[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I must have missed a memo that put you in charge. I never said I was always right; it just so happens that I am correct very often. I make mistakes and I have been known to offer contrition. However, with most of this affair I have been dead on. Some of those that argued with me in October have come to understand that I know far more about what was happening than others suggested. I was lucky enough to have been asked to work at that level. Yes, I consider it fortunate to have worked for the miniscule pay check that accompanied the job. My opinions are borne of experience. I am certainly entitled to answer any point brought forth on this board. If you want to disagree with it, hone up your communication skills and debate it logically. Umpires should be used to heated arguments and others wanting to be correct.

You are incorrect to assume that I am twisting your words, but yes, I am using them against you. You have stated that the umpires did not know what they were getting into when they agreed to accept their assignments. That is rubbish...everyone at pro school knows the story and hears about the rotten life the contract brings. But to put it in terms you might understand, if a teacher takes a job at a school for $22,000 a year, he/she has little room to complain about the hours, conditions and salary that accompany an entry level position. He/she is valuable to the process and probably deserves more money, but he/she signed on the dotted line. If the local union decides to go on strike to seek raises, he/she can partake or move along. If the school board comes back and offers a pittance, he/she may feel abused but that is the system. She signed on for the job and that was the pay that was offered. She may not have been aware that salaries have not been increasing or that the system would treat her so poorly, but the Lord gave her free will. She can accept the conditions and do the job or she can try something else.

No one is holding a gun to the MiLB umpire's heads. They may dream of treading the parks of the Show, but the price to pay is steep. Musicians, artists and many tradesmen dream of glory but work for peanuts while paying their dues. Our country is in the midst of social upheaval over an immigration bill. These people come to our land and take menial jobs for peanuts. They accept their lot in life and work hard for something better. Why is it so hard for some to comprehend that there are no guarantees in life? I understand that the AMLU guys are only seeking a better living wage, but the boss has consistently said "No". They threats have fallen on deaf ears and they have been replaced easier than they ever dreamed would happen. While some grumbling is going on about consistency within the replacement ranks, the same is happening in the Majors. Was Bob Davidson an example of AAA consistency that some keep harping about?

I may not be correct on every issue, but I am certainly going to speak my mind when I have been intimately involved with the issue. For quite some time I have been the Devil's advocate regarding this matter. I was vilified for saying that the MiLB guys could be replaced. Others took umbrage at my insistence that the union would crack before MiLB/PBUC did. Still others ranted that I knew little about the offers on the table and that the strike would be over - "soon, very soon". So far, I have a pretty good record regarding this ordeal. You may not like what you read, but the passion is not misplaced. All along I wished that the strike would not happen, that the boys would wise up and not abandon their dreams. I did not accept assignments and chose to highlight the shameful actions of the Birmingham brass. My mind was made up when the March offer was refuted. My feelings have been justified by the Scab photos and articles. In a perfect world the members would rise up and form a new coalition. They would accept their plight and a small salary increase. These men would work hard to prove their merit and mend some fences. In the end, we would all be able to have a beer and realize our lot in life...thankless, humorless umpires.

I got my butt handed to me in the market yesterday, so you'll excuse my anger and condescension. We are all in this together, but only some of us are behaving. My words are just that...words. I have crossed no picket lines or posted incriminating photos. WHile you may not agree with my thoughts, my message has been steadfast and fairly honorable. I take issue with the brass and those who denegrate the good name of amateur umpiring. It wasn't long ago that those men were in the same boat as some of the replacements. I wonder if they would have been able to temper their passions and not accept assignments prior to their making it.