Interference call on Upton's slide into Matsui at second correct?

Question

Good call or bad call by umps?

Answer 1

It is correct. Actually, the umpires became much stricter about interference at 2b this year, going by the book. In the past, maybe no int.
This is being discussed at an umpire's forum. So far, six of six agree.
http://forum.officiating.com/showthread.php?t=38806

EDIT: check 7.09d.
A runner who has been put out "hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner" is guilty of interference, and both are out.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/runner_7.jsp

Answer 2

Good call. Now the true call needs to come from the commish. The slide resulted in interference, no doubt, but was the intent even dirtier? I think so. Look at how and where Upton plants his lead foot on the slide; he was clearly throwing a spike at Matsui's leg. Whether he gets a fine or suspension or neither the league and the press need to acknowledge and expose the intent and take a stand against it.

Answer 3

Not a good call, but a GREAT call ! If Vanover doesn't call it: A) that means open season on the pivot man on all double play balls at second base for the rest of the series; B) GUARANTEED that Upton gets a 95 mph fastball in the ear the next time at bat. If Vanover doesn't police the action around the bag, then it would have deteriorated into a beanball war. I had the privilege of working with Larry in the Class AA Southern League in 1986......easy call, easy explanation.

Answer 4

Good Call. Although he could reach the bag on his slide as the rules spell out, he raised his arm into Matsui after the slide which is interference.

Answer 5

Good call. I think Upton would have been fine except you could see in the replay that he went out of his way to initiate contact by stretching out his right arm and his back. I do not blame Upton for the attempt, nothing mean or malicious in it, we were always taught growing up that you did whatever you could to break up the double play, he tried.

Answer 6

Good no doubt about it. Upton's arm hit Matsui's leg and basically tripped him so he couldn't attempt to make the play at first.

Answer 7

If he would have just continued the slide, all would have been fine and no DP, but since he deliberately brought up his arm to elbow the 2B, interference was called, thus the umpire's call.

Answer 8

Good call - and a gutsy call by the umpire.
It was borderline until he brought his arm and shoulder up - then it was obvious of the intent to interfere.

Answer 9

Good call. Upton used too much of his elbow as he was standing.

Answer 10

It was pretty obvious.