[JIGGY]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

You and OJ have an awful lot in common. After a while you both think that whatever you say must be the truth.

You claim that I won't reveal my sources (plural) while you have never once intimated where you glean your contrarian views. I have provided far more information about the sitaution, objectively and honestly, than you. You resort to petty name calling, ala the AMLU gang, while I try to knock down your mirrors and clear the smoke.

My posts are far from emotional - I have sided with the game over the interests of a few misguided souls. They knew what they were getting into and claim that they deserve more. I agreed with that but not their tactics. Back in October I proferred the idea that if they strike they would be replaced successfully. So far that has played out. I argued that they should disband the union, sign individual contracts for the year - reorganize and then bargain in good faith. Further, I encouraged them to not begin the terroristic tendencies that other unions have employed. The AMLU gang sent out mass emails and made many phone calls encouraging us to band together and not alienate each other. I guess they feel that the page of photos, names and threats is just fair play. Silly me, I thought they were professional. I have also stated (multiple times) that while I would not choose to work those games as a replacement, I find little fault with those who do. The game is bigger than the umpire.

I actually earned the right to offer my opinion on these subjects. I worked those games in those one stoplight towns, albeit a very long time ago. They have it much better than we ever did but you'll never acknowledge that. I wanted them to work those games and only jumped into this fray when a few unenlightened souls insisted that any umpire who works those games is doing it just to screw the ALMU guys. We now know differently...many need the extra revenue, want the challenge and are capable of making the calls. I'm sick of hearing how a blown call here and a bad strikezone there are novel. Those same *****es and moans were heard when the regular guys were out there. Lest we forget the World Baseball Classic, League Championship Series and World Series last year; those umpires were ridiculed for poor officiating and make a hell of a lot more than $50 a game.

Finally, don't pretend that you know more about the negotiation rumblings than you do. Almost every sports talk station has mentioned that the AMLU guys are backed into a corner and are offering new countersto PBUC. They have to, offers aren't coming from the other side. Once they concede enough and realize their folly, MiLB will probably take them back. Since 99% of them wash out anyway, when they return to earth and find that their new partner is one of the guys they called 'scab', it'll be fun to see that plays out. They also know that the D1 boys are ready, willing and able to step in and finish the AA and AAA seasons in another month. After working 3 man and seeing many thousands of pitches for a few months, they will have the luxury of familiarity. Don't kid yourself, those D1 crews can step in and not miss a beat.

Parting Shot: You really should go back and read the old threads before telling us what I think about the issue. My passion for almost every argument comes from dispelling bad information. If that is construed as being emotional, then I will happily accept that mantel. It's better than being a shill.

It was amusing for a time, but now the novelty has worn off. You obviously don't know what you are talking about; you provide false information in every post: "Almost every sports talk station has mentioned that the AMLU guys are backed into a corner and are offering new countersto PBUC. They have to, offers aren't coming from the other side.". I will have better things to do with my evenings, I'll let you have your forum to pretend you were are or are going to be somebody. GO FOR IT, MAKE SOME MORE STUFF UP! ALOT OF GUYS ON HERE WILL BELIEVE YOU AND THAT'S WHAT COUNTS.