This Has Got To Stop!

[Teach]

This Has Got To Stop!

The technology exists. There’s no excuse. The heck with tradition. It’ll speed up the game. As harsh as this may sound, let’s get rid of umpires, at least down on the field. Let’s bring in a casino-like: “Eye in the Sky”.

What set me off -- I’m not a Johnny-Come-Lately (I’ve been on this case for years) -- is how the outcome of last night’s game in Washington was affected by human beings, e.g., umpires. Yes, umpires can miss calls; they’re human. Calls that affect the outcome of the game. Calls that can determine who will get into the World Series.

Please understand: I have no rooting interest. I’m neither a Cubs nor Nationals fan. I’m just a baseball fan. Actually a Red Sox fan who saw his first game with my late father in 1949. Further, I have no vested interest. I have no pecuniary interest. But, as a baseball fan, I have a burning interest in fairness. Rectitude.

If you may have missed it, in the 5th inning of last night’s game between the aforementioned teams, there was a play where Javy Baez was at the plate. Baez swung and missed at a third strike. The Max Scherzer pitch got by Nationals catcher, Matt Wieters. Baez took off for first base – and he was safe. Yet, the replay showed that Baez’s bat, on the follow-through, unintentionally struck Wieters in the mask. The MLB rule-book states that the batter it out and further play is “dead”. No runner(s) can advance as Addison Russell did with the lead run.

The point here is that that play cannot be challenged. But the complexion of this critical deciding game in the NLDS had been inalterably changed. Momentum has shifted (interestingly, later, a play that can be challenged affecting Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs was challenged and the call was overturned.).

What’s this all about? I believe that where there’s a wrong – or a even a potential wrong, as in a baseball calls -- there should be a remedy (sound like Marbury v. Madison). Years ago, the technology did not exist. Yet today, in our wireless, electronic life, the technology exists in spades. Why not have three “umpires,” no, not on the field, but sitting in an isolation-like booth in the upper reaches of the baseball stadium surrounded by all kinds of state-of-the-art technology.

For example: Balls and strike could be called automatically by an extant balls-and-strikes quest-tec, K-zone devise that we frequently see on most baseball telecasts (sometimes it’s downright embarrassing how badly home-plate umps miss calls; thus potentially affecting the game’s outcome). The call could made instantaneously. It could immediately be posted on scoreboards all over the stadium: Green = ball; Red = strike.

Further, the technology exists to wire, wirelessly: bases, gloves, balls, bats, home run demarcations, baselines, etc. The list goes on and on. An array of cameras, a.k.a, “eyes in the sky” can automatically focus on the play and make instantaneous calls, thus speeding up the game.

Moreover, taking umpires out of the equation all but eliminates the human element. For example, during a game, a player is upset at a called third-strike. He makes a grimacing face at the ump as he returns to the dugout. Consciously, or even subconsciously, the umpire will likely remember that incident. Is it possible that the next time this batter gets up, a close ball-strike call goes against the batter (you’d hope personal feelings wouldn’t affect the ball-strike outcome? You’d hope that wouldn’t happen, buy it can).

Furthermore, how often is there a time when a pitcher just can’t throw a strike; well, he finally throws one that, as they say, is “on the black”. Yet the call goes against him because of his previous propensity for wildness. On occasion, I’ve even heard baseball announcers talk about that subject.

Finally, when it comes to baseball, let’s get out of “the horse-and-buggy” era. The technology exists. The game could be markedly speeded up. The fans are demanding it. There’s no excuse!

Let’s face it, in today’s era with our advanced technological developments, there’s really no need for umpires down on the field. Yes, umpires are a tradition, one that goes back hundreds of years, but with our modern advances we can turn the page to a faster, more accurate, more enjoyable baseball experience.

[Nutz and Boltz]

Why don't we do away with the players on the field also? Have the players play the game on X-Box or Play Station.

[Marshall Bennett]

Everything should be able to be challenged in the post season. Everything before play resumes and involving an umpires ruling. Here, the umpire should have ruled and didn't. Seems plain & simple to me.

[Valuist]

Want to speed up the game? A lot has to do with sabermetrics. The obsession with pitch velocity has turned the game into an endless array of strikeouts, walks, foul balls and the occasional home run. The game is turning into the "three outcomes" that so many sabermetricians talk about. That's not a good thing. Hitters like Joey Gallo are praised, despite striking out 1 out of every 3 times (or even more) because he will hit a home run once every 15 times or so that he comes up.

[thaskalos]

IMO...what's even stupider than having a plate-umpire with a "fluctuating" strike-zone, is having a replay system that "doesn't apply" in all the vital close calls of the game. And this happens in football too. The replay is used to decide the spot of the ball, which involves mere inches of ground...but it "doesn't apply" in pass-interference calls...which can involve the length of the field.

The whole point of using the available technology is to avoid having the games decided by umpire/referee error. And we are still far from reaching that point.

[cj]

I'll add another thing about replay...this only overruling the call if the evidence is irrefutable is ridiculous. If you review a play and it is 90/10 to overturn, you don't overturn? That makes no sense.

[Valuist]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

IMO...what's even stupider than having a plate-umpire with a "fluctuating" strike-zone, is having a replay system that "doesn't apply" in all the vital close calls of the game. And this happens in football too. The replay is used to decide the spot of the ball, which involves mere inches of ground...but it "doesn't apply" in pass-interference calls...which can involve the length of the field.

The whole point of using the available technology is to avoid having the games decided by umpire/referee error. And we are still far from reaching that point.

The NFL needs to re-visit pass interference penalties. I'd say limit to 20 yards. To have 50 yard penalties is ridiculous. There's no guarantee many of the passes would get caught. All the rule changes have been done to benefit the offense; let's level the playing field a bit.

[Robert Fischer]

Originally Posted by Teach

Let’s face it, in today’s era with our advanced technological developments, there’s really no need for umpires down on the field. Yes, umpires are a tradition, one that goes back hundreds of years, but with our modern advances we can turn the page to a faster, more accurate, more enjoyable baseball experience.

I'm split on the decision.

Some of the conflicting points:

• The game really could be more accurate, and probably faster with technology doing the umpiring. When we can clearly see errors with basic replay technology, it definitely calls into question the game technology.
• Umpires are more than just the calls. They really are a 'human' element. They aren't players, but they are a part of the game. They have individual characteristics, biases, strengths/weaknesses, and they see the game from an on-field live-action position.
• To the viewing audience, umpires are 'symbols' of official judgement in action. Replacing those symbols with a digital display requires some thought.

[DSB]

I've always felt that replay should be used for only two things: to determine whether or not a ball was a home run, and to determine whether a ball was fair or foul.

Everything else should be left to the judgement of the umpires.

That having been said, I believe umpiring has been getting progressively worse through the decades. I played a lot of amateur ball and I truly believe many of our umpires were at least as good as the guys in the bigs.

Maybe all plays should be reviewed - not to determine accuracy during a game - but to determine which umpires are blowing calls. Any consistently poor umpires should be sent to the minors - just like a player.

It seems that many of today's umpires are sons of former umpires.

Maybe today's major league umps are chosen for reasons other than their accuracy. If that's the case, they should be weeded out - unions be damned.

[kingfin66]

Originally Posted by Teach

Let’s face it, in today’s era with our advanced technological developments, there’s really no need for umpires down on the field. Yes, umpires are a tradition, one that goes back hundreds of years, but with our modern advances we can turn the page to a faster, more accurate, more enjoyable baseball experience.

For a guy who has been watching baseball games since 1949, you sure are missing a lot that goes on. To you and all who believe that umpires are on the field simply to make the calls, you need to let your mind think a lot deeper into what actually happens on a baseball field. The calls are important, and getting them right is even more important, especially in the playoffs. Instant reply has continued to evolve and expand, and I think that everybody would agree that it has been a good thing for baseball.

Umpires are more than a tradition. They are more than arbiters. Umpires are on the field to control the game and protect the integrity and best interests of the game. Think of all of the bench clearing situations you have seen. Now multiply that by 10. That is how many incidents umpires are able to prevent. If you eliminate umpires, who will keep the players from killing each other? Seriously, they will literally destroy the game.

So Teach, please teach me.

[kingfin66]

Originally Posted by DSB

I've always felt that replay should be used for only two things: to determine whether or not a ball was a home run, and to determine whether a ball was fair or foul.

Everything else should be left to the judgement of the umpires.

That having been said, I believe umpiring has been getting progressively worse through the decades. I played a lot of amateur ball and I truly believe many of our umpires were at least as good as the guys in the bigs.

Maybe all plays should be reviewed - not to determine accuracy during a game - but to determine which umpires are blowing calls. Any consistently poor umpires should be sent to the minors - just like a player.

It seems that many of today's umpires are sons of former umpires.

Maybe today's major league umps are chosen for reasons other than their accuracy. If that's the case, they should be weeded out - unions be damned.

I believe that umpire has been getting progressively better throughout the years. The umpires who have been coming up to the Majors during the past 25 years are so good that it is scary. Not only are they talented, but they are held much more accountable, especially early in their careers as there is a 5-year probationary period in place where umpires can be let go in the same manner that they are in the minors (without fanfare and via certified mail).

You must have a very liberal definition of "man." There are currently two umpires on the major league roster who are the sons of former MLB umpires. They are Brian Gorman and Hunter Wendlestedt. A third, Brian Runge was released a few years back for cause. Most people who know about such things would consider Gorman to be one of the best who has ever worked in the majors. He is a long-time crew chief and routinely works the playoffs, which are determined by merit.

Reaching the major leagues as an umpire is very, very difficult to do. There is a lot of information available on the Internet regarding how one becomes an umpire and ascends to the Majors. I can tell you than many try and few succeed. Many good umpires are weeded out, as you say, simply because there are not enough openings and room has to be made for new talent coming up behind them.

I know that umpire bashing is fun to do, but why not take the time and at least get your facts correct.

The reality is that most people do not know enough about officiating in any sport to know a good one from a bad one. Technology does clearly (mostly) show when calls are missed. Here is a news flash for you: All officials, no matter how good they may be, will kick the shit out of a call - even an obvious one - from time to time. My best example of this is former umpire Jim Joyce. He is the best umpire I have ever seen (although Jeff Nelson is close). Everybody remembers the awful situation that occurred when he totally blew an easy call at first base to spoil Armando Galarraga's perfect game. Nobody felt worse about that than Joyce.

[kingfin66]

Originally Posted by Valuist

Want to speed up the game? A lot has to do with sabermetrics. The obsession with pitch velocity has turned the game into an endless array of strikeouts, walks, foul balls and the occasional home run. The game is turning into the "three outcomes" that so many sabermetricians talk about. That's not a good thing. Hitters like Joey Gallo are praised, despite striking out 1 out of every 3 times (or even more) because he will hit a home run once every 15 times or so that he comes up.

I tell people how unwatchable MLB has become and they look at me like I have a third eye on my forehead. Much of the issue is exactly what you described above. Put that with teams carrying 7-8 relief pitchers and the resulting pitching changes.

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by kingfin66

I tell people how unwatchable MLB has become and they look at me like I have a third eye on my forehead. Much of the issue is exactly what you described above. Put that with teams carrying 7-8 relief pitchers and the resulting pitching changes.

Now that the baseball and the football games go head-to-head...I am surprised to discover that I'd MUCH rather watch playoff baseball than the NFL. Between the commercials and the constant flags...the NFL games are as "unwatchable" as it gets...IMO.

[ElKabong]

College football is on the verge of becoming unwatchable b/c of every third play being reviewed. I love watching cfb but have to switch channels every so often to avoid the delays

IMO MLB has it right. Review select plays. Something does need to be done to speed up pitchers that work too slowly. No doubt about that

[DSB]

Originally Posted by kingfin66

I believe that umpire has been getting progressively better throughout the years. The umpires who have been coming up to the Majors during the past 25 years are so good that it is scary. Not only are they talented, but they are held much more accountable, especially early in their careers as there is a 5-year probationary period in place where umpires can be let go in the same manner that they are in the minors (without fanfare and via certified mail).

You must have a very liberal definition of "man." There are currently two umpires on the major league roster who are the sons of former MLB umpires. They are Brian Gorman and Hunter Wendlestedt. A third, Brian Runge was released a few years back for cause. Most people who know about such things would consider Gorman to be one of the best who has ever worked in the majors. He is a long-time crew chief and routinely works the playoffs, which are determined by merit.

Reaching the major leagues as an umpire is very, very difficult to do. There is a lot of information available on the Internet regarding how one becomes an umpire and ascends to the Majors. I can tell you than many try and few succeed. Many good umpires are weeded out, as you say, simply because there are not enough openings and room has to be made for new talent coming up behind them.

I know that umpire bashing is fun to do, but why not take the time and at least get your facts correct.

The reality is that most people do not know enough about officiating in any sport to know a good one from a bad one. Technology does clearly (mostly) show when calls are missed. Here is a news flash for you: All officials, no matter how good they may be, will kick the shit out of a call - even an obvious one - from time to time. My best example of this is former umpire Jim Joyce. He is the best umpire I have ever seen (although Jeff Nelson is close). Everybody remembers the awful situation that occurred when he totally blew an easy call at first base to spoil Armando Galarraga's perfect game. Nobody felt worse about that than Joyce.

There have been at least six or seven sons of MLB umpires to work the big leagues in recent years.

As far as umpiring being "scary good" compared to 25 years ago, that is your opinion, and it is not universally shared. The Mets' color announcer, Keith Hernandez, is a former major leaguer who was in the major leagues 40 years ago. Anyone familiar with his opinion of today's umpiring would tell you he would agree with me, not you. Maybe, just maybe, a guy who has been observing the craft more or less constantly for four decades would know what he's talking about. Maybe. Or maybe you're right and today's umpiring is far superior to what it was a few decades ago. Maybe. Let's just say it's a matter of opinion, not a matter of fact.

It also seems that the probationary period for new umps has been all over the map since the turn of the century. It was five years, then three, then four. Whatever, I could not find any stats as to how many umpires are sent the certified mail you talked about. Do you know?

Reaching the majors as an umpire, player, coach, manager, announcer, publicist, etc, etc, etc, is very hard to do. No shit.

Everybody knows that human beings will fail on occasion. Good umpires will blow calls, and good hitters will take a called strike three with the bases juiced. Nobody said otherwise, so kindly keep your "new flashes" to yourself. I sure as hell don't need to be lectured by you concerning such matters... or anything else.