New angle shows Terry Francona’s stunning lack of urgency on challenge (Video)

New York Yankees fans are still fuming over Terry Francona’s successful challenge attempt of an Aaron Hicks catch.

Terry Francona’s successful challenge on Wednesday afternoon was as controversial as they come. While the Yankees did eventually win by a run, the umpires showed a stunning lack of awareness that ought to be reprimanded.

Guardians slugger Bo Naylor hit a fly ball into center, which was caught by Aaron Hicks of the Yankees on a diving play. Upon further review, though, the umpires reversed the call. This alone would have been fine, but it’s not the point. The umpires took far too long to make a decision, and gave Francona the chance to challenge despite the fact he took more than 15 seconds to make up his mind.

The replay of Francona’s lack of urgency from the Cleveland dugout won’t do him any favors.

Terry Francona got away with one against Yankees

FanSided’s Drew Koch broke down the mistake:

"“Now, you may be saying to yourself, “if they got the call right, what’s everyone so upset about?” Major League Baseball has been strictly enforcing the 15-second time limit in which manager’s are allowed to challenge. Francona never engaged with the umpires during that timeframe, meaning that the challenge should have never occurred.This was an egregious assertion of authority by the umpiring crew for the Yankees-Guardians game on Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland.”"

Umpires are human beings, and they make mistakes. When players suggest they want the human element in the game rather than robot umpires, this is included in that statement.

Nonetheless, a basic rule like this one should be followed, and enforced from any capable ump. It’s the rule of law in baseball, and one Wednesday, they fell short once again.