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Instant Replay on Deck for MLB

Umpires sign on to management's proposal, but details still up in the air

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2008 9:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – Umpires and Major League Baseball officials have struck a deal that could bring instant replay to the ballpark as early as the end of this month, AP reports. The World Umpires Association signed the agreement yesterday after days of haggling over details. Video review will be limited to boundary calls like home runs and foul balls, with film clips provided by a centralized "war room."

"As hard as you try, as much as you hustle, sometimes with just the landscape of the ballparks nowadays, it's hard to tell. So if we can get it right, you know what, let's use it as a tool to get it right," said the WUA president. Many of the details of replay use still need to be determined.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, right, argues a call with home plate umpire Mike Reilly Wednesday, April 23, 2008 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi calls a rain delay as Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants walk off the field. Weather-related calls won't be included in the instant replay plan. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost, left, argues with umpire John Hirschbeck in this Sept. 14, 2007, file photo. The use of replays may cut down challenges... or not. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, FILE)

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We're going to move forward with the understanding the sides will come to the table later and iron out some of the remaining issues.
- Lamell McMorris, WUA spokesman

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Instant Replay on Deck for MLB