(02-23-2015 04:33 PM)mrbig Wrote:  Obviously things could have changed (and probably have), but when I was there in the late-90's, bunt defense was part of practice virtually every day. It included all infielders at their positions (including the backups, rotating each play) with the pitchers on the mound, the catchers behind the plate, and the outfielders acting as baserunners. One of the coaches would roll or tap the ball with a fungo to simulate a bunt. The coaches would bunt the ball anywhere so that the defense couldn't cheat. It was practiced with different baserunner combinations, including squeeze defense. I always considered bunt defense a point of emphasis (as was defense with runners on 1st & 3rd where the runner at 1st attempted to steal 2nd).

I remember watching a few of those situational practices. They were fascinating to watch.

(02-23-2015 09:55 AM)austinowl73 Wrote:  OCO - I heard Wayne say " I guess there is no chance for fairness" or words to that effect loudly after a ball/strike call.

Fords ears are probably still burning after Wayne reminded him many times that body not mouth is the tool for winning games.
We were concerned about pitch calls being stolen. Once Wane told JC to go out and tell the pitcher what to throw when there was a runner on second. Both Sat. And Sun. Hallmark told catchers to set up late as location was being relayed to the batter.

Also on the steal of jome Wane told Dittman to step off but Dittman obviously did not hear.

It turns out the word which got Ford thrown out was an enthusiastic "whew". That ump was in the wrong. Both days.

Absolutely terrific D1baseball writeup (free content) on yesterday's rubber game, including post-game interviews with The OG, JC and Coach Lopez...

http://www.d1baseball.com/at-the-ballpar...-orewiler/

Coach Lopez is REALLY a classy guy. I didn't like their catcher, but otherwise I'll be somewhat rooting for those guys.

(02-23-2015 09:50 PM)wrysal Wrote:  Coach Lopez is REALLY a classy guy. I didn't like their catcher, but otherwise I'll be somewhat rooting for those guys.

Wayne is right-- they get some starting pitching, and they're going to do some damage in the largely rebuilding Pac-12. Very impressed with the infield, their lineup and their ultra-aggressiveness at the plate, on the bases and even in the field.

(02-23-2015 05:06 PM)elf owl Wrote:  That ump was in the wrong. Both days.

Is there any procedure for the NCAA or the conferences to review umpiring in collegiate baseball? Do the umpiring crews sit down together after games and review video if any to see if they got calls right or not? Does it do a coach any good to kick the review upstairs to whoever is in charge of umpires? I know there has been a 'protest' procedure in MLB for quite a while and now limited instant replay. You hear that the umps who get to call the playoffs and WS have graded highest during the season. So is there anything comparable in collegiate baseball or is it just a dysfunctional mess subject to the arbitrary whims of an overstuffed shirt of blue?

(02-24-2015 11:04 AM)ColOwl Wrote:  

(02-23-2015 05:06 PM)elf owl Wrote:  That ump was in the wrong. Both days.

Is there any procedure for the NCAA or the conferences to review umpiring in collegiate baseball? Do the umpiring crews sit down together after games and review video if any to see if they got calls right or not? Does it do a coach any good to kick the review upstairs to whoever is in charge of umpires? I know there has been a 'protest' procedure in MLB for quite a while and now limited instant replay. You hear that the umps who get to call the playoffs and WS have graded highest during the season. So is there anything comparable in collegiate baseball or is it just a dysfunctional mess subject to the arbitrary whims of an overstuffed shirt of blue?

IIRC college coaches grade umpires. However, I don't know how this is done (if it is done).

(02-24-2015 01:20 PM)grol Wrote:  IIRC college coaches grade umpires. However, I don't know how this is done (if it is done).

I don't know about college baseball specifically, but my experience is that coaches' reviews of officials are generally unhelpful. A useful review requires both the time and inclination to do it thoughtfully, and a good amount of objectivity -- and in the busy and stressful lives of coaches, that can be a fairly rare combination of circumstances. It's unfortunate but understandable.

According to Boydsworld, we're currently #10 in the country in batting average, and amongst the Top 10 have played the far toughest schedule to date.