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tcarilli gave his oppinion on the subject. Very insightful and well thought out. I don't agree with tcarilli but I will say that his oppinion is a definite possibility and could very well be the truth. I hold the position that the ejection was done because of Alderson's statements regarding pitches up and in.

Alderson is not asking that the strike zone be raised. He is demanding it. What do you think is going to happen to umpires that don't conform? I can promise you they will not remain on staff. Ask the 22 that are currently MIA.

Alderson's policy on pitching up and in is no different. It isn't a request.

Bfair is taking the position that he is backing up umpires in their decision to throw out players. I disagree and feel this view is short sighted. Raise your hand if you enjoy throwing out players. Me neither. Bfair, the umpires aren't itching to throw players out for chin music. My personal oppinion is they could care less. This is illustrated in my original post regarding Jenkins.

If a guy is stealing signs on second (at the professional level) what do you think is going to happen to him when he comes to the plate? You got it, he's either going to be dusting himself off or pretending his arm doesn't hurt like hell as he's limping to first. Umpire's know this. It's been going on forever. As long as its kept professional and they're not exposed nothing is said. The umpire usually only gets involved when its chicken $hit. Such as the guy took you deep in the first and fourth so you plunck him in the sixth. Wrong answer, you're gone.

Richie Garcia said it best when he asked where the strike zone is. "It's were I call it and they don't *****!", he responded. Good umpire's want as little crap as possible. An ejection brings the attention on the umpire. Especially when it was done like last night. Which was by the book and to the letter of the law.....according to Alderson.

I am not advocating throwing at batters at any level. The fact remains though, that it is part of the professional game. At no time do I believe it to be appropriate at the amateur level (i.e. Little League to College). This is the last post I will make regarding this discussion.

Tim C., thank you for your support and clear thinking. Maybe we have more to agree on than I thought. Incidentally you made the comment that Scott was a great teacher. Have you seen him at work in clinics and such? Like to hear your thoughts. I always thought his work in the PCL was impeccable.

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