@old_school posted:ESPN showed footage last night which both the base ump calling foul and the plate ump pointing fair at the exact same time. The coach at 3rd was clearly looking at the plate ump pointing fair and was sending runner the whole way before the base ump entered picture.
I don't know who call it was but I think the result was completely accurate to the play even if the method of getting there was totally wrong. Kinda like my algebra experiences in a past life!!
There was never going to be a play at the plate on that ball, it was either fair or foul so it didn't feel to me like the defense got screwed.
Part of the confusion is caused by taking umps that have worked all season and most of their lives in a 2 man system and throwing them into a 4 man system. Add to that the 4 are not familiar with each other and you have a recipe for disaster.
In a 2 man crew that call is 100% of the time the HP. In 4 man it was the U3 call, From the mechanics manual ...U3 Coverage ..."Call fir/foul on ground balls from front edge of third base or bounding over the base..."
In addition, the foul call is verbalized. The fair call is silent and indicated only with a point of the finger into fair territory.
As to if there would be a play at the plate, no one can say for sure what would have happened.
Every year the umpires are scrutinized for their terrible zones. And from what we see on TV I would agree. These assignments should be made thru an evaluation process and not because someone wants to volunteer and is willing to pay their own way.