First Jim Joyce, now Bob Davidson?

This year, we have heard many of the referee/umpire blunders - whether the event is the semifinals of the World Cup in July or the one of hundreds of Major League Baseball games. This time last night, the latter occurred.

First, some background. Two months ago, on June 1, the Detroit Tigers had a perfect game going into the bottom half of the ninth and final inning. The pitcher was Armando Galarraga, and the first base umpire was Jim Joyce. On the supposed final at-bat of the game, Cleveland Indians' hitter Jason Donald hit a ground ball to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera, who was too far from the first base bag, lofted the ball to his pitcher, Galarraga. By the time Galarraga caught the ball, Joyce called the play safe. The perfect game was perfect no longer. Upon looking at the instant replay, Joyce knew he made a mistake, and, after the game, apologized to both the Tigers' organization and its fans (and those who had Galarraga in their fantasy baseball league)

The photo links to the youtube video of what actually happened during the game.

Now, fast-forward to yesterday, August 5. The game was between division rivals - the Philadelphia Phillies and the Florida Marlins in Miami. The game was tied at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth inning, with star shortstop Hanley Ramirez at second base (Runner in scoring position) and rookie Gaby Sanchez up to bat. I'll let you see as to what unfolded:

Video courtesy of MLB

As you see in the disgust of Marlins' manager Edwin Rodriguez and the outrage by Marlins' radio announcer, the ball was clearly fair, and third base umpire Bob Davidson did not see it that way. And, unlike Joyce, but similar to Koman Coulibaly - the infamous soccer referee that gave a no goal for the US when there was no penalty nor an offsides call - Davidson did NOT apologize - to the dismay of the Marlins' organization - to the fans, the front office and the players. 

I believe that, like Joyce, Davidson should come out tomorrow morning to apologize for the gaffe he made in a crucial division game. Such small cases can actually make or break a team's season.

What is your take on the Davidson situation?