[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by IowaBlue

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.

Ahh....but it is not the exact same angle

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.

Sure, and who is covering 2B? You are not going to outrun the BR to 2B and you cannot take the same shortcut available inside the diamond. Don't know how many times I've seen an umpire not coming inside end up making a call from behind the runner.

It's also true.

Yeah, okay.

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.

Working the slot is correct, but I'm well aware of it. However, not everyone else is. There are a few former baseball umpires around here including one out of Harry Wendelstedt's school, actually set up behind the catcher and truly believe that is the proper mechanic because they insist it is how they were taught as the GD stance.

No matter what it is, one needs to at least do it correctly.

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.

Hmmm....that depends on how your knees toggle. Directly toward the toes means there should be little to no additional stress on them. Any other direction can be very painful. My knees have been torn up for years from the wear and tear of playing and going set on the plate is not a problem.

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.

Whoa, Bubba, I didn't say that. I don't believe you do get the same look. Not only that, but once inside, an umpire can get a better angle with fewer steps while seeing all the same essential portions of the play.

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.

Come on, we've all worked adult games at 60'. Hell, have worked them at 55'. Getting inside is not that big a deal.

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

Never had a problem with them. Never had a problem teaching them. And never had a problem explaining them to people who did have a hard time understanding them.

Nor do I have anything to prove to you.

Didn't think you did.

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.

Oh well, I guess I have something in common with Prof. Harold Hill.