Hard to know who has a better “angle” on batted balls as they approach first and third base bags. Ideally the home up probably does, if he gets his fat ass in line with the baselines rather than lollygag behind the catcher’s box. But on some smashes that could be tough.

One simple remedy to the rapidly diminishing quality of umpiring would be to make transparent the league’s grading of the men in blue. With enough demerits, institute a probationary period, followed by a demotion to AAA, eventually down to Little League if necessary.

The power of the Umpire’s Union is always suggested as a hindrance to the above policy, but if player’s perform poorly, they can be demoted, released or suspended and their Union is just as powerful.

Also, there are obviously some people who give thumbs down just for the commentor’s name, not even the content of the post.

MLB needs to address home plate ump duties. They have plenty to do calling ball and strikes, and plays at the plate, all the rest is better decided by the other 3 umps, things like HBP, fair or foul balls around home, and especially checked swings.

How this is even slightly connected to baseball is probably it’s greatest attribute.
Outstanding.

- Brendan Ryan’s homerun came on an 86 mph “fastball” from # 3 starter “My Man” Godfrey.

- Godfrey allowed Smoak’s HR on an 83 mph “changeup”. Note 3 mph velocity difference between so-called fastball and so-called changeup. Note # 3 starter designation.

- Ichiro smashed a ball off Fuentes and was thrown out by a full step. Pennington smashed a ball off League and was thrown out by inches. Ichiro has visibly lost a step, and this will hurt him on infield hits. Stats from last year back this up.

- Seattle 5-2 against the A’s to start the year. A’s now travel to SoCal to face the so far tepid Angels. Why do I think the Angels will get well during this series?

One thing about Tommy – the existing videos of the monstrosity in action look exactly like he always will whenever he gets set off, so on those odd days when you feel a jones to behold it in action you have plenty of options already. I doubt if even the cameramen at the Feesh home games are going to bother swiveling for a look once the spectacle becomes jejune with time. I am curious, though, about exactly who it is that’s charged with the awesome responsibility of pushing the button and setting him off when a Feesh batter dings. Might make a good subject for an unauthorized autobiography.

Jesus, my fingers cringe even typing the letters DL. A palsy sets in and I get the yips as if I will be tasered by my keyboard for producing such a foul assemblage of letters.