Joe Girardi: Managers could use challenges to take pitcher out of rhythm

Most baseball fans agree that integrating expanded replay review into the game is a good thing for MLB, but there could be some unintended consequences.

MLB owners will vote in November on extending the plays that can be reviewed with instant replay. The expansion will go into effect pending approval from the owners, players, and umpires.

Managers will get the opportunity to challenge one reviewable play from the first through sixth innings, and they will get two more challenges after that. MLB has not finalized the list of reviewable plays, but they should listen to the comments of Joe Girardi when making their decisions.

The New York Yankees manager had an interview with WFAN’s Joe and Evan on Friday and discussed how managers could use expanded replay challenges to their benefit.

“You might even see [managers use challenges] just to take a pitcher out of his rhythm,” Girardi told the hosts. “There’s a lot of things that could go into that. All of us will do what we think is best for our club in a lot of situations.”

Girardi also stressed the importance of the clubhouse video guys for determining whether managers should use challenges. He said you’ll have to trust what your players tell you and what your video assistants recommend.

“[You have to listen to your players] and I believe your video guys are going to have to be pretty quick. I think your video guys are going to become a lot more important because of that,” Girardi said.

I’m not sure how MLB will be able to manage the situation. In tennis, players sometimes use their challenges to give themselves a rest or to similarly try taking an opponent out of rhythm, as Girardi suggests This may be one of the consequences of adding replay, but I think it’s a minor one in comparison to the benefit of getting more calls right.

Thanks to LBS tipster David