<http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-replay101009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

The above is a fantastic article by Jeff Passan (whose work I normally do not care for) covering some of the horrible errors made by umpires so far in the postseason. He talks about how many blown calls could have altered the outcome of the games. Phil Cuzzi, Randy Marsh, and CB Bucknor are mainly covered.

The author makes good points about how a grading system is used to select the 'best' umpires and we somehow ended up with a bunch of goofballs. Bucknor's 3 mistakes really make me wonder if they were mistakes or not. Either way, three mistakes in one game is unacceptable from one of the 'best' umpires, and as Passan said, "fireable."

From the article:
"So that’s what baseball has come to: supporting egregious flubs to protect their own. It’s the epitome of an old-boys’ network, and it’s insulting to the game."
"That alleged fair and impartial grading system, mind you, rewarded a postseason series to C.B. Bucknor, about whom a player once said: “My grandpa would be a better umpire than him. And my grandpa is dead.”'

Any thoughts?

I think it's a great case for expanding instant replay. Fair/foul and out/safe calls should be reviewable.

"I think it's a great case for expanding instant replay. Fair/foul and out/safe calls should be reviewable. "

No way.... Games could start lasting 6 hours.

The umps get it right for the most part. The benefit of the few calls that get over turned would be negated by the added length of the game and teams gaming the system to get their bullpen ready.

The Twins lost the game themselves. They were the ones who put it in the hands of the umps in the first place.

If they established a system like the one in college football I doubt it would make games appreciably longer. You're talking about what, two to three close plays per game? I don't think it's significant.

Each side should be entitled to one play to argue. This doesn't include home runs, in my opinion.

I wouldn't mind that.

I actually didn't mind the Inge call because I hate when players get awarded a free base because their jersey was grazed. Give me a break. Get in there and swing the stick.

Plus, at least that was a mistake that could go either way. It was hardly obvious like some of the others that were mentioned.

edit: Jermaine Dye...2005....anyone?

"edit: Jermaine Dye...2005....anyone?"

The White Sox had all the luck that series. The only exception:

<http://astrosdaily.com/video/2005wsgm2.mpg

I miss our old bench :'(

That video makes me miss Bagwell more than our old bench.

Anyone can score from 3rd on a single, son!

But not everybody could have gotten on base to start a late inning rally!!!!

I thought talks of OBP were banned here.

For the record, I miss the awesome 3-4 combo of Bagwell and Berkman.

OBP is evil. Just ask our lineup.

I'm so glad we've decided to do away with that stuff. Swings ahoy!

I have to agree with you here. Passan has always been too liberal and pro Boston for my taste. I hate the Red Sox and Yankees. But he's definitely right about this dreadful umpiring that's pretty much ruined the Min/N.Y. series for any REAL baseball fan. Of course Yankees fans are making up excuses left and right but the way the TV networks control baseball makes one wonder why the big market teams in the northeast and southern CA always receive the close (and even not so close calls) in their favor during the post season.

2005, what a year to be an Astros fan.

"You're talking about what, two to three close plays per game?"

It doesn't matter what you do. There will always be those few plays in the postseason the people will complain about. The NFL has the replay which eats up time and there are still missed calls.

"OBP is evil. Just ask our lineup. "

what good is OBP when you have horrible baserunning and the GIDP crown? Just ask our lineup.

Our lineup agrees with you.

Outside of Berkman.