[jkumpire]

Yes, I have been around the block too, and I know that MLB guys are not he guys to use to teach newbies how to umpire. But, what I saw was interesting, at least to me so I posted. I went to school before any of these guys did, so I am somewhat familiar with how things have changed over time.

Just a few thoughts:

1. I only give the count at 2-1 and 3-2. I thought that most guys give it only then, not just MLB.

2. If he was just chatting the F1's up, fine. But when he talked to Cleveland's F1 he had just given up 3 runs that inning, and the time he went to the mound to talk to the Sox F1, he just had an Indian rip a shot to the wall. No matter what level you are, he needs to stay away from the mound unless F1 is hurt or there is a rule problem or a meeting breakup. He's asking for trouble IMO doing that. To change balls, get to the plate and switch with F1 there. I'm glad he got away with it!

I was also surprised how fast he was in breaking up conferences. Anytime there was a conference with a trip to the mound, he cleaned off the plate, then immediately went to break it up. I usually give them :30-1:00 before I do that.

If it was Drake at 2B, he reads real quick, because he turned his back to F5 or F6 immediately. I was watching him only the first time he did it, and his turn was immediate. No matter who you are, you still need to track the ball more than that.

But as we both said, on that level, nobody cares how you do it, just get it done right.

Rich,

If it was Joyce, I only heard him on a few pitches. But then I had a set of school teachers talking shop behind me, and I'm not sure you could hear a nuclear device going off over them...