Major League Baseball will be getting instant replay; it's just a matter of when. MLB has already begun installing the necessary equipment in its stadiums, and Bud Selig has suggested that it's possible that the system will be in place before the end of the season. Honestly, I'm shocked at how quickly this has come together (relatively speaking, of course -- baseball is the last major sport to embrace the technology) ... and apparently, I'm not alone.

While most fans and players would like nothing else for the correct call to be made every time, the umpires on the field aren't in any hurry to interrupt a game to have their judgments scrutinized. To protest the fact that they don't feel their concerns are being addressed, the umpires boycotted a conference call with MLB officials yesterday in which replay was set to be discussed.

Umpires say they're unhappy that replay equipment is being installed away from the field in nearly all major league ballparks and say MLB wants to limit the number of umpires allowed to review replay monitors.

They also aren't pleased that MLB wants them to discuss the replays with umpire supervisors in New York before making a decision on whether to reverse a call. They claim MLB may not be able to provide replays for some rescheduled games.

I think I have an idea that can solve everything: if the umpires have concerns, they should talk about them. And since it's hard finding time to get everyone together in the same room, let's do this thing over the phone. One big conference call. Oh wait ... what was the point of boycotting again?

Previously on FanHouse:
The Dugout: Instant Replay
Baseball Will Have Instant Replay Soon
Details About Baseball's Instant Replay Plans Coming to Light
MLB Wasting No Time With Instant Replay