MLB replay system to undergo minor changes in 2015

Major League Baseball’s replay system will include some tweaks in 2015, but the groundwork will remain the same: centered around the managers. Manager challenges will remain the same according to Rob Manfred, MLB’s chief operating officer.

The New York Post reported the following:

"“I think the core of replay is going to be similar,” Manfred said. “I think the changes that we’re contemplating are largely technology, cameras, things like that. There are some issues related to exactly how long it takes to get the replay going that we’re looking at.”"

Toward the end of the season, fans bore witness to managers strolling at sloth-like pace from the dugout to the umpire in order to buy their team time to decide whether to challenge the on-field ruling. Managers instead can now signal from the dugout. According to the Post, executive vice president of baseball operations Joe Torre took the blame for  the managers’ delay of game.

"“That was really my baby,” Torre said. “The one thing we talked about challenging, I didn’t want to take away from the manager the fact that he could run out there and argue. I didn’t really plan on them meandering out there and having conversations, You live and learn.”"

To some, the MLB replay system was disappointing in 2014, as it was its first year. There are sure to be many tweaks to come in the future in order to nail down a more reliable system.  There was also a “pace of game” experiment tested in the Arizona Fall League, which drew mixed reactions. The most noticeable change centered around the 20-second clock used at Salt River Field at Talking Stick that restricted pitchers’ and batters’ time to settle in and prepare for play. Interest is also being expressed in the no-pitch intentional walk.

MLB’s Pace of Game Committee will continue to test new rules and look at the results, but no decisions have been or will be made within the next 30-to-60 days.  The hope is that any adjustments made for 2015 will cut down on review time and make accurate determinations on close plays.