Opinion on home plate umpires

[rctdw]

Why don't they come up with a ratings system for umpires calling balls and strikes. After each game their balls/strikes could be reviewed and graded. Similar to a batters batting average. Then base either salary or bonuses of this info as well as require a certain level to weed out the bad ones. With technology nowadays I think this is possible and beneficial without slowing down or hurting the game.
What are your thoughts ?

 

[DaClyde]

I'm sure the umpire's union prevents exactly that. They don't want the system to be any better, they just want to keep their jobs.

 

[Super Mario]

I think umpires in general should be held more accountable for missed calls, and altercations with players.

I can't remember hearing publicly any sanctions taken against umpires who botch obvious calls, like the dude who got his perfect game taken away. I am sure something happened behind closed doors, but it should be made public.

I'm sick of them getting a pass.

This will change with replay though.

 

[Brewer Andy]

I think umpires in general should be held more accountable for missed calls, and altercations with players.

I can't remember hearing publicly any sanctions taken against umpires who botch obvious calls, like the dude who got his perfect game taken away. I am sure something happened behind closed doors, but it should be made public.

I'm sick of them getting a pass.

This will change with replay though.

I swear I heard last year an umpire got demoted for poor performance but I might be completely making that up

 

[Super Mario]

I swear I heard last year an umpire got demoted for poor performance but I might be completely making that up

I think I remember hearing something about an umpire not being able to call the playoffs due to PED's or something.

 

[rsmath]

there is a system. Questec systems are installed in every ballpark and at MLB's NYC office, a crew of umpire evaluators compare the Questec ball/strike calls vs the HP ump's actual calls to find some error rate.

Since balls/strikes are a constant argument (every pitch is a complaint by the offense or defense team), why not let Questec make the balls/strikes calls in live-time -- there is no arguing with a robot -- and the HP ump can concentrate on watching for foul tips, HBPs, fair/foul or plays at the plate when a ball is put in play, etc. and not have to stress about also getting balls/strikes called properly.

 

[Brewer Andy]

I think I remember hearing something about an umpire not being able to call the playoffs due to PED's or something.

I remember that as well. After a little search I think I was remembering Fieldin Culbreth getting suspended for 2 games for allowing an illegal pitching change. Not quite balls and strikes but accountability of some form

 

[nappyd]

there is a system. Questec systems are installed in every ballpark and at MLB's NYC office, a crew of umpire evaluators compare the Questec ball/strike calls vs the HP ump's actual calls to find some error rate.

Since balls/strikes are a constant argument (every pitch is a complaint by the offense or defense team), why not let Questec make the balls/strikes calls in live-time -- there is no arguing with a robot -- and the HP ump can concentrate on watching for foul tips, HBPs, fair/foul or plays at the plate when a ball is put in play, etc. and not have to stress about also getting balls/strikes called properly.

But then they'd need a cut in pay since a large chunk of their job was taken away... Ok yeah they really should do this.


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[fordman]

You guys can't be serious about making a robot/machine/camera call balls and strikes? It takes the human element out of the game. It keeps good/great hitters honest by not knowing exactly where the strike zone is until the umpire establishes one. The strike zone changes for every batter anyway because of his stance.

Why not just put a pitching machine out there on the mound and all pitches be fastballs and everyone gets a hit?

Balls/strikes/outs are judgment calls and the league/managers and players agree that calls made are such. Judgment calls have work since organized baseballs inception and has worked well. Sure, a few calls here and there may be questionable but you have to accept the bad with the good.

Fordman
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[Hendersonfan]

Leave home plate umps alone. Grade them on performance is ok by me.

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