http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/ne...news&fext=.jsp

Click on the link to the Randy Marsh interview about a third of the way down the page. Interview goes about 9 minutes.

As for last night, Marsh says Mientkiewicz stepped in front of him and screened him from the slap. Francona comes out and originally tried to go to West. West, who obviously had the information Francona wanted, did not talk to him, but sent him to see Marsh. Marsh then walked to West, West did NOT come volunteer information until asked, did not approach Marsh until asked, did not offer anything to Francona, EVER. Marsh's partners helped him out (both West and Kellog (RFU) both told Marsh they saw the slap), so Marsh overturned his own call. It was not done by anyone other than the umpire that made the original call.

Windy, I certainly never said that umpires should not huddle when asked. I never took the "live with the call no matter what", and I don't even think there were many people on the board who did. But I also said that the huddle should not be held unless the original calling umpire asks, and that ONLY the original calling umpire can make the change. I know others that were advocating umpire huddles and help to partners that were certainly that far over to the "help" side, to the point of volunteering information, and stepping on your partner's calls if need be. I'll look later, but I believe it was HHH who said, "I won't let a little dog f*** up my game", or something to that effect.

As for the change in umpires changing calls, in the interview, Marsh says they always did on the obvious calls, but they have been encouraged to do so even more since Sandy Alderson took over, and specifically, they were asked to do so in 1999. He gives total credit to Alderson for instituting the "change".

I suspect Windy remembers it as 50-50 because the few that were in the minority were a very vocal group that posted often and vociferously (often rudely as well). But I think it was more like 80-20 advocating the "get it right" side of the argument. I think they handled both sitches great last night, and have heard the same from infinitely wise radio talk-show guys today as well.

I do not think anyone said not to "get it right." I think there was a difference on what that meant and what the procedure to "get it right" was.

Peace

HHH did say on numerous occasions that there was no situation that he would go to another umpire. He was pretty much the most vocal about it.

He does not count. :D

Peace

Fair enough. And I agree.

Guys, guys, guys...did you miss the part in Marsh's interview where he said that they huddled "to get the call right". The Chicago Tribune had excerpted it and Marsh said that the climate of umpiring has changed. He admitted that the new procedure of huddling to get all of the facts is for the goood of baseball and umpiring.

West was quoted on ESPN as saying that he saw it the whole way. He waited for Marsh to make his call and when he saw what happened, he knew that the procedure was to correct the issue. He said that his first concern was to maintain control and keep his partners away from the players and coaches. Marsh admitted that he did not see the interference in the huddle and corrected his call.

As we know, there are always two stories.

Professional umpires know the protocol. As we've seen here, some amateur guys are so reluctant to ask for or offer assistance that the problem becomes one of arrogance. We have enough problems on the field. We've been handed another tool to resolve problems. I would think that however you choose to engage the system of redirect, you should embrace it.

This is not true. Do you have a reading problem? Here is my latest writing on this subject from less than two weeks ago. It is only one of about a half a dozen posts that I have made on this issue.

-----------------------------

Garth;

I do not recall the article which you are talking about and it appears to refer to a rules issue rather than a judgment call which is a horse of a different color. Let's get back to basics.

There is an issue that most of the responders seem unable to grasp. I hate to sound like Windy here, but I have come to the conclusion one needs to have umpired at a high level for more than 10 years to understand the transformation that baseball has undergone with regards to changed calls.

Ten years or so ago, I was umpiring a college game. I was the PU and there was a play at first where the first baseman clearly trapped the ball and quickly picked it up. I saw it, the third base coach saw it, but the BU and first base coach were blocked out. The BU called an out, the first base coach, thinking that it was the right call, said nothing. The third base coach charged across the diamond breathing fire.

When this occurred (about 1994), there was no way that I was going to go to my partner to tell him what happened. There was no way that my partner was coming to me for help. Because it was college baseball and the coaches knew the umpire protocols, the third base coach (he also was the head coach) never even asked the BU to get help. He and the BU went at it for a minute or so before he got ejected. The call never got changed and we never discussed it (until after the game.)

The evaluator met us in the parking lot, acknowledged the bad call and instructed the BU on ways to get into a better position to see dropped balls. The issue of checking with the plate man never came up. It was inconceivable to everyone (umpires and coaches) that a plate man would have an reason to insert himself into a dropped ball call at first. (Swipe tags and pulled foot were the only acceptable calls for help.)

Had that play occurred today, the third base coach would never have had to cross the diamond. I would signal my partner, wave off the third base coach, and the call would be changed before anyone had a chance to argue. Had I not done that, the evaluator would have met us in the parking lot and we both would have got an earful.

It was simply inconceivable 10 years ago that an umpire would insert himself into a play and strongly suggest that a call be changed. To quote rule 9.02c is disingenous at best. The pro rules have not undergone any major changes in 20 years, yet the interpretations and philosophy behind them have undergone radical change.

The posters here, with few exceptions, have not been working NCAA or minor league baseball for 10 years or more. They cannot appreciate the sea change in philosophy that has taken place. So, they endlessly argue semantics about who changes the call and how it is changed.

From my perspective, Reliford changed the call and initiated the change. Crawford acquiesced because he knew the consequences of sticking to his guns.

Finally, rarely are we dead sure of a call. On all close ones, there is always some doubt unless we are delusional. To raise the issue of being dead sure is another red herring. If I am dead sure, usually so is everyone else and we would not be having the argument.

Peter

-------------------------------

I have clearly written that there has been a dramatic change in the last five years regarding getting help and changing calls. I traced it to the 1999 umpires' strike and Sandy Alderson getting control of the umpires. Pete Booth responded that he disagreed and said that it was due to multiple camera angles showing calls to be wrong in MLB.

Whatever the reasons, umpiring has undergone a change and I have changed along with it. I request help and I help my partners or I would not be umpiring NCAA baseball in 2004. I do not have the option of remaining in the Jurassic age.

Peter

I read the baseball forum because I like baseball. The sitchs are interesting and I love officiating in general.

Yes, I called balls and strikes for 2 years about 10 years ago, so I'm not completely oblivious to umpiring, but I do know this: as a casual observer, I pretty much ignore anything that WCB and H^3 say.

As I do, you may not agree with the manner in which they articulate things however, it is obivious from their posts, that they are quite versed in officiating baseball.

Therefore, I must conclude that you ARE, more "oblivious to umpiring" than you think.

Very good point
 

That was a very good interview and a good point.

I think the problem with many especaially young officials is the reluctance to ask someone what they saw on a play that might need clarification.

Given there are only a few plays in all of baseball that would require a coach asking for help (in real baseball) and we saw two of those in the last few games played.

The problem we will have in the local HS/summer leagues is coaches asking for an umpire to "get help get help" when help is NOT required.

Balls/strikes, safe/out, fair/foul are not up for question. Many umpires though will feel like they have to "ask for help" when they don't need to.

That is an area that we will have to cover in our pre-season meetings.

Thanks
David

Juggling Referee,
Maybe you should become more than a casual reader.
You might learn something then.
It's funny, I have only encountered opposition to this mechanic from people that don't really work above HS ball. I had a war of words with Sal the other day, and was pleased to see that even he acknowledges that this is where we are going. Triple H has stated similar feelings. I have not seen too many others that work Minor, D-1 and D-2 ball and have acontrary opinion. The tide is turning and you'll either be swept away or learn to swim.

You are correct: while their content may be accurate, I do think their delivery stinks. That's just my opinion.

There's a difference in knowing baseball rules and communicating with people. I don't mind being oblivious to officiating baseball. Or even if you think I'm more oblivious than I think I am. However, I'm not oblivious to communicating, and I just don't like their style, as seen via messages here at of.com.

Guys,
Bottom line the umpires did a great job in the ALCS. The calls they reversed were done "by the book" (the new book that is, as written by the powers at be of Major League Baseball).

It's obvious that the "get it right" philosopy has arrived in MLB and regardless of what us amateurs think, it is here to stay. Yes, it may not look pretty sometimes and yes, it goes against the old pro ball mentality of "live and die" with your own call - but the reality is, the game of baseball wants it done this way and this is the way it it's going to be.

We have already adopted this philosophy in NCAA baseball and like everything else that starts at the MLB level, this accepted practice will filter down into all levels of amateur baseball. Are there +'s and -'s to this.... Ofcourse there are - just like when there's a change in mechanics (ie - 3 man: guy in the middle going out on trouble balls). Umpiring, like the game of baseball, evolves and changes with time. And just like the game of life, if you can't embrace change, life (or the game) will pass you by.

I think we all agree that "huddling" to get the call right is not the issue but rather WHAT type of calls, WHEN to get together & HOW to go about doing this are the questions to focus on. In my amateur opinion, the big leaguers not only "got it right" in the ALCS, but they way they went about it (the WHAT, WHEN & HOW) was on target as well. I guess that's why they're professionals and we're amateurs.

What took baseball so long? :D

PS: Go BoSox!

Our moderators are getting thin skinned. They deleted my reply again.

Baseball is leading the way here. I have yet to see another major sport revamp their officiating like baseball did this past two years.

I don't work the sport, but noticed that the NFL replay system doesn't function as well. They don't use the overturn conference like baseball either. Coaches and players can't appeal calls that lead to this dialogue.

I don't work cage ball either. I haven't seen basketball referees at any level talk in the same manner and change calls.

I'm proud of the fact that while we can still be proud of our skills, we are made more human by our ability to correct many bad calls. Maybe the other sports will follow the lead.

1) Yes, NFL officials do conference on some calls, and will try and get the call right. Football officials at the high school and college levels do so too.

2) Basketball officials at all levels conference on some calls also, and the calling official will change his call if he feels that it needs to be changed.

You don't have a clue what the officials do in other sports, Windy. Stick to baseball and quit trying to make your point by using something that you know nothing about- the mechanics in use in football and basketball.

That is a perfect example of the integity you speak of, but don't exhibit. I prostrated myself with the disclaimers and you still couldn't help yourself. I never mentioned you, Rut or any other official. In fact, I made a concerted effort to speak of the professional ranks. I don't recall seeing your name attached to those either.

The membership is becoming wise to your hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy? Hey, I just told you what the other sports actually do. Would you care to tell us what the prescribed mechanics really are at all levels in both sports, Windy? Under what circumstances are we allowed to use the replay procedure in NCAA basketball games? Are you now saying that they really don't ever huddle and correct? Gee, as it seemed that you didn't really have a clue, I thought that you might have been grateful to learn something. Lah me. That's what I get for trying to be a nice guy.

Btw, Papa C and HHH seem to think that you might just lack a little knowledge about baseball also, not just in all the other sports. :D

You should really read my exchanges between Papa C and Triple H lately. It seems that for every question they pose, I have answered them. The dialogues we share usually center on personality differences and how we handle situations. There is almost always a resolution. I have agreed and complimented them and have seen Triple H do the same. Papa C. may never acknowledge publicly that I have added to the officiating dialogue, but I take solace that he has begun conversing with me again. At least we can differ in opinion and make others think. That serves the greater good and is the heart of this forum.

You've chosen to waste minutes of my life with poorly constructed drivel that offers no insight into game management or rules interpretation.

At night, when it is really dark and the world has grown unbearably quiet, can you hear me laughing? The rest of the mebership can.

Whats the chances we get some new ppl in here that can actually offer some useful advice and help to those that seek it. So we dont always have the same 3 or 4 trying to take the other down.. gets old!

It is called "Instant Replay." My God, the games take long enough as it is. You really think it is a good idea to have every situation where a coach complains to go into a conference? Especially when the things they complain about are not with a good understanding of the rules or judgment?

I can tell you do not. Because using your warped logic, every foul would have a conference and every violation or violation that is not called would have a conference.

I can tell you only work baseball, because your knowledge of other sports is so way off base you could only be a one hit wonder. :rolleyes:

:rolleyes: Just sad!

Peace

The last two words of your post epitomize our feelings about you, as well.

When you grow up, maybe you'll see that those of us who have been at this a while, understand what is happening. At the professional level, owners expect more for the salaries they are paying. They demand perfection from their players and officials. The ownership drives the league.

Now, focus here...they don't care about the feelings and pride of the officials that are employed by the league. They simply want the proper call made, according to the rules. They don't really care about how long the game goes on either. They make even more money keeping the fans in the stadium. Think about it, the extra innings of the ALCS was a boom to the concessions and souvenier sellers in the stadiums. Fox made more money on the additional commercials. Now imagine what is coming..."G.E. bring this Instant Replay to life!" Don't believe me? Notice the big Motorola logos on the headsets or the athletic logos on every piece of apparel INCLUDING THE UMPIRES??? If they can make money on an aspect of the game, they will.

You are still hung up on whether a coach or player can ask us to check with our partners on a call. I can only say this. You didn't believe me when I said that the method of officiating and making umpires more accountable was changing. Well, its here. Soon, you'll see why 99% of us are telling you why they don't object to conferencing. Our job is to get the call right. You still don't get that.

Well, you used your usual tactic above to ignore my questions completely concerning what the other sports really use, so let's try again:
1) Are you saying that NFL officials NEVER get together to conference and try and get a call correct? Never? Can you please cite the appropriate NFL mechanic in use that states that there is no conferencing allowed? Do you know what the actual recommended mechanic actually is in the NFL? And you say that coaches or players can't appeal calls that lead to this dialogue? Can they then appeal calls that lead to a TV replay instead? Do you know if the NCAA and FED also have mechanics in use in football that will allow officials to conference over certain calls, and change those calls if they think that they should be changed? And what type of calls they are? Please answer and please be specific- citing the rule, case play, mechanic issued, etc. to back up your assertation that there are NO conferences used in football.

2) You say that basketball officials won't talk and change calls either? Didn't you spend the whole summer stating that not only do basketball officials talk and change calls, they actually can overrule another official's call? True or false, indy? Do you remember the NCAA playoff game that you cited? Or do you want me to dig it out for you? Do you know how the NCAA replay system really works in basketball- when you can use it, when you can't, what type of calls it can be used for only,etc.? Do you know what is in the NCAA and FED mechanics book when it comes to conferencing to change a call, and whether, or if, there is a recommended procedure?

You know everything about officiating at every level in these other sports, Windy. Give us some answers.

Get a new wireless device.
 

I was brought up by my family to consider the source when something has been said. Ever since you started running your mouth about me on this board, I have been elected to two board positions, received a playoff, asked to join a IHSA committee and have a few people trying to get me to become an IHSA Clinician. I guess what you think does not care much weight around here. ;)


Who cares about the professional level? The pros are not the end all be all of umpiring or officiating in this country.

Did you just say that? Since you are talking about the pros, you have to be talking about TV revenue and ratings. Yes, they do care how long the games take because that means people will turn off the games or not watch at all. Actually the NFL took many considerations to shorten games. As a matter of fact their timing rules are totally different than any other level to help keep game moving. That is apart of the situation.


I guess you need to read Forbes Magazine and watch the TV ratings of regular season games in the NFL as compared to the MLB or even the NBA. The most valuable franchises are not MLB teams. Commercials during the playoffs with some major markets involved is great, but what about the rest of the season? If New York, Boston and St. Louis were not in the playoffs, the ratings would be dreadful. But because you have some really traditional powers or successful teams, it helps the ratings. No one paid attention last year in the World Series after the Cubs and Red Sox were eliminated in the playoffs. The ratings were decent, but they were not record setters.

My statements are about when that is appropriate, not the fact that they question you or have a disagreement with your call. There is a protocol still and there is a procedure to handle that request. Not all calls are up for debate nor should they be.

I can tell you need a new PDA with bigger fonts and a clearer screen. There is never anything wrong with conferencing about a call. You just do not do it every single call that is in dispute. Tony LaRussa came out a couple of times last night about a call and there was no conference. As a matter of fact I did not see one conference when I was watching the NLCS. Not one. If there was a conference, it sure was not while I was watching. I had meetings most of this week and missed most of the first half of games, but the umpires were not talking to each other after they made some tough decisions. Even in the ALCS there is one game where there was a major conference. So out of 14 games, there was only one game that had some conferencing on some tough calls. All the other games I watched this year on disputed calls, coaches were ejected and no conference was taken by the umpires to so-called "get it right" as you suggest. You cannot pick and choose the situations to fit your philosophy.

I have yet to hear anyone close say that you have to conference on plays because the coach wants one. As a matter of fact it is very much discouraged. Not to say you are never allowed to conference, but not just because the coach wants one or because you have a disputed call. I guess we need to conference on a pitch we see as a strike and the coach feels differently? Yeah, that is great umpiring.

Peace

What part of I don't work those sports is too hard of a concept for you to grasp. As a fan, I recognizze the inconsistencies between the way baseball handles things versus other professional major sports. I have never claimed to be an expert on football or basketball. But again, you fail to grasp the concept of a discussion forum.

Don't hurt yourself trying to type a cute rebuttal. I will not waste bandwidth discussing either of those sports on a baseball board. You keep asking for answers, maybe you should drag your tail back to one of the other boards that laugh at you. They refuse to talk baseball there, why should we be different here.

Jeff, stop lying about becoming a clinician. You cannot become an IHSA Clinician until you've become Certified in that sport. Unless you are playing games again and talking about a sport other than baseball (this is a baseball board, remember) you will not be considered for some time. You have never been assigned a Sectional or above in Baseball. I am very familiar with the procedures and am friends with many. JJ can probably attest that there are only a few IHSA Baseball Certified Clinicians that have never worked a State Championship or SuperSectional. You are years from those.

Just curious did you work the Illinois State Tournament last season? If so where? Who were your partners. Have you ever made it to Supers or State? If so who did you work with? What conferences do you work in during the Spring? If not last season how about in the past?

I am Certified in a sport.


You talked about credibility. If I lacked credibility then I would not be considered in any sport. I never said what sport or how that might happen. I just stated that I am on "hold" to become an IHSA Clinician in a particular sport. I have only applied for that one sport. You cannot be a clinician in one sport and apply it to another sport unless you apply. There are a few dual sport clinicians, but they had to apply in each separately. I only said that because I had a Rule Interpreter last night and a President of an Association requests that I become a clinician for their group. I guess I really lack the respect of my peers as you suggest.


And I might never be. Not sure I will ever make myself available to do so. I almost had to not make myself available for the Regional I worked because of some other commitments. Like I have told you in the past, working far in the State Playoffs in Baseball is not really a major goal. Maybe one day, but at this time it is not the focus of my officiating career. I was too happy for my season to end to be overly excited to continue that much further.

Windy, I would hope that I would work much further in the playoffs in my other sports than baseball. If I ever get that far in baseball it would be icing on the cake. But it sure would not be the main ingredient to what I feel is success. Not everyone looks at the Majors and a goal. Maybe it is your goal, but I have never had that as a possibility or something I would want to pursue.

Peace

Hmmmm, why aren't I surprised? :D

Windy, I don't, and also have never, pretended that I know very much about baseball umpiring. However, when YOU start making statements about officiating in other sports without the knowledge to prove that these statements are really true, well- you're putting yourself into a position where somebody just might point out to you how little that you really do know about the officiating mechanics and procedures in those other sports. Stick to baseball, and quit trying to use some made-up conjectures from other sports to try and prove a point.

gordon,

Please follow along...you are not that clever.
My name has been posted several times on this Board.
It appears multiple times on the UMPS website.

Do your homework or stop begging, it's very unbecoming.

Hey I'm just trying to help you out. I do basketball and baseball. If I have a question I want to go to the source. I might want to you use as a source. Maybe there's other guys out there that might want to use you as a source but you got to be a credible source.

I think its safe to say that I have been used as a source - for training, interpreting rules and planning clinics. Those in my organizations know who I am and take advantage of it with regularity. It's surprising how many friends you have when you can get tickets to games.

Hey Look at Papa C I got to believe he's making a few bucks selling his books etc. You should consider going national and give him some competition. It's good for the economy. You'd be a patriot creating jobs etc. Can't do that unless the word gets out though.

I think I will start a business teaching basic grammar.
You could be my first student and can sit up front. Rut and Jurassic will still have to sit in the back, though. My olfactory sense is accute.

I'll be your first student Mr. ............. Sorry I didn't catch your name.

Gee, when you're teaching basic grammar, maybe you can also find somebody that'll teach YOU the grammatical meaning of "acute". Maybe they'll teach you how to spell it too. LOL! :D

http://www.stopstart.btinternet.co.uk/nc/Crayon.gif

That was funny. Good way to start the weekend

It's been re-vamped because it had too.

Boy is this ever the pot calling the kettle black.

These must be the games where you're working solo.

Witty...illogical, but witty.

I've yet to see something get revamped because it DIDN'T NEED TO BE. Kind of like the NFL instant replay system???
It still doesn't work perfectly or quickly, but I embrace it as a step in the right direction.

I'm not sure what the pot/kettle reference means. It seems a little out of place in this context.

Finally, I would gladly work any game solo that with a partner that forgets why he is there. Could that be why we've never worked? My back would get pretty sore carrying you all day.


BTW: Yes, I intended to spell "acute" with one c. But, I just did a internet dictionary search and ...ahem...an alt. spelling is "accute". Sometimes, it's good to be lucky and smart!

Oh, yeah. Sure ya did. Yup! You really intended to spell acute- "accute". OK- we'll buy that. Yesiree! Uh, huh...:D

Let this week's entertainment begin!!

BTW: Yes, I intended to spell "acute" with one c. But, I just did a internet dictionary search and ...ahem...an alt. spelling is "accute". Sometimes, it's good to be lucky and smart! [/B][/QUOTE]

Just had to check.

As per dictionary.com accute is spelled acute. Put in accute and it said to this effect do you mean acute?

Just had to check.

As per dictionary.com accute is spelled acute. Put in accute and it said to this effect do you mean acute? [/B][/QUOTE]Yup. Maybe Windy will enlighten us to where we can go and find that "accute" is a recognized, alternate spelling of "acute".

Windy, got a web site for us? I did a Google search and didn't come up with one.

Windy?

CAN YOU READ? I WROTE THAT I INTENDED TO SPELL IT CORRECTLY, BUT MESSED UP. SINCE I DON'T HAVE A SPELL CHECK ON THIS DEVICE, I GOOGLED THE WORD AND FOUND IT ON A THESORAUS SITE. IT PROVIDED THE ALT. SPELLING. I THEN SAID THAT SOMETIMES IT'S NICE TO BE LUCKY.

OFFICIATING INVOLVES READING AND UNDERSATNDING THE RULES. IF YOU WERE CHALLENGED BY THOSE THREE SENTENCES, I FEEL SORRY FOR THE PARTNERS, COACHES AND ATHLETES YOU JOB.

[Edited by WindyCityBlue on Oct 25th, 2004 at 12:38 PM]

Yup. Maybe Windy will enlighten us to where we can go and find that "accute" is a recognized, alternate spelling of "acute".

Windy, got a web site for us? I did a Google search and didn't come up with one.

Windy? [/B][/QUOTE]

Who cares?

Jurassic, I'd say that you're acting childish on this matter, but that would be an insult to children.

Please drop it.

Who cares?

Jurassic, I'd say that you're acting childish on this matter, but that would be an insult to children.

Please drop it.

[/B][/QUOTE]Yup, it is childish. That also goes both ways.

Windy really got you that scared, Bob? Just because of his position in UMPS?

Yup, it is childish. That also goes both ways.

Windy really got you that scared, Bob? Just because of his position in UMPS?

[/B][/QUOTE]

JR,
Yer acting out.
mick

Acting out, Mick?

Here's the post that started all this. Straight name-calling with nothing said or done about it by any moderator.

Don't tell me that I'm childish when this crap is let go.

That is hardly the post that started it.

Bob has nothing to fear from me. Over the long time that he has been associated with this site, he has never taken me to the wood shed or acted in a way that brought disrepute on himself. I will say the same for Mick. The fact is that you come to this site solely to antagonize. You are not a baseball umpire and have added nothing to the dialogue. You jumped in when you saw my name and came back when Bob Lyle ripped you. All of us can read what prompted your outbursts. You are familiar with the copy and paste function. It works both ways you know.

Bob and Mick have taken issue with some of my behavior in the past. It is now your turn. I would imagine that if I were to venture to the Basketball or Football sites and start in on you, that they would quickly put an end to it, as well. Now, you've become the bad guy. Ironic, isn't it?

Not at all. Let me amend this:

You're all being childish.

Drop it.

This is typical here.
 

Bob,

You guys have allowed that kind of banter to go on for months that there have been moderators. It is kind of silly to now complain about the behavior that is going on in this post when people are ripped apart for all kinds of unrelated officiating issues.

I agree with you, but that is a little too late to complain about it now.

Peace

acting out
2: (psychiatry) the display of previously inhibited emotions (often in actions rather than words); considered to be healthy and therapeutic

Mick, I'm too dumb to even think of doing anything like that. I just react to people that piss me off.If somebody wants to delete my posts because of that, so be it. But call it both ways.

"...call it both ways."

Usually this is an arrow slung by someone that doesn't understand the intricacies of officiating.

Why would YOU say such a thing?









Pitchers and catchers report in just 98 days! I think this will finally be the year...

From hereon, Windy, when you start the name-calling, I fully expect that the moderators will immediately do something about it. The bar has been set and that's fine with me. I'm usually more reactive than proactive.

We shall see what we shall see.

The trouble with that scenario, JR, is that bob and I don't have an interest or inclination in reading 'em all.
Yet, as you know, if we get a "heads up", the trash can readily go to the black hole.
mick

So then, Randy Marsh said, "Man, that was the most amazing series I have ever seen. Can you believe those calls? Thank goodness we get paid 1/100th of A-Rod's salary or we just couldn't do this. I need a Mai Tai."



This was the best thread ever. Feel free to close it anytime, since it's pretty obvious that we've exhausted all possible avenues of baseball related dialogue. Besides, an ultimatum was made and you know where that will take us. Yep, multi-syallable words in a logical order and related to baseball!