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I went to my first MiLB games since the strike ended (AA, Akron). I noticed the difference in mechanics from the replacement umpires, as well as the average age, body weight, and all that stems from those. I'm not sure that the calls were any better, but the umps were in better position and were "crisper" (not "crispier").
The PU (according to the box score, John Tumpane) seemed to call the zone very tight, and this was in a game that was scoreless into the 10th. Strange combination, but he didn't seem to take any heat from the players (esp. the pitchers).
I heard the last inning on the radio, where the announcer said more than once "no way that pitch was a strike." I'm not inclined to give his opinion much weight, however.
The crew called one balk during the game: R1, R2, stealing on the pitch. F1 starts his motion, sees the steal, and wheels to throw to third. BALK! Good call, and easy, and, happily, on Altoona.
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Cheers,
mb
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