[PeteBooth]

Just got pelted with 16 inches of snow. Glad the season isn't starting at least here in the east as my back is killing me.

I realize this topic is a little radical but here goes. I am personally tired of hearing that baseball is unique; it stands alone and all those other accolades that one says about Baseball Officials.

The game itself has changed:
Free Agency
Smaller ballparks
Inter-League Play
The DH
Divisional Playoffs
Tightening of the ball (so it goes farther)
Lowering of the Mound
Constant changing of the Zone

I'm sure I missed a few. However, the only real significant changes in baseball officiating has been the use of the Chest protector as opposed to the old traditional balloon and the constant changing of uniform colors.

Our fellow officials in football and basketball have undergone more changes. So here's what I would like to see:

1. Once and for all it's time for the UIC to educate the Coahces / Players and Fans about what's going on out there.
How many people still do not know that the ball is live on a Foul Tip RE: THEY WERE NEVER EDUCATED . Our answer to this: "Hey read the book" IMO This is not the correct approach.

The average Fan knows more about Football and Baskeball than Baseball because they have been educated. The Football referee describes the infraction and also who committed it. The basketball referee does similiar. However, even myself in watching some of the games on TV wonder outloud - WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE In a way it's frustrating.

2. OK I'm ready to take the heat on this one. Baseball should use Instant Replay . An umpire at his / her discretion should be able to use Instant Replay to determine if a ball is in fact a Home-Run or a Ground Rule Double.

3. Finally, concerning our latest thread - Changing Calls. AT THE UMPIRES DISCRETION ONLY They should be allowed to convene as in Football and Basketball to get the call right. Forget about the other runners - where to put them etc. Any coach would rather keep an inning alive than have an unjust out called against them. The opposite is also true.

Now is all of this going to prevent Human Error - Of coarse Not but IMO will make the game better - The Game is Played as a Team and it should be umpired the same way.

Pete Booth