Sunday, May 25, 2008

BAD YEAR FOR UMPS



Another bad day for the brethren. This is one reason I like to wear the goalie style mask that has made it's way into the major league ranks slowly. The lower level games that I do, you're probably more at risk of events like this or the bat flingers crashing one into your skull.

Amazingly, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) does not endorse either style but at our annual umpires clinic/rules meeting the head of the state association answered a direct question regarding the goalie mask by saying in effect "you can wear them if you chose, but don't expect to advance or do the higher level regional or state games, if you do wear them."

Let me get this straight. We're not opposed to having pitchers and infielders wear masks that make them look like Hannibal Lechter, but put the umpires at risk of concussion or worse and we're somehow opposed to it for cosmetic reasons? Are you serious?

What's the big deal if guys feel more properly protected using one style or the other? Apparently, the major league umpires don't seem to mind if their ranks use a mix of both styles. Why would this be good enough for MLB umpires but not a state high school association? Likely because the (lone) administrator in charge of such a decision has never actually been on a field or behind a plate.

Give me an F-ing break. Almost anything in the name of safety, but not a choice of masks to protect the umpires. Sorry guys, I actually use my brain and don't mind taking reasonable measures to protect it. Too bad the IHSA administration doesn't use or value their brains.

Unfortunately, I'll have to root on a lawsuit. Of course, they'll cower behind the "we have no official position" on this and "we don't hold this against qualified umpires", blah, blah, blah, blah blah.

Personally, I currently have no desire to do those games, so it's not sour grapes involved. I just don't see the logic employed by the IHSA here and hopefully it doesn't take more umpires taking shots like this unnecessarily before there is a change at our level.
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Giants Top Minor League Prospects

  • 1. Joey Bart 6-2, 215 C Power arm and a power bat, playing a premium defensive position. Good catch and throw skills.
  • 2. Heliot Ramos 6-2, 185 OF Potential high-ceiling player the Giants have been looking for. Great bat speed, early returns were impressive.
  • 3. Chris Shaw 6-3. 230 1B Lefty power bat, limited defensively to 1B, Matt Adams comp?
  • 4. Tyler Beede 6-4, 215 RHP from Vanderbilt projects as top of the rotation starter when he works out his command/control issues. When he misses, he misses by a bunch.
  • 5. Stephen Duggar 6-1, 170 CF Another toolsy, under-achieving OF in the Gary Brown mold, hoping for better results.
  • 6. Sandro Fabian 6-0, 180 OF Dominican signee from 2014, shows some pop in his bat. Below average arm and lack of speed should push him towards LF.
  • 7. Aramis Garcia 6-2, 220 C from Florida INTL projects as a good bat behind the dish with enough defensive skill to play there long-term
  • 8. Heath Quinn 6-2, 190 OF Strong hitter, makes contact with improving approach at the plate. Returns from hamate bone injury.
  • 9. Garrett Williams 6-1, 205 LHP Former Oklahoma standout, Giants prototype, low-ceiling, high-floor prospect.
  • 10. Shaun Anderson 6-4, 225 RHP Large frame, 3.36 K/BB rate. Can start or relieve
  • 11. Jacob Gonzalez 6-3, 190 3B Good pedigree, impressive bat for HS prospect.
  • 12. Seth Corry 6-2 195 LHP Highly regard HS pick. Was mentioned as possible chip in high profile trades.
  • 13. C.J. Hinojosa 5-10, 175 SS Scrappy IF prospect in the mold of Kelby Tomlinson, just gets it done.
  • 14. Garett Cave 6-4, 200 RHP He misses a lot of bats and at times, the plate. 13 K/9 an 5 B/9. Wild thing.

2019 MLB Draft - Top HS Draft Prospects

  • 1. Bobby Witt, Jr. 6-1,185 SS Colleyville Heritage HS (TX) Oklahoma commit. Outstanding defensive SS who can hit. 6.4 speed in 60 yd. Touched 97 on mound. Son of former major leaguer. Five tool potential.
  • 2. Riley Greene 6-2, 190 OF Haggerty HS (FL) Florida commit.Best HS hitting prospect. LH bat with good eye, plate discipline and developing power.
  • 3. C.J. Abrams 6-2, 180 SS Blessed Trinity HS (GA) High-ceiling athlete. 70 speed with plus arm. Hitting needs to develop as he matures. Alabama commit.
  • 4. Reece Hinds 6-4, 210 SS Niceville HS (FL) Power bat, committed to LSU. Plus arm, solid enough bat to move to 3B down the road. 98MPH arm.
  • 5. Daniel Espino 6-3, 200 RHP Georgia Premier Academy (GA) LSU commit. Touches 98 on FB with wipe out SL.

2019 MLB Draft - Top College Draft Prospects

  • 1. Adley Rutschman C Oregon State Plus defender with great arm. Excellent receiver plus a switch hitter with some pop in the bat.
  • 2. Shea Langliers C Baylor Excelent throw and catch skills with good pop time. Quick bat, uses all fields approach with some pop.
  • 3. Zack Thompson 6-2 LHP Kentucky Missed time with an elbow issue. FB up to 95 with plenty of secondary stuff.
  • 4. Matt Wallner 6-5 OF Southern Miss Run producing bat plus mid to upper 90's FB closer. Power bat from the left side, athletic for size.
  • 5. Nick Lodolo LHP TCU Tall LHP, 95MPH FB and solid breaking stuff.