The AMLU's Birmingham Folly

[orangeump]

you are a genius, sir. you should go into a new line of work, maybe a fotrune teller?

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Thank you!

I'm looking for a new landscaper, now that my illegal immigrant contractors may have to go home. If you aren't busy for the rest of the season, er, I mean summer, you should give me a call.

Really...

[D-Man]

While I still fully support thier efforts to make their situation better, it's looking more like the worst case scenario may be the result. That still may be better for the "game" though. The system will have to be dismantled. Sure, the games will go on with replacements and I truly respect their courage, albeit with selfish motive. I can't fathom that this will be a long term solution. Short A will start soon and the talent pool will get thinner. I agree with WWTB in that there are many real talented replacements. Their problem isn't necessarily ability. It's 3 man instincts and the rigors of a 140 game season. OK, A ball uses 2 man crews but if umps have been working higher levels, it's still going to be a long season.

I agree it seems to be a futile strike if you look at it through selfish eyes. Think about what it's going to do for the system as a whole. Local guys may still get a piece of the pie when PBUC puts this all back together. Only the true elite will get through UDC and then only work the highest levels (AA and AAA, perhaps). That way there aren't 220 guys trying to slip through that narrow door but maybe half that many. PBUC can work them through more quickly. No more stringing 30 somethings along for peanuts following an empty promise. After five years, tag a guy for MLB until a space opens up for him.

Everyone umps for their own reasons. I don't need their games. I have a job, a family and a life. I try not to succeed by the failure of others but on my own merits. For those of you working the games that have friends in the system, I hope your relationships heal. For those of you that didn't work, I hope little Jimmy will still get to go to private school this fall.

Rest assured, I will always have your back.

D-Man

[SAump]

"If you aren't busy for the rest of the season, er, I mean summer, you should give me a call."

Careful, that may be a five month summer in his parts. But try to improve the quality of your life while your there. He already knows he could hire you to work through the rest of the year too. Autumn ball needs raking, winter ball needs shoveling, and spring trainng needs cleaning. But he really isn't interested in keeping YOU around long term. So remember, it is only TEMP related work.

[orangeump]

I am well set for the remainder of my summer, but i appreciate the "migrant worker" comment. Real classy guy, I bet if I saw ten pictures I could easily pick you out of those ten.

Cheers.

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Based on your history of gambling, I'd bet you would be wrong.

Suffice to say that the thin skin so many professional umpires are supposed to have is proving insufficient.

You show your ignorance once again. I made no such comment about migrant workers. (As long as they legally enter, pay taxes and support our laws, I'm all for them enjoying our glorious bounty.) I used sarcasm to imply that the illegal immigrants that cut my lawn may soon be out of work. I was offering a helping hand to my brethren. Isn't that what you are doing by publicly displaying their photos - just praising them and acknowledging their desire to support the game?

Good night...I'm tired and you are not a capable adversary in this battle.

[orangeump]

battle? what battle? the battle to see who cuts your lawn? You have confused me with your off topic, off color remarks.

I am done dealing with you and will instead go stare that Miznuno mask from another post. I bet that mask makes better conversation and less hot air than this thread does.

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Finally...

I'm not the one with the reading impairment. Good riddance!

[Tim C]

I hate to interupt such a wonderful battle between the two of you but things are changing in my area.

Slightly.

Our replacement umpires have been told that "the muzzle" has been lifted from the managers, coaches and players and umpires should be ready for a "real world" experience of working minor league baseball.

Regards,