Umpire Laz Dias has reportedly apologized for blowing a call on A’s P Brandon McCarthy’s alleged trap / non-catch of a bunt by Texas’ Elvis Andrus Thursday afternoon. McCarthy took exception to Diaz’ ruling, but tells readers of his BMCCARTHYTHOUGHTS blog, “raging can be fun, but nothing gets accomplished.”
That point in the game was extremely high leverage. If he correctly rules that I caught it, then I’ve completed six innings (helpful for saving the bullpen) and we’re tied. After that play, Texas were now up 4-3 with runners on 1st and 2nd and one out. That is two massively different scenarios as a result of that decision. Combine that with another grown adult telling me that I trapped the ball (when I knew for a fact that wasn’t the case) and I exploded.
Usually I enjoy swearing, but only on much friendlier terms. I was swearing at Laz like he had personally tried to screw me and now the more I look back at it, I was being an asshole. I could’ve sworn at him until my cerebellum melted, but what would that have solved? Nothing.
In the future, I think I’m going to start going for the much calmer discussion/debates. I’m very aware that Laz did what he felt was correct. I don’t know how he didn’t see me catch that ball, but he says he did and under his job title, I’m obligated to abide by that. He’s just doing his job as best as he knows how, and I stood there and screamed and belittled him for it. That’s not how I want to carry myself going forward.