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve seen it on the field where you have both teams out there not really knowing if they’re on offense or defense and they’re just standing around and talking on the field. I don’t think that looks good for the game of baseball.”
