[WhatWuzThatBlue]

OMG, the fact that we agree is numbing. I was villified for saying these same sentiments earlier.

MiLB umpires are not a rare breed. They are being paid to train and dream. MLB knows what they have and it is a proving ground. The dirt track racers don't get paid Michael Schumacher salaries. They are still learning and hoping fora shot at the brass ring. I can't believe anyone would fall for that "how are you going to replace our talent BS". Watch, they'll show you how. The same way that PATCO, Ford, and countless other companies replaced staff when they walked out. The replacements aren't weales, Largeone. IF a guy doesn't want to work his job, then go away. MiLB is driven by the dollar, just like any other business. Why would I pay more than I have to to get someone to sweep the floors in my office. If Oleg doesn't want to, then Manuel will. There are simply too many umpires that want to work MiLB. The schools are full and prove my point.

Do they deserve to be paid more - probably. But let's face it, high school coaches think they deserve professional umpires out there. If some of the best college guys work those Triple A games while Andy is sitting at home, too f-ing bad. That's what happens when you sign on for the dream.

This is the same cock and bull story about we want and need more. There is a list a country mile long of guys that would happily take those meaningless Short A, Rookie ball and Long A assignments. Those games will be covered by some talented umpires and some not so talented umpires. But that is what happens on every amateur baseball field in the world.

It is a hard life, to be certain. But, they get paid for a five month season and can do winter ball, instruct or travel the south working for more money than they made on the MiLB circuit. As I said before, these guys are apprenticing. The fact that a guy has been doing it for seven years is sad, but too bad. Why are you hanging in there after seven years? The answer is obvious - he wants the shot at the Show. No one is forcing him to stay. If you don't like the hours, pay or benefits...step aside and the next hungry young guy will be only too happy to show them what he's got. That's what MiLB does and so does most of corporate America.

[Edited by WhatWuzThatBlue on Jan 30th, 2006 at 10:40 PM]