Baseball Rules Corner: conflicting signals by different umpires can lead to confusion.

DID YOU EVER SEE TWO UMPIRES make opposite calls on the same play? Did you ever see an umpire reverse his call on the same play? Whenever this happens you can color the men in blue red, but it's all a part of the game.

Different calls on the same play by two umpires created a bit of confusion at Edison International Field in Anaheim where the Angels hosted the Yankees last April 23.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Angels had Brad Fullmer on first base with one out and Scott Spiezio at the plate. Spiezio hit a Roger Clemens' offering down the first base line that was fielded by Yankees' first baseman Jason Giambi. First base umpire Ted Barrett signaled fair. Giambi stepped on the bag for the putout then threw to second where Fullmer was safe.

But all was for naught because plate umpire Tim McClelland called the play a foul ball.

Such a play is easily rectified since the plate ump has fair or foul responsibilities on batted balls before they reach first or third base. Neither team put up a fuss.

Conflicting signals by different umpires working a game, not only confuse the players, it is embarrassing for the umpires. When it does occur, there are areas of the rulebook to which umpires can refer.

To begin with, no protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the umpire (4.19). Since opposite calls on the same play are a matter of individual judgment, even though it may place a team in jeopardy, chances are the victimized manager will not have any recourse. But then again, it all depends on who is holding the gavel.