Culprit Ref FINALLY Speaks...

[Little Whiskey]

that is a tough call. the timing makes it all the worse. had the ump called it right away, it wouldn't have looked as bad. I think the braves had a beef.

[hoosier]

that is a tough call. the timing makes it all the worse. had the ump called it right away, it wouldn't have looked as bad. I think the braves had a beef.

I think he had to wait until the shortstop called off the leftfielder before he could legitimately rule infield fly. If there is any chance the outfielder makes the play, that ruling cannot be in effect. So the ump's call came late because Kozma took forever to signal "I got it". I suppose a legitimate argument could be made that if the infielder takes that long, then by definition it cannot be a routine play.