What if MLB purposely assigned the Angel Hernandez squad to sabotage the Giants?

[Auggie]

The strike zone decided this Dodgers/Giants series more than the blown check-swing call in game five.

One of San Francisco's best offensive weapons this season was a disciplined approach at the plate. They were really good at working the count in their favor—earning a lot of walks and fat pitches that resulted in a ton of home runs.

But that can be sabotaged by an inconsistent strike zone. When strikes start getting called four-five inches out of the zone not only does this thwart that effort but it also plays major mind games with hitters. Chasing bad pitches and/or emergency swings is an immediate counter.

Did MLB assign Doug Eddings and Hernandez (especially this quack) knowing they would "innocently" sabotage the Giants approach?

It's no secret that Angel Hernandez is the worst umpire in baseball.

A lot of ratings money was riding on this. L.A. is a huge market and the Dodgers field big superstars.

If I was MLB (and TV) and wanted the Dodgers in postseason I might just pull a clever stunt like this to give L.A. an advantage.

[CanonRay]

1. One has to wonder why Hernandez would be chosen for the playoffs

His incompetence is well known and documented. He should be out of baseball applying for Walmart greeter jobs.

[Mr.Bill]

2. I agree the strike zone was very large

but I don't know if I can stretch that to a conspiracy on the part of MLB.

The fact is, in that whole series the Giants just weren't hitting like they had for most of the season. That last game just kind of looked like the rest of the games in that series. As a Giants fan, I enjoyed an excellent year of baseball, and have no regrets.

[Auggie]

3. Large is one thing. Inconsistent is another.

I'll admit that claiming conspiracy is pretty over the top.

But Angel Hernandez??? The worst umpire in baseball? Subjective balls and strikes?

[Mr.Bill]

4. I would like to hear

Mike Krukow's take on the situation. He's the foremost umpire expert, and he's not afraid to say what he thinks.

As a sidebar, I love that the Dodgers have dropped the first two in the current series.

[Auggie]

5. Me too (Krukow)

I should have listened to the postgame wrap on KNBR but was too angry.

Dodgers must be dragging by this point. Really surprised they brought Urias in from the pen.

[Clash City Rocker]

6. I don't ascribe much to conspiracy theories, but I'll add this for those who do

Several sports gambling agencies would have lost a fortune if the Giants had won the World Series this year. They didn’t think the Giants would even get to the playoffs this year, much less lead MLB in regular season wins.

[Auggie]

7. I understand that to be the case as well.

It's possible. Unlikely. But possible.

[kairos12]

8. An inconsistent strike zone is likened to

changing how many yards must be gained to get a first down in football on every series.

It's a complete disaster and changes the game in every way.

I speak as a former pitcher who both benefited and was burned by such strike zone mismanagement.