Baseball never needed replay in the 1970s; why would we need it now? Back then, the audience generally accepted that umpires were human and that mistakes were part of the game. Those bad calls became part of baseball lore. But should that old-school thinking be continued? Well, tbh, it’s not about chasing perfection. But it does make sure umpiring mistakes don’t decide outcomes, especially in big moments. Something that happened during the Mets’ game against the Nationals on Friday.
The 4-5 loss was already tough for the Mets. Then what made things worse was a blown-up call. It was brutal for the Mets to get ruled a catch, even when a ball that hit the ground by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, leading to a triple play for the Nationals. Well, true that to err is human, but what about the accountability?
“After the experience last night, after going through that and how it affects the game, I think there’s got to be a conversation here,“ Carlos Mendoza mentioned. “But again, the rules are the rules, and hopefully, you know, if something like this keeps happening, maybe they’ll revisit and make some changes.”
Carlos Mendoza says he has not heard from MLB about last night’s triple play: pic.twitter.com/wSl3XmCRm1
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 26, 2025
Accountability remains essential—it needs to be fair for everyone involved: Players, fans, and umpires. Expanding the list of reviewable plays might be the only viable fix. Michael Hill, MLB’s senior VP of on-field operations, hasn’t spoken with Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza yet, but when that conversation happens, Mendoza plans to make his stance clear.
Make the game more technology-driven!
Baseball’s resistance to replay and technological advancements shows how deeply the sport values tradition and nostalgia. It’s a game that is so entrenched in the culture, any change can feel like a disruption of that long-standing history. For many fans, the human element—like the umpire’s call—is what makes baseball feel timeless.
However, promoting nostalgia over the blown-up calls that are changing the course of a game? Well, that’s something uncalled for.
On Friday, the Mets did try to make a comeback in the eighth inning, with that four-run surge. However, the triple-play was too good to get over. Eventually, the game went to the Nationals to answer back with a dramatic tie and then take the win in the ninth. “Tough break for us there,” Mendoza added, considering how much it was important for the Mets to get that win.
But was it do or die?
The Mets are off to a fast start in 2025
The win against the Nationals was required not for the Mets’ survival, but to take the lead further. Currently, they are leading the NL East comfortably with a 19-8 record, followed by the Phillies at a distant second.
While the team got a flying start this season, the first credit goes to Francisco Lindor. Because it sounds like the Mets’ leadoff man is having a breakout season, picking up right where he left off last year. Missing that one game for a personal milestone is a great story in itself, but the fact that he’s come back and been so incredibly productive is impressive. Batting .297 with five home runs and a .836 OPS—especially this early in the season—puts him on an MVP-level trajectory, no doubt.
New York Mets Francisco Lindor reacts after hitting an rbi-triple in the third inning to give the Mets a 7-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the MLB, Baseball Herren, USA NLCS at Citi Field in New York City on Friday, October 18, 2024. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY NYP20241018214 RAYxSTUBBLEBINE
However, does that mean all are fine with the Mets? Well, MLB insider Jon Heyman doesn’t think so. He ONLY vouched for a left-handed reliever on the team.
A.J. Minter has been a solid contributor out of the Mets’ bullpen. Those numbers—1.64 ERA and 14 strikeouts are impressive for any reliever, especially a long southpaw like him. He’s been doing his job effectively in high-leverage situations. However, the fact that he’s the only lefty in the bullpen does raise concerns.
Pitching always stays vulnerable in the long and gruesome MLB season. So, it would be interesting to see how the Mets offer better support behind Minter.
Well, the loss against the Nationals might not be too big for the Mets for now, but it offered an insight about how a blown-up call can change the course of a game. That might prove fatal once the season goes deep.
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