Maddon and the Rays' approach to replay

[Lester Freamon]

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/rays-learning-to-adapt-to-baseballs-new-replay-rules/2169005

Maddon is running some interesting drills to help his team prepare for the replay era. I wonder if the O's have considered some of the scenarios talked about in the article. I suspect they have, but can't be sure obviously.

A couple of excerpts:

Manager Joe Maddon ? to the surprise of absolutely no one who knows him ? already has been hard at work finding the first of what could be several loopholes, or as he prefers, nuances, in the program to exploit.

Maddon's premise? That if the call at first was reviewed and that runner was ruled safe, that continuing the play to the plate could lead to the other runner being called out to still end the inning, or at least sent back to third when the umpires decide on placement since he would have been out.

When the Rays are on the bases, Maddon will have them go hard around third in that situation, trying to score or get close enough to be awarded home for the potential of an extra run.

[Can_of_corn]

Sounds good in theory but that is a lot of extra effort for what might...might...be one run over the course of the season.

He might be too smart for his own good in this instance.

[Morgan423]

Sounds good in theory but that is a lot of extra effort for what might...might...be one run over the course of the season.

He might be too smart for his own good in this instance.

Hey, let him overrun his guys around third base. Because historically, that's always worked out great for...

Oh, right.

[Lester Freamon]

Sounds good in theory but that is a lot of extra effort for what might...might...be one run over the course of the season.

He might be too smart for his own good in this instance.

Good point. I do find this interesting though because I wonder how prepared the umpires will be when/if these types of scenarios play out.

Hey, let him overrun his guys around third base. Because historically, that's always worked out great for...

Oh, right.

Man, I could watch that all day. Thanks!

[OrangeJerseys]

Don't throw it away don't throw it at all!!!

[waroriole]

Don't throw it away don't throw it at all!!!

Best call ever.

[BohKnowsBmore]

Best call ever.

I still get fooled thinking hes throwing it to first.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[russ snyder]

I like his thinking from a defensive standpoint. In fact, I don't see any harm in having the first baseman throw home after a potential third out. He's probably instructing the first baseman to throw home after every third out whether it's a close play or not.

I don't like the runner coming hard around third for the same reasons that others have

posted. If the throw pulls the fielder off of the bag, he'll have an easy out right in front of him. Further, teams will be looking to make this play when they play Tampa.

[weams]

Sounds good in theory but that is a lot of extra effort for what might...might...be one run over the course of the season.

He might be too smart for his own good in this instance.

Have another Chardonnay, Joe.

[weams]

Hey, let him overrun his guys around third base. Because historically, that's always worked out great for...

Oh, right.

Good point. I do find this interesting though because I wonder how prepared the umpires will be when/if these types of scenarios play out.

Man, I could watch that all day. Thanks!

Best call ever.

I still get fooled thinking hes throwing it to first.

It is a masterpiece. The play and the call. Gary Thorne is on the Mt. Olympus of announcers.