Phil Cuzzi's Vision

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do agree, but that does not mean they know what the hell they are talking about. Customers choose to fly too, but that does not mean they can tell the pilots how to fly and what procedures need to be followed. And transparency is not going to change that fact. And no other league has that kind of transparency that you are asking for. And one of the things that keep the leagues in the news is controversy. That being said, that had nothing to do with this call or anything. Because if they changed the way these things were publicized, people like you would still be critical that they choose this guy over another in the rating process. Would it really matter in the end anyway?

Peace

I agree nothing will end fan complaining, nor would MLB want to end fan complaining. It was stated elsewhere on this board that playoff assignments were on a rotation. If that is true, IMO, that is wrong. A system that selects game officials for the most important games in the season based on "its was his turn" is wrong.

I do not favor IR in MLB, not even the limited IR they have now. I do not suggest anything should have been done to fix the call Cuzzi made. He made it; live with it.

But, if his umpire ratings during the season do not place him in the top 20% of umpires in MLB, he had no business being on that crew to begin with.

Other points made in this thread I also agree with. For example, using a 6 umpire system only for the playoffs... you have an umpire who is working a position for the first, and probably only, time during the season? How is that a good idea?

I have no idea how MLB manages its crews, but if the 6 umpire system has advantages of coverage, they need to do something to fix the "first time in a year" problem in working the position. How about form the playoff crews with 2 weeks remaining in the season and have them work the system for 2 weeks. Fill in the other games with the now idle (I assume) minor league umpires. But to have umpires working a position for the first time in a year in the biggest games of the year makes no sense whatsoever.

[JRutledge]

Dakota,

I agree with most of what you say, but what does that have to do with someone being bias on a single call in a playoff game?

Peace

[Dakota]

"Appearance of bias..." from the conflict of interest, not actual bias. Look at the fan rantings all over the internet on this call... most are NOT from Twins fans.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Dakota

"Appearance of bias..." from the conflict of interest, not actual bias. Look at the fan rantings all over the internet on this call... most are NOT from Twins fans.

It is impossible to manage irrational rantings and conspiracies. The fact is, the number of people who would have to be involved in a conspiracy like some would suggest (the NBA has been accused of this also) is too high to keep it a secret. The cost of getting caught is too high, and far outweighs any short term benefit that might be gained. And in this particular case, the conspiracy should have gone the other way; prolonging a series the Yankees were going to win anyway.

None of that matters, however, to those who hear black helicopters and wear tinfoil hats. For them, the lack of evidence and implausibility only prove their theories true.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Dakota

"Appearance of bias..." from the conflict of interest, not actual bias. Look at the fan rantings all over the internet on this call... most are NOT from Twins fans.

NOT from Twins fans, but from total morons with no clue as to the difficulty involved in umpiring baseball. Everybody is an armchair umpire at home, but if they tried it in real life they would resemble Jimmy Hughes. These idiots refuse to accept that umpires are people, and therefore imperfect. When fielding percentages, ERA's and batting averages come close to the 99% level of correct umpire calls, then come see me about conspiracy theories.

[Ump Rube]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

NOT from Twins fans

Yeah, me Minnesotans are too nice to say anything. Minnesota Nice that is what we are known for. (Although to be far it really is Minnesota Passive-Aggressive)

[Cub42]

Just as in any level of ball, you have guys that are solid mechanically, in Game Mgt, and judgement wise. Then you have those who are constantly in trouble. That will not or can not accept criticism or take instruction. Those whose reputation is poor, whether justified or not. But this is for sure, once the players, Mgrs, press, etc. see you as HS, that does not go away. They will not believe you right or wrong. Any close call or decision brings the heat. I suspect this is the case here.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Cub42

Just as in any level of ball, you have guys that are solid mechanically, in Game Mgt, and judgement wise. Then you have those who are constantly in trouble. That will not or can not accept criticism or take instruction. Those whose reputation is poor, whether justified or not. But this is for sure, once the players, Mgrs, press, etc. see you as HS, that does not go away. They will not believe you right or wrong. Any close call or decision brings the heat. I suspect this is the case here.

And this applies to this situation how?

Peace

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

Yeah, me Minnesotans are too nice to say anything. Minnesota Nice that is what we are known for. (Although to be far it really is Minnesota Passive-Aggressive)

I should have said NOT JUST Twins fans...

[Cub42]

Meaning He is in over his head, and obviously he is in trouble constantly

[Dakota]

Actually, the Twins fan boards, while generally angry about the call, were more angry with Gomez' LL bench player base running, Nathan's blown save, and leaving 17 baserunners stranded.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I think the call would be a lot easier to accept if it hadn't been a fly ball fair/foul call---the easiest call in all of umpiring.