There were so many problems with the ump lastnight. I was at the game and saw the whole thing happen one way - looked to me like Harper was ready to go, then the ump started jawing with Matt Williams in the dug out, drawing Matt out, so then Harper backed out the box to let them go at it. Then all of a sudden the ump was ready to go and tossed Bryce for not being there. My friend sitting next to me saw it this way - Harper knew the rule about being in the box and wasting time and showed up the ump by just putting his toe in the box. So, i can see how it's muddled. But anyway, seemed an overreaction.
And when you factor in the crap the Yankees got away with it really did look vindictive. Four straight K's looking, all on questionable pitches. The yanks getting forever just to determine whether or not they wanted to challenge the out at first - where was the need to speed the game up then. The ump was quick to go the mound and break up the Nats little meeting in the 8th inning. Yanks had plenty of guys backing out the box without issue. I understand filing a complaint, but yeah.. no idea what that even means. Oh well, Nats won and A-Rod got called out on a pitch that was definitely a ball high and inside.
