Open the stance, A-Rod. Open the stance, A-Rod. A-Rod. Do you copy? Open the stance.

I’m afraid I can’t do that, Derek.

Welcome to the modern baseball era, where computers are used to validate Alex Rodriguez home runs and invalidate the Rays’ insurgency. That’s exactly what happened last night, as A-Rod benefited from the first use of home run instant replay in the game’s modern era. Of course, it wasn’t the first time replay was ever used — a brief, unsanctioned, Cliff Floyd-involved instance happened all the way back in 1999, as Rick Chandler at Deadspin points out.

But it was the first time replay was used with Bud Selig’s approval, and you know what? It actually wasn’t a massive failure. Perhaps we’re setting the bar a little too low for Bud these days. Walking and chewing gum is one thing, but speedily instituting an instant replay system in one season is entirely another. Good job, Bud!