Welpe

A good discussion of the rule. I don't think the video can tell us anything else conclusively.

I'm sure he was surprised and wasn't expecting to be run that quickly. But that look on his face tells me he knew what he was doing. This wasn't an accident.

Judging by Syndergaard's lack of reaction: nope.

What would you recommend doing differently for the veterans?

A true friendship can transcend such important differences.

I'm having the same wear issues plus the tops of the met guards are pretty scuffed up from my shin guards. Fortunately the pants hide that but it's still annoying.

Same here.

That's an interesting way to break that down. Good tip!

I'll make up for it by continuing to not.

With an R2 or R3 I'm not going very far at all into the infield when working by myself. I'd rather work best as I can to get angles and not have to rush back to cover a plate at home behind me. That helps adjusting back to having a partner too.

You may or may not have noticed over the years that I don't have many good things to say about Honig's. I've used them when I've had to but felt burned before with some of their products and their seeming lack of customer service after I've complained. That said, this last order might just change my mind on them. I received it today. They sent it two day after I paid for only ground. The shirt was a Honig's brand shirt and it is of a much better quality than the Smitty equivalent. Smitty shirts were good in the old style but I wasn't as happy with their new MLB styles. The Honig's shirt is not nearly as baggy, has a nicer material and looks like an overall better finished product. I really like the new mask I bought also and at $44.95 for a complete mask with microfiber pads, it was a steal considering the frame by itself is $39.99 and this includes the pads, a mask bag and the harness. I already have my Wendy's pads on it and now need to find a game to work to give it a try. Oh and I got the Majestic jacket I've been wanting for $20. Well done Honig's, well done.

Stay out of the kill zone, folks. Hope he's OK.

We don't want our hat to get a sunburn after all.

They also look and are unathletic as can be. Heavy as bricks and look like we should still be umpiring in a three piece suit.

Eh, I like the look.

They've had some issues with it tearing. This is probably an attempt to alleviate that.

I have heard there will be a low top version as well. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it.

I ordered one this morning and didn't receive an email but my account on the site says it shipped.

And this, kids, is why I keep my Facebook locked down and don't become friends with every Tom, Dick and Harry out there. Well that and both my wife and I know better than to post specific things like that about games I'm working. Compute responsibly.

Well that's interesting. I ordered one of their MLB blue shirts today. I already have Smitty and wanted to try a Honig's version to see if the fabric is any better. I'm going to be annoyed if it's a Smitty because I have a local vendor for those. I'll let you know what ends up arriving.

If it's hard enough contact, I think you could justify obstruction under the premise that it altered the pattern of play. You also need to keep an eye out for the possibility of a back pick happening at the same time.

The joys of being self employed. Back in Texas it took me over a year to get paid for several middle school basketball games I worked for one of the largest districts in the state.

Kudos to Jessica Mendoza for fitting right in with the rest of the ESPN broadcast team and kicking the crap out of the rules all the same.

This is about all you can do and if you have a swipe tag on the back side of 2nd base well...good luck. Make a call and stick with it. The important thing about working 1-man mechanics is hustling enough to get the angles you need to make plays but not overhustling to the point that you're taking yourself out of position to cover the other plays. You're dealing with some major compromises here and you have to do the best you can.

But bear in mind that there is no "accidental appeal" so just stepping on the bag with the ball is not enough, the fielder actually has to let you know he is appealing the miss.