YES and NO

What literally every one and their mom (seriously, my mom asked me about it) is talking about is Armando Galarraga, Jim Joyce and the call. And although it is a big deal, it’s that bad and I’m just torn on the whole controversy.

Can this be the image of MLB?

Should the call be overturned? Yes… and no.

YES: This kid was one out away from a moment and accomplishment that only 20 players before him in the history of baseball has anyone done. It was dramatic slap in the face to MLB and Bud Selig that there needs to be instant replay in the game of baseball on more than just the home runs. It won’t slow down the game and there would be no implementation of it on ball-strikes calls. What is there to lose? Nothing, people will be happy and who are you to not give back a call like the one that occurred and give Armando his perfection. And this type of thing already happens, an official scorer can go back the next day and give a guy a hit instead an error or vice versa. Keep the integrity of the game and give the kid his historic moment back Bud.

NO: Human error is a big part of the game. In the 1985 World Series between the same exact play occurred, and I mean the exact play. (So this call is obviously an extremely tough call to make; pitcher coming touching first, ball coming, and runner coming. There is a lot going on and a lot to keep track of in this situation. Hardest call in baseball outside of balls and strikes??) The Reds got the bad end of the deal on the call, went on to lose the game and eventually the World Series. Although Armando didn’t get what was rightfully his it was just a perfect game, no other implications, his team did win the game and he didn’t loss the World Series due to it. So is it a big deal? Plus look at how Jim Joyce and, most importantly, Armando Galarraga dealt with it. Armanda had a grin on his face because he knew he just lost his perfect game on a bad call, but did not argue, did not say a word. He then went on to get the next batter out for his first ever complete game shutout and he couldn’t be happier about that. After the game Jim Joyce looked at his call on replay and was torn up about how he single handedly took this game away from this kid. He was genuinely apologetic. The next day they met at home plate, Joyce in tears and Armando still grinning. Isn’t this a boost for baseball’s integrity? It may not seem so now, but Armando took it in the most valiant, unselfish, glorified way possible. He should be applauded for what he did. And Joyce is upset at himself and taking responsibility for his actions. When is the last time that happened in MLB?

Okay, so like most things, there is no black and white here. But is there any doubt this is good for baseball? NO. With a Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals and a popular Stanley Cup Finals and all people are talking about is baseball. With there be an advancement in replay in baseball? YES. Was this game perfect? Yes and No.

YES/NO: Armando Galarraga, can I test drive that convertible Ford gave you yesterday???