[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Steve,

I would, but I'm quite certain that he needs a translator more than the Japanese manager.

The fact that in real time that call is a ***** to make is compounded by the skill of the players executing it and the pressure of the game. Arguing about which angle gives you the better approach is moot; he lined it up and even squatted to see the catch/tag. Maybe it didn't look like the text book, but few professionals ever make calls exactly like the PBUC manual states. He must have thought that it was a pretty good angle considering his actions. We've witnessed unorthodox mechanics from most pros. Plate calls are made from both sides of the dish. Even strike outs are susceptible to the varied action of the arbiter (Edmonds).

None of you can say that you would have called it any differently and be taken seriously. If you are better than Davidson, you would have been noticed by now and would be working those games! I may or may not like his call, but the temerity he displayed befuddles those who can't accept the MLB mechanic he used. He was the crew chief and over ruled his partner's blunder. Now, you may think that the replay showed otherwise, but he is charged with getting the call right to the best of his ability. It was his call to make and Knight foolishly offered his opinion, rather than wait for the correct umpire to call it. Knight later acknowledged that he erred in ruling on the initial appeal.

What was Davidson supposed to do? He was convinced the runner left early and was asked to rectify the situation. It never fails to amaze me how many young umpires think they know more than the guys actually doing the job. When an umpire kicks a call, he is usually called incompetent. Headlines are screaming that he is a homer. Bob Davidson could umpire circles around anyone on this board. Where are his AMLU brethren now? They seemed to take great glee in letting this board know how difficult it is to work AAA baseball. Now they are nowhere to be seen - that's the type of support many will give them when they walk out.

If someone can translate the previous poster's tirade, I'd be glad to address those points individually. Until then, they appear to be similar to one thomasbwhite's crude rantings. It's time for an Ambien.

[Edited by WhatWuzThatBlue on Mar 15th, 2006 at 05:00 AM]