[IowaBlue]

Actually, "working the rim" in a general setting proves to be a lazy man's mechanic in some circles. And the rim doesn't work well with less than three umpires.

Choosing not to frivolously waste energy, in order to obtain EXACTLY THE SAME ANGLE as one would achieve via a buttonhook, is not being lazy, it's being smart. People that can't understand or don't recognize that fact are not people that I am interested in impressing.

And the rim mechanic works very well in a 2man system. If there are no runners on, P is more than capable of helping out at 3rd if need be.

That's hilarious.

It's also true.

Yes, you get the same look at every pitch. But that is only one factor of your process and unfortunately because some umpires don't work the slot in the GD (which would not be right) adds one more factor into your set up and that is the catcher. Working the slot, I get the same strike zone for every batter for every pitch and the catcher rarely is a factor where I set up. Works for you, good. Doesn't mean it is better as the slot has been working well for me for over 40 years.

Why do you continually bring up the slot? Of course I work the slot, all good umpires do. I have never even considered any other way.

Working the slot and GD/scissors/knee stances are not mutually exclusive, something that you seem to be failing to grasp.

Then unless chronic, I don't know how this would hurt your back.

As you noted earlier, most likely execution was the issue. I never really felt comfortable in that stance so very likely was not doing it correctly.

The constant "up-down" nature was certainly difficult on my knees, which is certainly the fault of the stance and not a matter of execution.

Nothing that I cannot see and from just as good a view if not better, with an extremely clear view from inside the diamond. I've worked outside, for Billy P and I am aware of how it works, even train it sometimes, but there isn't anything you can do in one that is not equally and easily attainable in the other.

You are displaying a marked lack of understanding of what the two mechanics are attempting to achieve, and how they go about doing that.

Of course you end up with the same look via both methods. That is entirely the point. Why waste the motion and mental/physical effort only to end up with EXACTLY THE SAME LOOK as you would if you hadn't moved at all (relatively speaking). And while you are on the move and spinning around, turning your head, etc, you are limiting your field of vision and just making it harder to see all of the things that you need to see.

I work 16" SP here in Iowa, and that is played on 60' bases, and it can be quite difficult to beat an adult male inside from the A position in a 3man crew, particularly on a hot day when you have worked several games.

And there is absolutely no reason at all to do it, anyway.

nd if they didn't understand the simplistic mechanics, how do you think the LARGE number of umpires would fair with the more difficult ones?

That's the point, they are not more difficult. They are easier, both mentally and physically.

You don't want to hear it, fine by me, I've nothing to prove to you.

Nor do I have anything to prove to you.

I don't know if you're aware of this or not, but in many of your posts on this forum you come across as a pretty big prick.