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Sunday, October 7, 2012

Rumor Mill Madden: Three Umpires "Quietly Let Go by MLB"

Rumor Mill Madden: Three umpires "quietly let go" by MLB, chief to be brought back at MiLB level.

Writers sometimes find creative ways to twist words to suit a motif. Read on for an umpiring-related example:

In a scathing critique of MLB officiating and an attempt to compare umpires to NFL replacement officials, New York Daily News columnist Bill Madden wrote the following curious statement:
This summer, three of the consistently lowest rated umpires were quietly let go by MLB, not for their performance but for off-the-field personal issues. Another crew chief, I’m told, was allowed to go home after being involved in numerous blown calls and complaining that he just couldn’t take the pressure — but will reportedly be brought back next year to go through the minors as an evaluator!
Given the overall tone of Madden's potshot piece, could Madden have some untoward knowledge regarding MLB Umpiring and an alleged restructuring of the staff—or is Madden twisting words and circumstances—for instance, Hunter Wendelstedt's extended absence in the wake of his father, Harry's passing following Hunter's 2011 head injury, Bruce Dreckman's extended absence due to a neck injury or even John Hirschbeck's recovery from cancer—to suit an underlying agenda?

Or could "quietly let go by MLB" really refer to an extended leave of absence that was approved? It has been reported that some umpires, such as Ed Rapuano, have suffered extended, chronic injuries that might suggest a journey into retirement, though at the time of this publication, nothing has been officially confirmed.

MLB Umpires who have not had a plate job since the beginning of September include:
Mike DiMuro (last plate: 8/12, NYY@TOR; high-profile missed call, Ejection 078: Mike DiMuro (2))
Ed Rapuno (Crew Chief; last plate: 5/30, PHI@NYM; officially out since 6/1 due to injury)
Brian Runge (last plate: 8/30, CHI@BAL; vacation?)
Tim Tschida (Crew Chief; last plate: 8/25, SD@AZ; vacation?)
Hunter Wendelstedt (last plate: 6/8, TOR@ATL; rumored/unconfirmed injury [broken ankle])

Dreckman and Hirschbeck have been sidelined the entire 2012 season due to injury/illness.

News: Hey MLB, learn from the NFL's referee debacle before baseball loses its integrity (NYDN)

27 comments:

  1. This reads like a National Enquirer piece...I guess if there's any veracity to these remarks we will find out next spring.

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  2. It'd be surprising to say the least if Madden is actually right about any of this. EXPOSED!

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  3. If this is true I really hope Hunter wasnt let go. I went though his school this past january and hes a great teacher and instructor

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  4. If this is is true does that mean we wont see any hunter/gardenhire incidents?

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  5. So if this is true, Dreckman, DiMuro and Wendlestet no longer, who is the crew chief in question, Tschida or Rapuano? Season is almost over, post season upon us, rumor season generally starts after the world series, so it is a little early. May as well join in, and assuming the above is true, my questions are.
    1. Lets assume that the three above mentioned, and 1 crew chief will not be back, that would leave 5 vacancies (we are still operating with 1 fill in), who will fill those 5 spots?

    2. Who would replace the departing crew chief?

    The CC question is a no brainer, as Jim Joyce would assume a permanent position, with the return of John Hirshbeck, and the departure of either Rap or Tschida. If both were to go, would it be Wally Bell, or Jeff Nelson elevated to CC?

    A few of the new full timers would be fairly easy, as Manny Gonzales has been MLB all year, and Mike Muchlinski and Mike Estabrook seem to be the next most often called up. 4 and 5 would possibly be Reyburn and (shudder) Campos. Are Conroy, Baker and Lance Barrett, to inexperienced for full time? All three have spent a lot of time at the MLB level this year? Anyone else have any thoughts?

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  6. I think Conroy will heavily considered in the offseason. He has worked with Rapuano's crew for Rapuano since June and has done a very good job filling in. I have looked at some of his brooks baseball zones and they are usually very good. That being said, I think Madden is full of crap with this article. For my full thoughts, see the Dan Capron thread.

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  7. Don't forget Carapazza who has spent the entire season in MLB.

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  8. Porter as well. I would say Porter, Carapazza and Muchlinski are the leaders for the next full time spots with Estabrook, Conroy,Gonzalez and possibly Reyburn behind them.

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  9. I highly doubt that those guys have "quietly been let go" the umpires union and CBA doesn't allow that to happen. If they are not coming back it will either be through retirement or retirement via injury if serious.

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  10. As a former NYPD officer I have gotten to know most of the MLB umpires well. John Battled and beat cancer, Dreckman had a hip replacement and Wendelstedt had a broken ankle. They all will be back next year.

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  11. tmac whats the story?

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  12. I find it interesting that three of the five names mentioned are from second and in one case third generation umpire families.

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  13. He is right about the pay being better in the college circuit versus the minors.

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  14. So, who has the playoffs?

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  15. I was wondering what happened to Bruce Dreckman. Hip replacement surgery. Get well soon!

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  16. Derryl Cousins has also been out for weeks. It does seem like an abnormal number of fill ins are working at this point of the season.

    I would think Alan Porter or Manny Gonzalez is next in line for a call, as they are all the guys who have been up for Dreckman and Hirschback all year.

    Finally, Wally Bell and Jim Joyce are next in line for crew chiefships due to seniority.

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  17. I am quite certain that this article is garbage. Let's take the absurdity of the idea that there is a crew chief who just cannot take it anymore. Start with Derryl Cousins - 34 years in the big leagues but suddenly it is too much for his nerves to handle? Not likely. Hirschbeck had a recurrence of cancer and is expected to return next year. Tschida after 27 years, just having enough? Please...

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  18. The story is there is no story!! Sometimes it is better to be assumed a fool then to open your moth and remove all doubt..... Madden is a fool!!

    As for the offseason there will be changes... I'm fairly certain Porter and Vic will have the first two slots, but it's hard to say what EXACTLY will happen.

    -tmac__ having a bit of an internet issue!!

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  19. "Or could "quietly let go by MLB" really refer to an extended leave of absence that was approved?" Bingo. Muchado about nothing, I'm glad you took Madden down a peg with that statement.

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  20. Somebody has said Tschida and Cousins are retiring. Who are the 3 younger guys, or was he just talking about some "call ups" being quietly asked to leave (i.e. doesn't make the papers), which happens every year anyway, and is nothing new.

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  21. Maybe this guy should be called Scoop Madden.

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  22. I am very surprised Cousins doesn't try for 4 more years and surpass Klem and Froemming to number (38) of years worked, although he would turn 70 during that last season and become the first 70 year old MLBU and set 2 records. That would put him on par with Jack Nies and Dick Bavetta in the NBA working into their 70's and prove it can be done in baseball also, while keeping the younger guys down on the farm.

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  23. I heard from a reliable source that Ed Rapuano is retiring (due to injury) and will be a MLB supervisor next year.

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  24. What happened to Rapuano?

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  25. Madden should be outed publicly if he is indeed making up stuff.

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  26. Apparently he tore his bicep.

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  27. Confirmed rapuano cousins and tschida retired.....crew chiefs will be Barrett culbreth joyce

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