Walker Jenkins, John Klein Help Keep Saints Undefeated

Tom, I respectfully disagree with your take on Shelton's argument. Saw it live and four replays. Pitcher did touch hat and then took four steps before tapping his hat which is the protocol/rule. At that point, the pitcher is beyond "immediately" and the challenge should have been denied. Are we going to use a clock? Perhaps a tweek to the rule is in order, giving only catchers and batters the challenges. The umpire can hear those guys voice a challenge as they are signaling one, which eliminates doubt. If a challenge is given every time a pitcher or batter reaches up and touches their hat/helmet, challenges will be done by the end of the first inning. Many pitchers and batters will habitually touch their helmets/hats after every pitch. From my view, the Orioles pitcher did not clearly tap twice, initially, as required. It was the second base umpire who overruled the home plate umpire. If that play happens to the Yankees you will see Aaron Boone on the field for 15 minutes. Boone is already a master at extending the 15 second challenge; he is good.

On another note, I would like all other challenges reduced to 3 seconds. It eliminates the video delays. All egregious calls would be challenged, which was the original intent of bringing replay into the game.