by Bruce Bostwick

Created on: December 01, 2009

Does baseball truly need umpires or is it a case that they are there taking up space? It seems that there is a debate on whether it would be needed considering that there is technology. The fact remains is that technology doesn't create itself. People create it and even if you had the technology, is there a chance it could screw up and not make the right decision? Of course, there is. You have to keep that in mind and consider it before saying the umpire is no longer necessary in baseball.

As frustrating as it can be and sometimes does seem that there is some biased perception of certain teams like the Yankees getting all the breaks, it is not intentional. These things will happen and it can directly impact the results of a game. It could be a game where the score is extremely close and the call has to be precise and not extremely controversial. Instant replay is something Bud Selig seems to be against and has more of the mindset of a purist somewhat but not a complete one.

The umpires are going to be necessary in the sense that a call has to be made. Even with technology, can it be completely accurate? That is something you have to assess and think about in that respect. Sure, they are annoying when it comes to botching a call that can be considered controversy. The 2009 post-season was a classic example of such. There were bad calls that were made and it seemed controversial but it happened. That had more to do with base running more than anything else.

Major League Baseball does have some instant replay but sometimes it may be enough. This is not to call for balls and strikes to be used because honestly, that is just asking too much. Now, for some calls that could be too close to call should have about a 30 to 60 second look if necessary called by the office and can be used three times in total throughout the game. If they are too close in one inning, then that is it. From that point forward, no calls can be changed even if they could have an impact. In that respect, the umpires who made these blunders will have to be talked to about it.

Does baseball need umpires? Of course they do. If they didn't have them, would it make it harder than it all ready is? Most likely, even technology may not be able to get the call correct all the time. Remember, technology doesn't build itself, people do it. Keep this in mind that unless the machines are waterproof or every stadium decides to go with a dome, there is the possibility of faulty equipment and potential machines malfunctioning causing a delay of the game? Do keep that in mind and really think about it before saying umpires are no longer necessary.

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