It’s safe to say that Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is not a fan of MLB’s slide rule.
During Saturday’s game in St. Louis, first baseman Anthony Rizzo hit a ground ball back to the mound where Carlos Martinez fielded it and under handed it to third. Shortstop Aledmys Diaz caught it but couldn’t make a throw to first.
Kyle Schwarber appeared to have scored on the play and the Cubs had two outs. But then the umpires came in and ruled that rookie Ian Happ was out at second base after he slid past the bag for interference.
Here is the play in question:
After it was deemed unreviewable, Maddon let us know how he felt from the dugout:
Joe Maddon is upset at that sliding rule to say the least. https://t.co/c3QOWgM7tx
— CHGO Cubs (@CHGO_Cubs) May 13, 2017
It didn’t end there. Maddon discussed the rule, while praising the umpires who made the call. Maddon explained why the rule is bad and shouldn’t be in baseball.
Maddon has a point. There was no way Diaz would have had a play on Rizzo at first base and the slide wasn’t intended to hurt the infielder.
Cubs pitcher Jon Lester agreed:
Jon Lester calls "BS" on slide rule: "These guys have turned double plays their entire lives. They know how to get the hell out of the way."
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) May 13, 2017
The Cubs will look to take the series on Sunday with Jake Arrieta opposing Adam Wainwright.
Keith Law links Chicago Cubs to this starting pitcher
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