MLB is testing instant replay this week in the Arizona Fall League. The MLB Network is showing a game tonight so I got a chance to see the process put into action. For those interested here is how the processed worked:
- Bang-bang play at first, runner called out.
- Coach walked out to HP Umpire to challenge the call (during the testing there are unlimited challenges).
- Headset was brought out to the Home Plate Umpire to talk to the umpire in the control room (HPU did not leave the field)
- Call was confirmed to be correct and the managers were told the outcome.
- The whole process took less than a minute.
While not as entertaining as an argument, I can see where this might actually speed up the game. I believe there is a 3 minute time limit in place in which the umpires need to make a judgement.Tony LaRussa was interviewed about Instant Replay in the booth and said if approved next month it would be rolled out at Spring Training next year.
If Instant Replay goes as smoothly as what I saw tonight I think it will be good for the game or maybe... I'm just happy to be able to watch some baseball this late in the year. 
