[bobbybanaduck]

i don't expect any head chewing from a pretty straightforward post. it appears to me like your self evaluation of being consistent is probably right on, as this guy who told his team you are going to call strikes knows where your zone is from past games. as far as being a compliment...you could take it either way. you're consistent, but he likely thinks you're too big.

now, what to do about it...

i'm sure you've read on here and know from experience that the outside edge of the zone is relative to the umpire, cuz most of us are not set up on that edge, so the outer definition is where the individual perceives it to be. when i feel like i am struggling with that edge (usually due to gripes or from the catcher if i have a good working relationship with him) is to move around a bit before the pitch comes when the catcher moves outside. (i said before the pitch comes because i do not vary my position from the inside edge of the plate.) what am i doing when i move is quickly taking a glance from over the top of him to see where the center of his mitt is sitting in relation to the plate. is it right on it? is off a ball? more? then i get back over to the inside edge and see the pitch. if it sticks where the catcher is set up, i file the look from that spot in my memory bank and use the information i just gathered from taking a peek to help me redefine the outside edge. granted, i'm lucky enough to work ball where the guys hit their spots for the most part, but maybe this would work for you.

another thought is to work with the catcher. if it's a kid you've seen a time or two, ask him. and be honest about it. "shooter, i think i'm getting a tough look at the outside edge. where'd you have that 1-1 pitch to the last kid?" or even be more straight to the point, "shooter, i feel like i'm gettin a good look at the outside edge and consistently calling the same pitches strikes, but, am i giving too much?" if you think he's giving you an answer from a catcher's POV cuz he wants to keep getting that pitch, ask him if he'd be upset if you called that pitch a strike on him. to reiterate the opening thought, this should probably only be done with a catcher you are familiar with.

that's long enough.