Players' opinions differ on replay system

After further review, it looks as if most players are digging Major League Baseball's soon-to-be-utilized instant replay system which will focus on home run calls, including whether they are fair or foul.

Each ballpark is being retrofitted with cameras, and Commissioner Bud Selig is hoping to have the system up and running by the end of August.

"That's good that they're starting before (the playoffs); that way they can get some practice at it and it will run a little bit smoother once the playoffs start," said Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson. "There are so many parks where there are poles behind the fence that you can't see and it bounces around. It just makes it tough for the umpires.

"I think they would rather get the call right - especially in a playoff or World Series atmosphere."

Johnson's platoon partner in center field, Jim Edmonds, agrees.

"It's easier on the umpires and it's better for the game," Edmonds said. "It seems like it's getting tougher and tougher.

"I guess it's all going to depend if it works in your favor or not."

Not everyone is pro-technology, however.

"I personally don't like it, just for the fact you start bringing computers into the game," said pitcher Jason Marquis. "There's human error involved in both sides, from players side to an umpires side. Nobody's perfect."

And the new system probably won't be either.

"I still think there are going to be some plays that are questionable and replays not going to help much (on those)," Edmonds said. "But it'll be good. Get it right and move on."

Red hot: Second baseman Mark DeRosa continued his torrid play of late, smacking his career-high 15th homer of the season in the second inning Thursday, good for his 73rd RBI, 1 shy of his single-season high set in 2006.

DeRosa is 17-for-47 (.362) with 6 doubles, 4 homers and 18 RBI over his last 14 games.

"He's done well, he really has," manager Lou Piniella said. "We've moved him around a lot. He's got that talent where you can do that with him. But around second base he has really played well. He's playing good baseball for us."