[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I commented that it was a slip, but may have been better served by writing that it was a departure from his usual skills of observation.

My comment was that it is far easier to become a professional baseball player than it is to become a professional umpire. The numbers don't lie; there are simply more roster spots for players than officials.

From what we've read about league consolidation, even fewer minor league brethren will have the opportunuity to prove themselves. I spoke with a few guys that are looking forward to bringing them into the collegiate ranks, while others fear their admission. Becoming a premier D-1 umpire is tough enough without the addition of these robots, they say. I say the more the merrier - they will make us all better. I've learned many new ways to think and move during the last decade; far more that made me better. These new guys are responsible for most of it.

To get back to the subject, a good umpire is someone who knows he is. Ego has a very real place in an umpire's psyche. We refer to the field as 'our' or 'my' field. That arrogance drives some to perform and sets an example for others. Good umpires make statements that appear bloated but are part and parcel of their beings. You know when you're good - it's not when others tell you, it's when they don't have to. A couple of you have jumped on Carl for implying this, but let's face it. If you don't believe that you are the best umpire on the field, you shouldn't be there.