Announcer's Critique of Gerry Davis

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Pitcher's perspective on where he's going to get calls. What's wrong with it?

Ummm, everything.

Because of comments like these, people watching will believe the correct plate umpire positioning is how dear old Ron explained it. And when these people become youth baseball managers and coaches, or just fans at the park, they'll yell at the local umpire that he/she is clueless when he/she is doing exactly what he/she is supposed to be doing.

I'm just curious how many pro umpires Darling has seen that do move when the catcher moves.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Ummm, everything.

I'm just curious how many pro umpires Darling has seen that do move when the catcher moves.

A lot, because a lot of them move.

When Yadier Molina jumps out with 2/3 of his body off the plate, few umpires are still locked in with their nose on the inside corner.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

A lot, because a lot of them move.

When Yadier Molina jumps out with 2/3 of his body off the plate, few umpires are still locked in with their nose on the inside corner.

Well, maybe I just haven't been paying that much attention.

But as they say, if you want to learn proper positioning and mechanics, DON'T watch pro umpires...

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Manny A

But as they say, if you want to learn proper positioning and mechanics, DON'T watch pro umpires...

Maybe MLB umpires, but certainly not all pro umpires. If you want a tutorial on positioning and mechanics, watch a hungry AAA umpire. As good as it gets.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Maybe MLB umpires, but certainly not all pro umpires. If you want a tutorial on positioning and mechanics, watch a hungry AAA umpire. As good as it gets.

Agree. I should have said MLB.

And you want to talk hungry. I go to an occasional Potomac Nationals game, and have also seen a few Charleston RiverDog games when we're on vacation. Those Single-A umpires who are fresh out of the schools are sharp.

[JJ]

OK, it begs the question: How many of YOU move when the catcher moves?
I will tell you, I don't. I set up in the slot on the inside corner and I stay there, even if the catcher moves out or in. If he "pinches" me, I tell him to give me a good look and he usually does.

JJ

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by JJ

OK, it begs the question: How many of YOU move when the catcher moves?
I will tell you, I don't. I set up in the slot on the inside corner and I stay there, even if the catcher moves out or in. If he "pinches" me, I tell him to give me a good look and he usually does.

I don't move out of my slot either. I feel I've got a good gauge on when a pitch hits or misses the outside corner, and if I moved more towards the middle of the plate if the catcher sets up outside, I would be changing that look. That, and making myself more vulnerable to a foul ball straight back should the pitcher miss the corner and put it right down the middle.

[bob jenkins]

I try to set up in the same spot every time, even if the catcher moves up a little or back a little. If the catcher moves way up (closer to the plate), then I adjust forward just a little. Otherwise, I just wear down the same four holes (two for each sided batter) where my feet go.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by JJ

OK, it begs the question: How many of YOU move when the catcher moves?
I will tell you, I don't. I set up in the slot on the inside corner and I stay there, even if the catcher moves out or in. If he "pinches" me, I tell him to give me a good look and he usually does.

JJ

The only time I move is if I have to based upon how the catcher or batter sets up because they've taken my slot away. I try very hard not to though.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by JJ

OK, it begs the question: How many of YOU move when the catcher moves?
I will tell you, I don't. I set up in the slot on the inside corner and I stay there, even if the catcher moves out or in. If he "pinches" me, I tell him to give me a good look and he usually does.

JJ

I would like to say that I "wear down the same four holes" (as Bob says) but that's not entirely true. If I'm working college ball I do stay in the slot. If I'm working upper level high school, I usually stay in the slot unless my catcher has proved that he is not capable of sufficient protection. Lower level high school I move with the catcher.

For better or worse, that's my routine.

-Josh

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by JJ

OK, it begs the question: How many of YOU move when the catcher moves?
I will tell you, I don't. I set up in the slot on the inside corner and I stay there, even if the catcher moves out or in. If he "pinches" me, I tell him to give me a good look and he usually does.

JJ

I agree, I am also pretty ridgid where I stand and I tell the catcher early, just let me see the pitch, I like the word strike but, I need to see the pitch. As already stated, sometimes you have to use the catcher for protection because, well he sucks and it goes through his glove easier than it does his body. That's called self-preservation.