"THE DROP THIRD STRIKE"

I felt the need to update now, as game 2 of this series was marked by a controversial call. With the Angels leading the series 1-0, here is a link to catch up on the situation and what occurred:

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/cs-051012soxgamer,1,5316774.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

Now, here is my point of view:

Think back to playing little league baseball and what coaches said about a drop third strike situation.

Ok, now let's assume that the ball hit the dirt or that it was trapped because that was the call on the field and there is no evidence to rule otherwise.

The umpire used the closed fist as a symbol for a swinging strike 3 all night, but not necessarily an out.

Josh Paul and AJ Pierzynski both admit they never heard him say "OUT" and the ump (Eddings) admits to not having said it. As a little leaguer, catchers are instructed to listen for the out call in that situation and if it isn't said react.

Pierzynski, who had been catching for the Sox all game didn't hear it then and didn't hear it earlier in the game when he tagged one of the "dancing" Molina brothers out in a similar situation. So, he did what any smart/fundamental baseball player would do and take a chance on running to first. Batters do this frequently and 99% of the time it doesn't work, but this 1% time, it did.

Eddings knew he never said out and clearly made up his mind on the situation as he followed the ball and the Angels to see what they were doing and quickly called Pierzynski safe on the play.

In the meantime, the entire controversy could have been avoided if Paul tags Pierzynski or simply throws down to first base. But don't just blame Paul, what about the other 8 Angels fielders who could have had the baseball smarts of say, Pierzynski, to ventrue more towards being safe than sorry.

Credit is still due to Pablo Ozuna for stealing second base and to Joe Crede for coming through on a clutch double. After all, a pop-up to the second baseman would have sent the game to extras and made the call irrelevant.

A couple of closing notes:

1) Lost in the controversy of the call is the fact that Mark Buehrle pitches a magnificent game when the Sox needed it most. With their bats down, they rode Buehrle the entire game and would have into extras. He was lights out and made a statement as a big game pitcher.

2) Mike Scioscia is a great manager and a class act. In his post-game interview, he gives the White Sox full credit for winning the game and playing good baseball. He also credits Buehrle. Some managers would have blamed the play entirely.

3) Finally, AJ Pierzynski has a lot of heart and guts. His baseball IQ us overlooked, he is a real smart ballplayer out there. As I've had the plesure of watching him all 162 games this year, I have no doubt that he knew what he was doing that entire time and took 2 steps back towards the dugout before turning around. Then, the second Paul's arm came forward to throw the ball back to the mound he took off knowing it couldn't hurt to try and he'd catch the Angels off guard. As the Guiness beer guys would say, "BRILLIANT!"