[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Okay...okay...put down the big sticks, guys.

I've long gone after those that speak in absolutes. I recall bob jenkins reminding someone to "never say never or always" when speaking about rules. A few guys jumped in and said that a male umpire should always wear a cup when working the plate and we all broke up.

I read TAC's post and it looks like he was saying what most crusty old vets think but few of us actually tell newbies. Pete in AZ likewise made some good points. There are always reasons to speak to an assistant coach, trainer, waterboy or score keeper. His cardiac arrest example was ludicrous but proved that we shouldn't use absolutes when making statements.

TAC has put in his time and knows why it is often pointless to entertain the queries of the assistant from hell. Garth's defense of TAC was noble but it did drift into the personal attack zone. Both of them know that most assistant coaches are good at fungo hitting and butt kissing. Remember the assistant in Bull Durham - the mouth goes a mile a minute but the brain is in park.

Both Pete and TAC make valid arguments. There are times when civility with an assistant is a necessity. Be friendly to the coaches, not friends. Even assistants can earn a few points for helping me out with an irate player. Like TAC said, I typically ignore them unless they can be useful. I think that is what the head coach does too.