Selig reconsiders replay after GMs approve new plan

MAILBAG Tom Verducci will answer select questions from SI.com users in his Baseball Mailbag. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

Commissioner Bud Selig, a staunch opponent of instant replay in baseball, will reconsider its place in the game after baseball general managers voted 25-5 in favor of exploring its use on a limited basis. Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive vice president of baseball operations, said Selig's position on replay "seems to have softened," keeping it on track to eventually be presented to owners, players and umpires for approval.

Solomon expressed doubt that a replay system could be in use for next season, except for the possibility of a trial or test basis. General managers overwhelming endorsed a system to review only so-called "boundary" calls -- potential home run balls involving fan interference, foul poles and the yellow demarcation lines on outfield walls.

No formal proposal was adopted, but GMs did talk about a replay system similar to what is used by the NHL, in which a central office would monitor all games from an off-site and provide rulings when necessary. The Cubs, Astros and Brewers were among the five teams that voted against the endorsement.

Solomon indicated that no formal process exists to consider the endorsement, but the next step seems to fall squarely with Selig. He could ask for a formal proposal from the GMs before presenting it to owners, players and umpires for approval.

In other business on Tuesday, GMs discussed the need to "vigilantly enforce" pace-of-game rules, Solomon said. The GMs also considered endorsing an international rule that would limit trips to the mound by any combination of players, coaches or manager -- an idea aimed squarely at the numerous conferences on the mound between the catcher and pitcher that particularly drag the pace of postseason play. The current rule allows players to visit the mound as many times as they wish without penalty. Pitchers must be removed upon a second visit in an inning by coaches and managers.