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The s-l-o-w-l-y comment was straight from my battle on the Football Board and your comment about not speaking for us was a touch snappy, as well. But, Mick, I will try to offer some thoughts.
You have been around long enough to know when someone actually knows what he/she is talking about and not picking a personality war. You have also seen enough of my posts to know when I'm adding to a topic or chastising/baiting a weaker official. I have thick skin and a sharp tongue, but I also offer 25 years of baseball experience with most of my replies.
I am sure that you've probably read my previous post again. I hope you recognized the change in paragraph as a change in subject. I wasn't trying to be cute or punish HHH. The simple fact is that the mechanic that began this decision is still not being taught at the professional schools. The one I prefer is the one most observed by professional umpires. Is it better? I don't know. Is the mechanic Pete utilizes absurd? By no means; on the contrary, if it works for him and those in his area - terrific. It makes little difference how you make the call, as long as we don't allow a coach to take advantage of his knowledge of our mechanics.
I used to have the habit of subtly pointing at a base when I saw a runner touch it (on a multi bag hit). A few coaches caught on and one day when I acknowledged first, looked hard at second and then pointed to third, the coach requested immediate time and appealed the play at second. I was amazed that he was so aware and dutifully rang him up. After the game, he said that he had been watching me for a while and knew the time would come when he would be able to use it. My signal, as unobtrusive as it was, gave one team the advantage. Now, Peter could argue that anytime he sees me take my mask off on a dropped third strike, I am doing the same as his "No Catch" signal. He would not get an argument from me. My tact is less visible and seems to be preferred by the guys way up there. (No, I don't mean the U.P.)
By the way, Peter, I just saw the Cubs-Brewers game. One dropped third, no signal. But of more importance, you've got to see the ninth inning lead off hit by Mark Grdzulenak (sp?). It tickled the right field foul line and got Yost tossed for arguing. It sure looked like it got one thread of a seam on the chalk. I'm sure it will be on SportCenter tonight and Milwaukee fans will be crying foul, for real!
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