[kingUMP]

Not to negatively comment on these umpires who have volunteered their time and expense to umpire in the LLWS, but here I go...

In tonight's game, Southeast vs Northwest, three plays got to me:
1: Oregon player missed first base, and the defense appealed, but the umpire called him safe? From the replay it looked like an easy call, and in a 6 man crew, where else would he have been looking? He doesn't have much other responsibility, other than staying on his feet, which he did admirably.

2: Oregon first baseman catching a throw from an infielder against the ground, then used his bare hand to help pick the ball up. Umpire still called the runner out! I don't know about this call, he may have gotten it right, and from his (correct) angle he likely couldn't see what the camera saw. Or am I missing the boat on this one? What did you all think?

3. Finally, on the Georgia bunt, runner was hit in the back with the throw from the catcher, while he was in fair territory (outside of the running lane). This one seemed obvious too!

What game were these guys watching? Or is it just me? Maybe I am confunsed, watching and commenting from my couch, after seeing the replay several times. These guys do great, but, uh, well, maybe not tonight.