Debate Over MLB Instant Replay Heats Up

The result of Thursday's Phillies-Marlins matchup may have been different had instant replay been used.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, a ball was struck down the third-base line that was clearly fair. However, the umpire called it foul, and the play was not subject to review since it did not involve a home run.

The current MLB rule allows for replay in situations that only involve controversy surrounding home runs. Many consider the rule flawed since it does not account for plays such as the above-mentioned incident that clearly had an impact on the game's outcome. Several ESPN analysts and MLB critics believe it is time to expand the rules allowing for replay.

Will commissioner Bud Selig take action? Only time will tell. Seling is not known to take much consideration of what external sources feel is the right decision. The MLB player's union may have to step in and voice opinion so that the matter gets addressed in the near-future.

The Boston Massacre

Going into Friday, the Boston Red Sox were 6 games out of first place in the American League East division. With several injuries to key players during the season, such as Jacoby Elsbury, Mike Cameron, and Josh Beckett, it has definitely been a struggle for one of baseball's oldest franchises.

With August baseball underway and playoff races heating up, it will be interesting to see how team's attempt to gain an edge over the remaining few months. Though the actual non-waiver trade deadline is over, many teams will be looking at the waiver wire to see if any sluggers are available at an affordable choice.

Earlier in the season, the Boston Red Sox struggled without the production coming from some of their top stars. Free agent acquisition John Lackey and left-handed slugger David Ortiz were not performing as expected. Nevertheless, the team is still in contention, and the weekend series with the New York Yankees is pivotal.

Washington Nationals Place Adam Dunn on Waivers

In what is considered common practice by major league teams at this point in the season, slugger Adam Dunn was placed on waivers Tuesday by the Washington Nationals.

What this transaction means is that teams will have 48 hours to place a claim on the Nationals' slugger. Once this claim is placed, a trade or inheritance of the player can be worked out.

With the Nationals unable and maybe even unwilling to trade Dunn before the non-waiver deadline, it is unlikely that any team will be interested in inheriting his contract. However, a certain team may bite if the management is looking for that late-season push.

Another big name placed on waivers Tuesday was Carlos Zambrano, who is owed around $45 million through 2012. The Chicago Cubs' former ace has had behavioral (not to mention pitching) problems over the last two seasons, making it unlikely that any team will want to add him to the roster at such a high cost.

Trade Deadline Analysis

With the non-waiver trade deadline officially over, several teams have added key pieces to help them compete in the final few months of the season.

The team that many believe benefited most from the deadline was the New York Yankees. The Yankees made three major acquisitions, including slugger Lance Berkman, outfielder Austin Kearns, and reliever Kerry Wood. The 2009 World Series champions are certainly hoping to repeat.

The Texas Rangers also acquired a few new faces, including pitching ace Cliff Lee and first baseman Jorge Cantu. The Texas Rangers have been an offensive force this season, and the acquisition of Lee may have put them over the edge in the American League west.

Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers gained a few additions from the Chicago Cubs in both Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot. Lilly adds more experience to a young pitching staff, while Theriot will help the top of that lineup. In contention for both the wild card and the National League west division, the Dodgers are holding in strong.