Except for the red colored words, what a bunch of hooey!

Additional Info
 

Additional Info - Minor Lg. release

http://oursportscentral.com/services...es/?id=3303808

Any benefits people have a value estimate for those benefits? Typically benefits are 25-33% of salary but in this case it might be more because the work year is shorter.

But there are rumblings across this great nation that there will, indeed, be MiLB umps who willingly return to the field, but no one wants to be the first to go. Will it happen? Yes, if several do it. Expect more to quickly follow.

Apparently one third of the membership (about 75 guys) haven't bought into the charade and are ready to work now.

While none of the current union has worked this three and a half week old season, it won't be long before dissent works its way into the fray. PBUC has already said that no further negotiations will take place. Does the union brass really believe that they are awaiting a sweeter offer? The one they just received was eerily similar to the one presented in January and again, just before the strike. A few little adjustments were made but MiLB refuses to make concessions.

Like I wrote earlier, the D1 guys will be wrapping up their seasons shortly. Even the guys who will work the NCAA playoffs will be done in another thirty days. The season won't be half over and a new batch of elite umpires will be a callin'. The good news is that there will be plenty of summer rec ball to be had by those guys who can't find a decent landscaping job. I'll work an American Legion game with a couple of them and I'll even let him show me his stuff on the dish. I'm only too happy to have them join the ranks of those they've been bashing. Maybe I'll even treat them to a local MiLB game. They can tell me how inconsistent the crew is and we can ponder the consistency of the union decision makers. Hell, I'll even spring for dogs and suds.

Myth BUSTER
 

Did AMLU turn down 12% RAISE? Article stated, "Minor League umpires reject 12 percent raise." It must be true.

http://oursportscentral.com/services...es/?id=3303808

Per diem OFFER increased from $25 to $27, less than 10%.
Salary OFFER increased from $10,000 to $10,500, exactly 5%.

Last I checked $3.57/$60 falls just short of 6%.

I suppose the AMLU looks pretty dumb turning their noses at a 12% RAISE that never existed. ONE SCAB I read about got a 50% RAISE. Perhaps PBUC would consider that 12% raise across the BOARD.

The last offer was rejected 2 to 1, I can only suppose the majority of those who voted to go back to work were already working at the AA to AAA level. Any idea why the triple-A guys might be itching to get back to work?

I'm just taking a wild stab in the dark here: could it be that AMLU is spinning the numbers they want while PBUC/MiLB is spinning theirs? Only a handful of people really know what was offered all along. AMLU never even acknowledged that a last minute offer from PBUC was tendered to avoid a strike, so I don't believe much of what they are writing.

You say it never existed, while some pretty involved sources say otherwise. Were you at the table, like Yund and Mobley?

Maybe you are correct that the AAA and AA guys are itchy. They should have thought about that before they felt so strongly that no one could possibly do their jobs. It seems that they may be realizing that they were wrong all along. Backing the wrong horse is a lesson that Reagan taught PATCO a long time ago.

Why don't you go read my thread "The AMLU's Birmingham Folly"...that will explain a lot

Friendly discussion
 

Offer wasn't secret once details were made public. I agree with your SPIN on spin. Only thing I knew was 6 year term was on the table and we all know why. Things are getting better already.

MLB is asking 2-6 umps to take early retirement.
I would say the current STRIKE by AMLU members is more than partly responsible. :confused:

MLB UMPS joined their bothers on the picket line. Ex-AAA umpires are NOT returning to work for the good of the game. That means they support those who have chosen to stay and improve their living conditions.:rolleyes:

The AA and AAA UMPS {the cream of the crop} were collectively offered a $500 pay raise. So much for PBUC's integrity in their own rating system and anyone's sense of a FAIR deal.:p

The Rookie and Short Season Single A minor league experience is considered on the job training, an apprenticeship, or any other term you like for keeping wages LOW for NO experience. Those 8 years in A, AA, AAA sound like grounds for making a good journeyman's salary and journeymen do make a pretty decent living. :o

Low level scabs are already making $30 more than the going rate. Won't be long till the regulars return for their FAIR share. Hopefull this same effect will amplify into AA and AAA. It won't be long before I get $70 for 9 innings of baseball. A couple of years ago it was $50, then last year it went up to $65. Sorry coach, I don't have any change for that $20.;)

Most realize that life must go on and quickly resume their non-PRO status. That doesn't mean they no longer umpire. It means they bought a house, married, have kids and finally have a LIFE.:)

Most UMPS I know don't need the work, but then again I try to distance myself from SMITTY. If he can't pay his bills then I figure I can't learn too much from him.:(

Where do you work for $70 for a 9 inning ball game?

Spin
 

"In 2005 twenty Minor League umpires worked as Major League fill-ins under PBUC's agreement with Major League Baseball, and they earned as much as $76,755, not including other benefits. PBUC had to terminate this agreement this year because Minor League umpires turned down spring training assignments despite the 42% increase in compensation that PBUC negotiated for them. Nevertheless, some striking umpires are currently working at the Major League level as independent contractors without contract benefits."

NOT what I heard. Not what was printed in the papers. Not what was discussed on this website previously.

"despite the 42% increase in compensation that PBUC negotiated for them."
---> Calling the bad guy the good guy. Certainly entertaining.

"Nevertheless, some striking umpires are currently working at the Major League level as independent contractors without contract benefits."
---> Independent from PBUC's meager CONTRACT salary and benefits OFFER.

I didn't have to sit at the table. Public actions speak for themselves.

Legal Substitution
 

"Where do you work for $70 for a 9 inning ball game?"

I said I do and that is enuf. Anything less, and you're working the plate.

Those who work local leagues know where the bread is buttered. Pay is split in half so I pick up the select crumbs (bases) whenever possible. I also take some games by myself (fee and a half, or both).

I consider myself a FREE-lance replacement and a fill-in for umpires who trust me as a qualified substitute and want me there. REAL umpires (6 days a week) may take off while I get their plate job. I expect the game fee and more ($10 ICE COLD, away from campus).