When I went to his 5 week course he said the annotated rule book was pretty much done.
That problem, that he said was the length. I too look forward to this book.
And I have to say, the Maximizing book is the only true textbook for umpiring mechanics. He refered to this book every day during classroom lecture. Well, he didn't, mostly Dick Nelson took over the mechanics portion of the lecture.
This is what they teach at the Evans school. And just like Mr. Teater (my neighbor, and for some reason I have not met in person yet???) I recommend any form of JETS to anyone. I value my 5 weeks of school with that man and his instructors more than most things in my life.
And Kevin, I respect your opinion a great deal, I really do. I don't feel that the illustrations in this book are "embarrassing". I would be very curious to see how one would illustrate umpire mechanics without video. As for the price? It is steep, $70 is a lot of money. For most people I would imagine it would be around one and a half, to two game fees. In my opinion, it's worth it. I don't see another publication out there that goes this in depth into the mechanics that are being taught to future professional umpires. Mazz, if your looking and if you have this book, I assume that these are things you were taught at Harry's?
Plus, I had to buy a book for a poly-sci class this past semester. That cost me 200 big ones. So... $70? Not too bad ;)