Offer wasn't secret once details were made public. I agree with your SPIN on spin. Only thing I knew was 6 year term was on the table and we all know why. Things are getting better already.
MLB is asking 2-6 umps to take early retirement.
I would say the current STRIKE by AMLU members is more than partly responsible.
MLB UMPS joined their bothers on the picket line. Ex-AAA umpires are NOT returning to work for the good of the game. That means they support those who have chosen to stay and improve their living conditions.
The AA and AAA UMPS {the cream of the crop} were collectively offered a $500 pay raise. So much for PBUC's integrity in their own rating system and anyone's sense of a FAIR deal.
The Rookie and Short Season Single A minor league experience is considered on the job training, an apprenticeship, or any other term you like for keeping wages LOW for NO experience. Those 8 years in A, AA, AAA sound like grounds for making a good journeyman's salary and journeymen do make a pretty decent living.
Low level scabs are already making $30 more than the going rate. Won't be long till the regulars return for their FAIR share. Hopefull this same effect will amplify into AA and AAA. It won't be long before I get $70 for 9 innings of baseball. A couple of years ago it was $50, then last year it went up to $65. Sorry coach, I don't have any change for that $20.
Most realize that life must go on and quickly resume their non-PRO status. That doesn't mean they no longer umpire. It means they bought a house, married, have kids and finally have a LIFE.
Most UMPS I know don't need the work, but then again I try to distance myself from SMITTY. If he can't pay his bills then I figure I can't learn too much from him.
