Déjà Vu All Over Again for A-Rod

To quote Yogi Berra, it was déjà vu all over again for Alex Rodriguez.

In the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series, A-Rod hit a Cole Hamels pitch down the right field line for what appeared to be a double. But upon closer inspection, the ball hit a camera that overhung the outfield fence. Yankees manager Joe Girardi asked the umpires to use instant replay. They agreed marking the first time instant replay has been used in the World Series. The umps ruled it was a home run. At the time the Phillies had a 3-0 lead. A-Rod's home run made it 3-2. In all, the Yankees scored six unanswered runs and ended up winning 8-5 to take a two games to one lead in the Fall Classic.

Of course, instant replay was introduced late last season. It was used for the very first time on September 3, 2008. Guess which player was involved? I think you know where I'm going here. A-Rod hit a home run at Tropicana Field over the left field catwalk which is in foul territory. Rays manager Joe Maddon brought this to the attention of the umpires and they looked at the replay. However, the umps upheld the home run. I still think they got that call wrong.

Tonight's situation wasn't a question of boundary but rather a question of judgment. It was in the opinion of the umpires that the ball would have gone into the seats in the absence of the camera. Yet it could have just as easily hit the top of the fence and been a double. I don't think it was clear cut.

But some guys have all the luck.