My thumb might be exposed a bit but fingers are not, and thumbe is a bit beside the shin guard, so it will take a direct to get me in the thumb. On the other hand, my pinky finger was broken about 8 years ago on an inside pitch with hand dangling, as you say, I since changed to GD.

I am sure Gerry will be in interested in your assessment:rolleyes:

Hand bones are less likely to be broken if the hand is dangling than if it is not. That's not to say they won't ever be, as your experience shows, but the probability is diminished.

As long as your hands are correctly positioned as recommended on every single pitch, you're correct--the fingers aren't very exposed. I have never seen an umpire using the Davis system who has met that standard

I have been struck by foul balls or uncaught pitches in areas I never imagined I could be, so even proper positioning of the hands is no guarantee.

I'm quite sure Gerry does what works for him, and is not interested in my assessment. I couldn't care less.