Has it started? Who is working if it did?

my college played the pirates minor leaguers this past friday, so things are going on down there.

The Tigers (Lakeland FL) contacted a locally well known assigner/college/HS umpire to book the minor league spring games. It's a combo of experienced HS and small college officials.

You can find all kinds of things on the web:
"Friday, March 24, 2006
Associated Press

Minor league umpires plan to strike when the season starts next month and filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

The Association of Minor League Umpires, which represents about 220 umps in 16 leagues, said it filed the charge in the NRLB's Florida region, alleging the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation threatened to fire employees who went on strike and asked several of the unionized umps to work as replacements during any strike.

Minor league umpires unionized in 2000.

"A strike is a serious step and it's not what we wanted to do," union president Andy Roberts said in a statement Friday, "but reports of league officials talking about firing umpires who strike has backed us into a corner. The AMLU has to take a stand against PBUC's heavy-handed tactics."

George Yund, management's lawyer, did not return a telephone message seeking comment.

The union said management told the union in February that it thought talks had reached impasse and that it would implement its last offer when the season started. The union's last proposal, made March 10, was rejected by management three days later.

Umps say their salaries average $15,000 at Triple-A, $12,000 at Double-A, $10,000 in full-season A-ball and $5,500 in rookie leagues. Yund earlier this month likened minor league umpiring to an educational program rather than a lifetime career.

The union said it would not supply replacement umps to the major leagues during a strike. Minor league umps routinely fill in for major league umpires who are injured or on vacation."

Fired??? You mean...as in we won't have jobs??? Yeah, that's what can happen when you go on strike. Some of us have been telling them this for months now. Mr. Roberts seems shocked by the news. Restructuring the union will take time but they need to do something or their dreams will die. I don't think any of us want to see the really talented guys lose out on a chance to make it. I recognized a couple names on their board as frequenters of our little domain. Maybe you can pass it along...bite the bullet for a year and restructure quickly. Take the small increase and realize that they won't blink! Go back to the table with fresh faces and realize that they are in the driver's seat.

The quote from the MiLB lawyer sounds like management believes that those guys actually are apprentices. Hmmmm...where did we hear that before?

I would not go. I have met some of these guys and worked with them and I am backing them. I have not heard of any blues in this area (Tulsa, OK) taking assignments to call minor league ball that are not actual MiBL officials.

Yes, Walter. We all know that the Associated Press has given Officials Unlimited the exclusive rights to paste their sports articles on the WWW. There's no way that Windy could have read that anywhere else but on OU. Maybe you should have read some of what Windy has written about the situation before you ramble on about taking his advice. I believe that Windy has been a voice of realism here. He doesn't advocate crossing the line, but he understands that others will and that can't be stopped.


Tim.

Actually, the article was forwarded to me from the MiLB umpires website - amlu.org. I found it ironic that the President of their group has just realized the ramifications of striking - umpires should e familiar with strikes and the balls it takes!

I pay little heed to WJR and his many noms de net. He once believed that I haunted his hallowed halls, yet could never find evidence of me to justify his convictions. For someone who stalked his own brood, you would think that he was more adept at researching the facts before publicly humiliating himself.

For those not incluned to pursue the truth: I advocate doing what is in the best interests of yourself and family. If the money is important, go for it. If you are an excellent umpire and want to challenge yourself to a supreme test, put on the gear. Maybe you crave the adrenaline of a more advanced game or the rush of performing in front of a crowd - whatever your motive, you may soon have the opportunity. If you choose to work these games, rise to the occasion and represent yourself well.

To those who choose not to work these games out of loyalty to your brethren, I don't begrudge your decision. We all must make decisions and I understand why you take such a stand. I encourage you to not let your emotions get in the way when judging someone who happily decides to umpire those contests. We all do what we need to do. They may have just as pressing of a need as the MiLB guys.

If the WUA boys went on strike - what would you do if a local MLB representative called and aksed if you could work the Yankees series in two weeks? I don't know an umpire out there that wouldn't jump at the chance to work in their favorite big league park with the heroes of the game.

I would turn it down in a heart beat. Not all of us are clamoring to work a Major League game or even better a Minor League game. I am sure there are people that would disagree, but there are many things bigger than just me. I live for principles that are more important from getting a one time shot that is not going to help me in the long run. I fell the way about this situation and I felt the same way when the NFL was in a similar situation about 3 years ago. I do not believe in cutting the throats of people for my own personal gain.

I agree with you on one thing, this is an individual decision, but that is not a decision I am going to make. I would hope others will feel the same way, but if you want to sell your soul for a shot that will not be there when everything is settled. Be my guest.

Peace

Stop and consider
 

"It's a combo of experienced HS and small college officials.:confused:
Hell, I guess, now even I am qualified.:D

Nah, no PAY INCREASE.
Nah, no signing bonus.
Nah, no travel bonus.
Nah, no fill in/temp bonus.
Nah, no need to spend every night in a hotel.;)

There is a brotherhood in big business.
Do you actually have the experience to deal with the mess?
I would tell YOU that I would rather not CROSS that line alone.
There is another cold wind blowing out of there.:rolleyes:

What you do is your business.
It's one thing not to support your big brothers.
It's another thing to CRY FOUL when he's back to take your job.
I show BALLS with my left and support the STRIKE with my rights.:cool:

Give me a break. When one has to stoop to unabashed appeals to base, unthinking emotionalism in order to attempt to make his opinion known, that opinion is not worth very much.

If you are convinced you are correct, try expressing your opinion intelligently, logically and free of bleeding heart rhetoric.

You're also an "Assume what you know nothing about" kinda guy, too, I see.

It appears you finally found your soul mate here, Walter. I think you and PWL would do nicely together. Maybe you can get him to go to rec.sports.officiating and start making stuff up along with you. Then, you won't have to keep posting back and forth to yourself.


Tim.

Whatever your own definition of "scab" is, rest assured, that is what you will be if you take an assigment and work a minor league game in the event of a strike. Whatever the reasoning or motivation that drives you to that decision and gets you on the field is, it will have driven you to be labeled for life as someone who crossed a picket line and worked somewhere that you did not earn the right to be.

If you have accepted an assignment and plan to work on opening day, be prepared to be face to face with the men you are crossing. The minor league umpires, their family, and other supporters (including myself) will be there at the games. They will be holding signs, and they will be distributing informational flyers. There won't be a soul on the field or in the stands that doesn't know who you are and what you are doing. With that said, enjoy your game, and maybe I'll see you there!

This amused me because you obviously do not have all the facts, yet that did not stop you from posting the article and your feelings in your original post on this thread. The minor league umpires are without a contract, and if they DO strike, it will be a LEGAL strike. Therefore, they CAN NOT be fired for striking. Granted, they can be replaced until an agreement is reached, but they can't be fired. That is why they filed an unfair labor practices charge with the NLRB.

so has anyone heard anything about the proposal that was rumored to have been submitted yesterday?

Whatever the reasoning or motivation that drives you to that decision and gets you on the field is, it will have driven you to be labeled for life as someone who crossed a picket line and worked somewhere that you did not earn the right to be.

If you have accepted an assignment and plan to work on opening day, be prepared to be face to face with the men you are crossing. The minor league umpires, their family, and other supporters (including myself) will be there at the games. They will be holding signs, and they will be distributing informational flyers. There won't be a soul on the field or in the stands that doesn't know who you are and what you are doing. With that said, enjoy your game, and maybe I'll see you there!

Good Lord, I had never actually considered working one of these games, but I may now feel compelled. I'm freezing my *** off, watching my games get cancelled and praying for a break in the weather so that I can get out there and do some games. I'm old enough to appreciate the warmer climates now, so maybe I should head on over to your state. Which backasswards town are you calling home? I hope someone like you approaches a guy like me or better yet one who is trying to feed his family on even less than what those MiLB guys make. You can tell him that you think he is a scab for taking those games and he can tell you to kiss his ***. Those watching will laugh at you drag your sorry behind to the nearest reporter to whine about mistreatment. No one forced them to take the job. If they don't like the wages, let them flip burgers, wash cars or drive a taxi. Those guys are rolling in the bucks.

I can't imagine anyone being dumb enough to think that MiLB umpires are bigger than the game. If you ever had a chance to work in some of those small town ballparks (I did) you would know that some of those dirt sweepers, ditch diggers and laundry keepers make less than the poverty line. To go to the ball park for 25 cent beer night takes a big chunk of their income. They want to see a ball game and don't care who umpires it. Your blinders forget the fact that the small ballpark employs vendors, ticket takers, groundscrew, announcers, local administration among others. If those games go unplayed, those others take it up the kiester because of a poor business decision on the part of 230 guys. Yes, the umpires deserve more, but if they abandon their dreams, they deserve to be replaced. I don't know too many workers that can tell their boss that they want more or they will quit and expect to have a job after they do; see ya' dumb ***- don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Screw you and your inflated sense of importance. Guys who talk like you find there face on the pavement more often than not. Even the MiLB attorney came out and said that they have long held that MiLB umpire stewardship is akin to an educational program. Replacing the guys at AAA will be difficult and they have the most to lose. We all saw what one of the best AAA umpires looked like recently. I saw a college game last week that had a better crew than what I see on many A fields.

So go ahead and stand there - all 230 of you at over fifty ballparks. That'll be a hell of a picket line. Did you notice the big unions jumping in to back you? Even they are laughing at the fools that put themselves into this position.

By the way, the guys from school who just signed on, if they go on strike, they can be fired. So, like I said, open your eyes before engaging your mouth. You are an embarassment to logical thinking.

"Hey, it's more important for those guys to feed their families, then it is for you." I rarely swear here, but you are a f-ing hypocrite! Most of us agree that MiLB umpires should make more, we all should for what we do. But if I turn back my schedule, someone else is going to take it and quickly. I won't be so presumptuous as to think that others should honor my commitment and stay away from them. What a bunch of crap!

I can answer this because it essentially happened. Several years ago when it appeared that MLB umpires would get locked out or go on strike, I received a call from the wife of an MLB umpire. She, her husband, and I have been longtime friends since the days I attended his school. She did all the administrative stuff for the school and was involved with a lot of stuff that went on with the guys. On behalf of her husband and one of my other MLB friends, she asked me what my association and I would do if MLB came a-callin'. We discussed it and she politely asked me for the support of both myself and the association of which I was president. I assured her that while I couldn't force any of our guys to not do such a game(s), none of us, myself included, would accept such an offer. As I told her then and as I believe now, the few hours of being in the spotlight is not at all worth the many years of a friendship.

To me, some things are too important.

I'm convinced that the system is broken, right down to the (essentially) monopoly system in place with the umpire schools and PBUC. No other sport requires officials to follow such a narrow path into the professional ranks. The current system benefits organized baseball and mostly benefits the owners of the umpire schools who are able to fill classes because the turnover is intentionally built into the process. And the process is designed to keep the pay terribly low for the existing bodies that work the leagues.

I hope the umpires do go on strike. And I hope then that the minor leagues blow up the current system and decide to hire their own umpires permanently. The umpiring would suffer initially, sure, but it's how every other sport hires officials and the officiating would eventually improve as good umpires are identified and retained. And eventually the pay would have to increase to retain those people.

Enjoy your picketing. And hopefully someday maybe you'll see how the process and its implicit turnover is the reason why you get paid so little.

maybe you should consider a job in politics. you did a great job of posting a long-winded reply that didn't address the point that was made. you called somebody out for speaking without having the facts, and then you were called out for the same thing. what'd you do? ranted, raved, and whined about everything but that, save for your addressing of the newly hired guys and their situation. way to skirt the issue.

MiLB players understand that they need to work hard and get paid peanuts for the shot
 

The one thing that is certain about this issue is that it is passionate. Those siding with the MiLB umpires believe that they are the only ones that matter. Their jobs are at stake because of a poor business decision and now they want others to bail them out. Months ago, another member wrote that even the WUA isn't supporting their cause. The reason was that the WUA guys know that the Minor Leagues is a training and proving ground. Simply paying for pro school and doing a good job is no guarantee of a financially secure future. Yet, they seem to think that they are entitled to things that many Americans do without.

Orangeump has jumped into this fray before. Do you really think that their strike will be meaningful? Being called a scab by a dozen people is not the worst thing an umpire can face. You won't see hundreds turning out for the picket line because people simply don't care. When is the last time you saw it being discussed on ESPN?

As for your comment about that AAA crew, I guess you didn't see Bob Davidson's shining moments in the WBC.

Challenging the integrity of an umpire who chooses to challenge himself with that assignment is cowardly. Why should a guy have to sacrifice his ambition because of a calculated risk that the union made? He may never have had the opportunity to attend professional school and is the shining star in his locale. His family and friends will come out to see him and make up for the two or three that stay away because of the umpires. When those MiLB guys start helping our program negotiate higher fees, then they can count on my support. When my granddaughter's school went on strike two years ago, many volunteered to substitute in order to keep the kids in class. Sometimes,the bigger picture is lost on those too close to the conflict.

Finally, bananaboybobbyduck, you would make a horrible lawyer. Even when your client is hanging in the gallows, you are writing to the judge for clemency. The fact that you don't recognize how little import MiLB gives to the umpires is sad. The dozens more that would be out of a job if games are cancelled is less important to you. Yeah, that makes sense...the guy that has put his life on the line to lease the ballpark concessions deserves to see his family starve. Maybe the guy who hawks souveniers should go without his salary and have to drop out of college because his summer job is gone. The lady who takes tickets and sells programs can explein to her children that they won't be able to get new school clothes because she was laid off due to the strike. Those are the real stories in the small town programs. Real people depend on that income - not just the boys in blue. Ask how many of the people in the stands at a Rookie League game would like to be paid $15,000 for five months of work.

Now, let's consider the player that needs one more game to prove himself and be called up to the next level. "Hey, dude - too bad for you; the umpires need more money." Some of those players make the same salary as the umpire! They are considered professional, but understand the complex nature of their training program. They are taking a chance that their skills will take them to the company of other elite individuals. But, I guess they are different than you, huh? Stop being hypocrites - get a clue before you are out of work and your investment is worthless.

I will happily escort any umpire across that imaginary line. None of you are going to do anything more than flap your gums. There will be no stigma attached to those guys, despite your pretense. Being ostracized by guys who couldn't carry my gear bag doesn't mean much to me. I've been called worse by better people. The game is and always has been bigger than the umpire. Maybe a few of you will recignize that before your egos cause irreversible damage. If you don't want to work those games, don't. Someone will and you'll be a fool.

Windy:

I can only confidently speak for the situation in my area. As you know from us discussing this in the past I am a long time member of the I.B.E.W. Here in South Bend we have the single A Silverhawks. The building trades unions of the Michiana area will support this picket line and will not cross even to watch a game. Yes, it may only be an imaginary line as I don't see the AMLU being able to pay others to picket for them. However, it has been suggested that we join in and set up what's known as an "informational picket" for the AMLU by proxy. I know it's not much, but it's our way of showing support.


Tim.

We all make choices.

We all need to live with our choices.

The AMLU is united in its cause. I'll walk the line with them. Not to call anyone else a scab. Those who work the games are free to do so for whatever reasons they see fit. Gotta respect their decision. Just want everyone to be informed.

True internships offer realistic opportunities at their conclusion. This one doesn't. What do you call the guy who finishes last in Medical School?

Doctor.

Even the Federal Minimum wage has increased 21% in the last ten years. More in pricier regions of the US. Seems the guy who sweeps the floor may be doing better in some cases.

Even if this strike doesn't accomplish what AMLU is looking for, hopefully, it will change the system enough for the better that, perhaps, an action such as this won't ever be needed again. A small victory for the current generation but here's to major improvements in a flawed system for the future.

There is a fine line between courage and foolhardy. I really hope this gets settled before next week's games.

DMAN

:D Your observation skills need work...or, perhaps your reading skills. Nowhere did I "back up" anybody or either side. I simply commented on your reliance of emotion laden rhetoric instead of basing your argument on anything factual or logical.

I have received a call. I said no. So much for your assumption/observation.

Steve...is that you?

No, he's most often referred to by other names.

If you pay for sex at a strip club does that all of a sudden make you a ladies man?

Does working a Minor League game during a strike make you an accomplished umpire?

You decide.

(Steve this is what we call sarcasm)

Peace

True, but I'll take pretty darn good over completely incompetent any day.



Tim.

No, Garth, it ain't me.:)

My ship has long sailed on that one. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Yes, he is often referred to by other names, and he keeps getting banned in those other names, so he keeps making up new names and personnas.:(

Just finsihed watching Caddyshack for the twentieth time...it never gets old.
I check in before bed and see one of my favorites has found time for our little old sport. (Basketball must be done.)

If you pay for sex at a strip club, it means you are stupid, desperate and probably pretty ugly. Unless of course, it's a gay strip club and then you are just wrong. ;)

If you work a Minor League game during the strike it means that you've accomplished something. But getting asked back, because you shined - well that's pretty nice. Whether it is an independent A or MLB AAA affiliate, being asked to do those games by them is still an honor. Don't think for a moment that it isn't. The players are still the same and the park just as nice. If you do your job, you can go home feeling pretty good.

My favorite umpires are the ones who ask for tougher assignments so that they can test themselves. Each year I see young guys stepping up and surprising me. They can't do a worse job than Bobby D. at the WBC.

Jeff, I'm not trying to start anything...I just don't agree with your post, that's all. You were excited to work the Juco All Star game at a nice field. That same feelng you and the crew had will be there for any replacement umpires.

How is it an "honor" to take something you haven't earned? I fail to see this correllation. All your doing is making it more difficult for guys who have paid their dues to get a fair shake. I'm all in favor of challenging yourself with new and tougher assignment, but if you want one of these assignments, sign up to be a fill-in when a MiLB guy gets hurt, or, here's a novel idea, GO TO UMPIRE SCHOOL.

Working next would would not be an honor, it would be an insult to the brotherhood that is umpiring. Also, I hope you'd realize the situation you'd be stepping into. The players, managers and other field personnel would realize you aren't a professional and treat you as such. Umpiring professionally looks tough enough, why make it harder?

Just ran across this.


Wichita umpires for hire
Minor league strike has Wranglers and other teams looking long and hard for replacements.
BY JOANNA CHADWICK
The Wichita Eagle

When minor-league baseball umpires announced late last week that they would strike to start the season, Texas League president Tom Kayser started scrambling for replacements.

Josh Schepis, a college umpire, started receiving phone calls.

He's already contracted to umpire some Wranglers games and has been in contact with other teams, including the Springfield Cardinals. Most teams are trying to fill their crews with local umps for games beginning April 6.

But Schepis isn't doing this as a way to break into the majors.

"No way it's a break for us," said Schepis, who umpires games in the Missouri Valley and Mid-Continent conferences while also doing nonconference games in the Big 12 and SEC.

"They don't get paid jack (in the minors).... I'm doing NBC baseball a favor. We know those people down there; we work close with them during the (NBC World Series).

"It's a pain. I don't want to umpire the two nights I do have off. There's nothing to gain from this, except a little bit of cash."

Cash is what the minor-league umpires are looking for.

Umpires average between $12,000-$15,000 in Double-A and Triple-A.

The starting salary for a first-year umpire in the Rookie League in 2005 was $1,800 per month, $100 less than it was in 1997, said Brian Kennedy, a Double-A umpire who is on the board of directors with the Association of Minor League Umpires. Insurance deductibles also increased by $500.

Of the 222 umpires in the minor leagues, 91 percent voted for the strike, Kennedy said.

"This (strike) is something we've got to do," said Todd Tichenor, a Triple-A umpire who lives in Holcomb. "There's a dozen of us who are close to the big leagues. Could this (strike) possibly hurt me? Yes, but that's just looking at me. As a union, we're one big family."

Umpires in the major leagues come directly from the minors.

Regardless of where the negotiations stand or whether the umpires will see pay increases, Kayser's primary concern is staffing the games.

Is it a headache?

"I really can't tell you," he said. "I'm preparing for whatever eventuality might arise.

"The only thing I'm willing to tell you is we're going to have games, we're not going to miss any games, and we'll have umpires on the field."

The Texas League uses four three-man crews but likely will have to find many more than that to fill in.

The replacements aren't being offered much to fill in for the minor leagues.

Schepis said he was originally offered $90 per game, which is $110 less than he gets for working Division I games. Kennedy said he earns about $83 a game in Double-A.

But Schepis said that he has been offered more since.

That, he thinks, should make everyone happy. Even those who might call him a scab for being a replacement.

"The minor-league guys I've talked to feel that's helping them, because (the minor league's) cost to hold out longer is going to go up," Schepis said.

Once again, everyone is not excited about working Minor League ball. Sorry, you can try to convince everyone it is but we all are not trying to chase that dream. If I work one Minor League game I am not going to feel like I accomplished something. I know many this is a hard core dream, but it is neither my dream nor the dream of many, many umpires. There are people that could have worked Minor League games in other situations and passed on them without a strike.

You are really stuck on this All-Star game with was about 2 years ago. I can personally think of 10 games (in other sports) this year alone that I was more excited about doing in other sports than that All-Star game. I can think of 10 things before that game that were more exciting or anticipated. It was an All-Star game. It was not a "real game" with "real" intensity. For some reason you think this was a shining moment all because there were pictures that anyone could see online. If that was the case why have you not seen any of my other accomplishments on the internet? This year was on of the best I ever had and there are no posted pictures anywhere.

One of these days you will realize that some of us are motivated by different things. I know umpires in our state (not sure this applies anymore :D) that only get an umpiring license so they can work their local rec. league. Some people like to stay close to home and work games at a certain level. As I said before if you want to go and work those games go right ahead. I know I would not be happy with that "accomplishment" if I had to wait for the regular guys to go on strike to get there. I know I would not be comfortable to put any of that on a resume. If you want to undermine those that worked hard to get to that level, be my guest. I just know that I am too competitive to work those games. If I ever were to get to that point or ever decide to get to that point, I would not be satisfied with just working a game or two. I would want to work the playoffs and many important games. Working a game and you have no idea if you will be at that level is not my idea of an exciting thing.

Peace

Jeff, I never generalized about this issue. I specifically mentioned that if you take the opportunity to work a few of these games, it is not a badge of dishonor, no matter how a few ill-informed souls spin it. Umpires support the game - the fact that these games will be played because of replacements may be sad to some, but not the fans, players and administrators. Replacement umpires have bills to pay too.

Also, I never said that working a Minor League game should be the zenith of your career in officiating. It is just another test and a chance to show your abilities. The Minor League players aren't on strike, so the game won't change. If you decide to focus on other levels or respect the AMLU walk out, I don't think less of you. I just asked the same courtesy be bestowed on those that may have to take those games. (I read the article, Wichita is a big town - lots of umpires available, but they still reach for the best college guys and they are accepting assignments faster than a few want to admit.)



Goodness, Jeff - I am not hung up on it, I just used it to illustrate that each of us consider certain things an honor. At the time, you were very pleased and a few of us ribbed you. I never mentioned the photos either, I simply pointed out that you and your crew were excited to work a competitive game on a nice field, that's all. You need to relax and read what was really written.

Good points - ones that were previously mentioned, but valid. Many of those guys won't just work a game or two - they will be in it for the long haul. If they fire the umpires, as promised, those replacements will work the whole season and playoffs.

Another member said that it is not an achievment because you didn't earn it. Let's use the Wichita story as an example - that NCAA umpire certainly qualified as a worthy candidate. The leagues he works are just as competitive and the umpiring is outstanding. He was asked to work those games over many other umpires in his area. The fact that they thought enough of his talent IS an honor. Maybe he won't include it on his resume either, that is a decision that each guy has to make.

Let's take another look at it - I know plenty of excellent umpires that are too old or not wealthy enough to attend pro school. Maybe they now have families and can't afford the way that the career path is structured. They have put in many years honing their skills and work excellent college schedules. Now they are asked to take their game to another level and a few of you say, "Don't do it - those poor boys that signed contracts will suffer." Do you see how hypocritical that is? Sure those MiLB umpires may be nice and they deserve better, but they made a business decision and no promises were made - not for pay or advancement. Remember that, NO ASSURANCES WERE GIVEN. They may want more, but that is secondary to the issue. They agreed to work for a certain fee and develop themselves according to a set protocol. Now they want more and the boss says, "No." That happens thousands of times a day across America. And yes, someone will happily step into the roles they abandon.

Too many of you keep missing the bigger picture...the game is more important than 230 boys. If they concede and decide to work, the game will be better served - agreed. However, thousands of MiLB players make the same salaries at the lower levels and they can't afford to see their games cancelled. They need the chance to hit, throw, run and catch. They were not guaranteed a chance at the Show and their time and talent is extremely limited. Talk to a skipper some day and he'll tell you that it isn't fair what the Minor League umpires are doing. He wants them out there too and knows that they are better trained and deserve more, but so do his players. They deserve a chance to perform and be seen. If they decided to strike for better pay (Many haven't received raises either.) do you think the umpires would be saying, it's okay...it's a sign of loyalty and a stand for what they believe? N F W...they'd be scrambling for your jobs because they have bills to pay too. That is the argument after all, throwing stones at a few guys that may need the money - not the glory. What were those sayings about throwing stones?

That's where I disagree. The game will change. All the field personnel will know that those umpires are not professionals and they will be treated as such. The game will actually be MORE difficult to officiate than "usual" because of this. At its crux, MiLB is about player development. You think an A ball manager is going to stand for inconsistent umpiring night in and night out? I'm not saying that everyone who works as a replacement will be incompetent, yet one of the biggest differences b/w a pro and an amateur is that the pro does it every night, and does it well every night. Don't kid yourself, it will be an entirely different game.

Let's Make a New Deal
 

What would Ronald Reagan do? He was a REAL strikebuster on the righthand and a trickle-down economist on the left-hand. :p

Yeah, some people working around the ballpark are living paycheck to paycheck. I also support their rights to gain a respectable LIVING WAGE even if it means walking out to find a NEW job.:rolleyes:

I also saw the Texas League All-Star game, played in Frisco, on FSN-TV. Has anyone discussed the possibilty of a new MiLB TV-deal? The BIG Leagues got a very lucrative ESPN-deal. I think it came after the current contract. Who knows what lies down the road? :confused:

That is absolute rubbish...the players don't care if it's Joe Brinkmann or Joe Smith out there. The managers may try to test them and see how far they can go, but that's the same story on any field with new umpires. The league will support the umpires in almost any hairy situation. Team personnel will be warned that behavior will be strictly monitored.

Do I think that an A level skipper will stand for inconsistent umpiring with replacement umpires? Yes, since he has no choice! Come on...admit it, that's a really bad argument. Most MiLB umpires at that level are anything but consistent.

The game will still be the same...the same players will be out there and the same coaches will try to pull the same nonsense. Water seeks its own level.

We are not talking about sticking underlevel umpires out there. The guys that will get more than one assignment will be hand picked and selected from the best available in that area. I've been called to go to Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. I've declined all invitations and encouraged them to look locally.

Better pitchers mean it is easier to call strikes, not the opposite. Better fielding means you have to anticipate closer plays. The batters are all able to hit and want to swing the bat. A kid straight out of pro school is less proficient than a guy with ten years of college and high school varsity under his belt. Pro umpires don't work every night by the way, but I know many amateurs who do.

HAHAHAHAHA Yes they will support the scab umpires, just like I was supported last season when a manager busted my lip with his bill. You're on your own out there pal, just like we are.

Better pitchers mean it is easier to call strikes, not the opposite. Better fielding means you have to anticipate closer plays. The batters are all able to hit and want to swing the bat. A kid straight out of pro school is less proficient than a guy with ten years of college and high school varsity under his belt. Pro umpires don't work every night by the way, but I know many amateurs who do.
"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers.
You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.
~Naguib Mahfouz


I guess working 161 games in 178 days in a dozen different cities is not working every day!!

Exactly right.

The arguement that the strike zones will be horribly inconsistent just doesn't wash. I would put my strike zone up against any umpire straight out of pro school. It seemed pretty damn good when I was calling pitches for Prior, Zito, Loiza, Silva, Harang, Mitre, and many other pro prospects. They could bring it and bend it just as good then as today, and I rarely heard any complaining about my zone.

Also, a banger is a banger at any level. If you have solid mechanics, positioning, judgement, timing, hustle, and game management skills, then filling in for A or AA guys shouldn't be that big of a problem.

I don't want the job, and personally would not cross the line, but to think there aren't capable replacements out here is foolish. There are many pro school and PBUC grads, as well as some just flat out good umpires out there that could do just fine, despite what some of these MiLB guys think.

But what do I know, I'm just a "Charlie.":)

Uh, no...maybe I understand the problem with the contract now. Math lessons may be in order. 161 is less than 178, right? By the way, a Rookie and Short A season is not six months long. AA and AAA sessons are only five months - 5 times 31 equals 155. Double check it, if you want. Or are you saying you are really a WUA umpire?

Thanks for copying my signature, by the way. Read it and think about what it means.

Guys! I'm going to tell you that if you think the league is going to back you on almost anything. You are WRONG!!!!!!!!!! You are going to be on your own just like we are everynight we walk on that field.

Clint Lawson

Oh no - here we go again. First it was Tim C and his name dropping of MLB umpires. Now we have SDS name dropping big league pitchers.

No, not just a "Charlie", but an "Internet Charlie" - they're even worse

And we all know what that's worth.

I was actually being sarcastic, Sal. I don't consider myself a Charlie at all. I am not an internet umpire either. I am a real umpire who happens to be on the internet (for some stupid reason....the abuse I suppose).

I talked with Josh today for a little while. Josh is one of my assigners. Josh informed me there were about 6 NCAA D1 guys here in KS/OK that are going to work these games. Two of the guys going have MiLB experiance and one has MLB experiance. I've seen these guys stand down the toughest NCAA D1 coaches in the country so I know they're up to the pressure. As far as being qualified you don't become a D1 ump unless your the cream of the crop. Like Josh said if the AA & AAA owners have to pay D1 pay or better it can only help the union.

BTW... Here's the link for the article that was posted.

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/kansas/...=kansas_sports