MLBU - what kind of program would you run

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by jpc2119

The issue of lifetime appointments seems to me to be one of the more difficult questions. As much as we like to complain about them (the likes of Doug Eddings or Angel Hernandez), they're all outstanding umpires. That being said, some are probably better than others. When these player and coach rankings come out, someone is always going to finish last, even if they did a pretty good job that year. Does that mean they should be demoted or fired? What is to say that someone in the minors would do a better job? The lowest rated MLB guy could still be better than the top rated AAA guy. Imagine, spending all those years in the minors to be fired and replaced by someone who might not be any better. These lifetime appointments are not just handed over but earned with many hard years in the minors. Naturally, this is an issue for the minor league umpire who wonders why he's going through all this with such a small hope of reaching that ultimate goal. I think one answer would be to create more spots by perhaps creating an extra crew, maybe another week of vacation, and alternating the minor league callups. I think some of the better AAA guys might stick around longer if their chances of working major league games increased because the first spot doesn't always go to Rob Drake or James Hoye.

Look, more pwer to them. if treating people correctly means keeping ba dumpires until they are 65, hey, go for it.
Anoher solid reason for IR