My eval of a MLB crew

[jkumpire]

Yes, I have been around the block too, and I know that MLB guys are not he guys to use to teach newbies how to umpire. But, what I saw was interesting, at least to me so I posted. I went to school before any of these guys did, so I am somewhat familiar with how things have changed over time.

Just a few thoughts:

1. I only give the count at 2-1 and 3-2. I thought that most guys give it only then, not just MLB.

2. If he was just chatting the F1's up, fine. But when he talked to Cleveland's F1 he had just given up 3 runs that inning, and the time he went to the mound to talk to the Sox F1, he just had an Indian rip a shot to the wall. No matter what level you are, he needs to stay away from the mound unless F1 is hurt or there is a rule problem or a meeting breakup. He's asking for trouble IMO doing that. To change balls, get to the plate and switch with F1 there. I'm glad he got away with it!

I was also surprised how fast he was in breaking up conferences. Anytime there was a conference with a trip to the mound, he cleaned off the plate, then immediately went to break it up. I usually give them :30-1:00 before I do that.

If it was Drake at 2B, he reads real quick, because he turned his back to F5 or F6 immediately. I was watching him only the first time he did it, and his turn was immediate. No matter who you are, you still need to track the ball more than that.

But as we both said, on that level, nobody cares how you do it, just get it done right.

Rich,

If it was Joyce, I only heard him on a few pitches. But then I had a set of school teachers talking shop behind me, and I'm not sure you could hear a nuclear device going off over them...

[UES]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

...And yes, I know I wasn't on the field, but that doesn't mean I don't have a small clue as to what was going on on the grass.

Key word in that sentence is SMALL

1. I only give the count at 2-1 and 3-2. I thought that most guys give it only then, not just MLB.

You forgot 1-2 also

2. If he was just chatting the F1's up, fine. But when he talked to Cleveland's F1 he had just given up 3 runs that inning, and the time he went to the mound to talk to the Sox F1, he just had an Indian rip a shot to the wall. No matter what level you are, he needs to stay away from the mound unless F1 is hurt or there is a rule problem or a meeting breakup. He's asking for trouble IMO doing that. To change balls, get to the plate and switch with F1 there.

Perhaps he was doing some preventative officiating like maybe he balled a close pitch that would have been strike three. Then the next pitch was ripped for a runs scoring double and the pitcher was pissed off and told Joyce "those f%ckin runs are on you Jim". So rather than Jim making a specatacle out of the incident, he went up to the mound or met him on the foul line and quietly but sternly said something like "shut you f%ckin mouth and watch your f%ckin mannerisms out there or that will be your last batter you face today". Once again, things are done differently at their level and a guy with Joyce's experience level probably does things you would not do at the amatuer level - so your opinion on this situation is not relevant because your basing your opinion on how you handle an amateur game as compared to how Joyce handles a professional game

I was also surprised how fast he was in breaking up conferences. Anytime there was a conference with a trip to the mound, he cleaned off the plate, then immediately went to break it up. I usually give them :30-1:00 before I do that.

Once again, whatever time amount you give at the amatuer level is totally different than what MLB guys give at the professional level. There are reasons why umpires at the professional level give as little as 10 seconds for a trip or at times as much as 1:15 depending on the situation

If it was Drake at 2B, he reads real quick, because he turned his back to F5 or F6 immediately. I was watching him only the first time he did it, and his turn was immediate. No matter who you are, you still need to track the ball more than that.


Believe me, Drake doesn't do anything quick - the guy is one of most solid MLB Umpire prospects both on and off the field. There is a reason for when and why he sets up the way he does. But I'll be sure to pass on your thoughts regarding his so called need to track the ball longer

But as we both said, on that level, nobody cares how you do it, just get it done right.

By the way, what school did you go to Al Somers in the '40s or Bill Kinnamon in the '50s?