Instant Replay in Baseball

If you could minimize human error, why wouldn't you?  If you already have the technology, why wouldn't you?  If you could silence the critics, why wouldn't you?

Why wouldn't you install instant replay in baseball?

Now, I understand that baseball is America's pastime, and it has a long standing tradition.  However, if you can get the call right, why wouldn't you?

While it can minimize human error, you can never completely eliminate it.  Humans will make mistakes.  That has always been part of the sport.  Yet, at the same time, you can greatly reduce the number of mistakes made by the umpires.

Here is my proposal:
Adopt the system used by the NFL, which has been proven to work.  Give each manager two challenges for the first eight innings.  For the ninth inning and extra innings, have all challenges originate from an umpire in the booth, following the NFL model.  Have the home plate umpire or the crew chief make all determinations.

Make all balls and strikes calls unchallengable, because the strike zone is somewhat subjective.  Each umpire's strike zone is a little different, and you can't standardize the strike zone.  It is just part of the game.  However, I would make all other plays challengable.

Some people argue that replay would slow down the game too much.  However, let's face it, baseball is not a fast paced game.  It is no secret that baseball can be slow at times, and implementing replay is not going to affect it that much.  In addition, football, a fast paced game, has replay, and it does not hurt the game.

In fact, I would argue that replay enhances the quality of the game.  It allows officials to ensure that the call is correct, so the integrity of the game is upheld.  It keeps the game fair, and the players and fans happy.

We live in 21st century, the age of technology.  If you can improve the game with technology, why wouldn't you?

I would love to hear your thoughts on instant replay in baseball.  Please leave your comments!