The Pierzynski Play

I admit it. I am having trouble focusing on the Angels--White Sox series. I really don't care who wins. I was drinking shiraz and watching hockey (remember that sport?) during the controversial ninth inning call last night.

If you missed "The Pierzynski Play" too, here is a summary from ABC News that I've read seven times and it still doesn't make sense to me:

The ninth inning was over. And then it wasn't. And then Joe Crede gave the White Sox what is sure to go down as one of the most disputed victories in playoff history.

Given a second chance when plate umpire Doug Eddings called strike three but not the third out Chicago beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 Wednesday night to even the best-of-seven AL championship series at a game apiece.

I did tune into ESPN in time to watch about a dozen replays of the call from two dozen different angles. In my opinion, this was a huge blown call by the entire umpiring crew. First of all, Angels catcher, Josh Paul, caught the third strike. The ball never hit the ground. The inning should have been over. One of the five other umpires should have seen this and called the batter out. Second, home plate umpire Doug Eddings indicated that the batter was out by raising his right arm in a "you're out" motion (twice).

The umpires' press conference was almost embarrassing to watch. It reminded me of three state police officers trying to justify why they gave an unnecessary speeding ticket. They all refused to admit the mistake. Eddings explained his "balled fist" motion as his standard call for a swinging strike: "That's my strike three mechanic", he said. Riiiight.

I guess I'll just be glad that this didn't happen to the Red Sox or I would be one of 500,000 unruly fans protesting in front of the Bud Selig's office right about now.

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In semi-related news, White Sox chairman, Jerry Reinsdorf, reportedly rejected John Cusack's request for ALCS tickets. According to the Chicago Sun Times:

When actor John Cusack reportedly inquired about getting tickets recently, Reinsdorf rejected him. He still remembers when Cusack -- who starred in "Eight Men Out'' about the 1919 "Black Sox'' who threw the World Series -- became the world's biggest Cubs fan during the North Siders' 2003 playoff run. Cusack used to be a White Sox fan," Reinsdorf said, recalling Cusack coming to the Sox 2000 playoffs. "He showed his true colors. Now that we won, someone on his behalf called my office. I wouldn't give them to him." Read the full article, No celebs? No problem

Photo from MLB.com

Wow. You'd think that the White Sox would want all the fans that they can get -- especially a fan who starred in 'Say Anything'.

Is there is some sort witch hunt going on in Chicago these days? Are fans who switch their loyalties being reported to the authorities? "I have a photo of my next door neighbor wearing a Cubs hat back in 2003 but I saw him leaving the house yesterday morning with a black and white foam White Sox finger. Arrest him! Don't let him into US Cellular Field!"