Call against Royals is best case for robotic umps yet (Video)

We might need robot umps a little sooner than expected

I rarely advocate for the loss of jobs, but this is an exception. In Friday night’s game against AL Central foe Minnesota, Kansas City Royals reliever Josh Staumont was on the receiving end of one of the worst non-strike calls we’ve ever seen. Staumont threw a 100 MPH heater right down main street, a pitch that should’ve been rewarded as the first tick against Twins No. 9 hitter Ryan Jeffers. Instead, home plate umpire Jeremie Rehak opted against the obvious, instead making him work from behind.

The pitch, seen here highlighted by ESPN MLB analyst Jeff Passan, is arguably the worst call I’ve ever seen, in part given the circumstances. If anything, Rehak should want to go home early, given the game is 5-1 in favor of the Royals at the time of this pitch. Also, this was not a case of pitch framing getting the best of Staumont. Instead, his catcher’s glove doesn’t move, and neither should Rehak’s eyes as he went to make his decision.

No, this is the worst missed strike of all-time, and no one can tell me otherwise

I am no Royals apologist. They shouldn’t be considered a true playoff contender, instead associating themselves with fellow AL Central cellar-dweller Detroit, reliving the glory of yesteryear.

But Rehak makes laughing at such a bad call impossible. We’re redefining what’s acceptable for Major League umpires with every bad call that’s allowed to pass without repercussions. That’s what avoiding outrage does, especially in this case. It’s blatant mismanagement of authority and I, for one, will only laugh at it a little bit.  Okay, maybe a lot.