Agreement Between Umps & MLB...Lowell Musings...# 1 Versus #2 In Women's College Basketball Tonight

Do you remember the atrocious and incredibly botched calls (plural...yes, there were many) made by the umpires in last year's baseball post season? Apparently, major league baseball and the umpires are trying to do something about it. Here is the entire Associated Press release from yesterday...
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NEW YORK—"Major League Baseball and its umpires have completed negotiations for a new labor contract and are likely to announce an agreement Wednesday, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press.
The sides worked into Tuesday evening to reach the deal. Owners are umpires hope to ratify the agreement next month.
Management has been seeking to gain increased flexibility on postseason assignments as part of the agreement, which could allow umpires to work the World Series in consecutive seasons. Following a series of missed calls during the playoffs, MLB went with an all veteran crew of six umpires in this year's World Series."
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In my opinion, the umpires chosen to handle the league division and league championship series as well as the big one, the World Series, must be the cream of the crop. I still think some form of instant replay review must be installed and in use for close calls at the bags or at the plate as well as fly balls being called foul or a home run. THAT IS A MUST IN MY BOOK. Let's hope this agreement helps.

On another subject, Mike Lowell, I have this observation. He was unhappy last year when his role was diminished with the acquisition of the valuable Victor Martinez. In fact, he wanted out. Well, he almost got his wish but his thumb got in the way. Here he is...

“I understand the business,’’ Lowell said. “I have no problem in them shopping me around. But I would have preferred to have this surgery in October once the season was officially over if the severity of the injury had been known then. I don’t want to race to spring training.’’

Mike, you should have just had the surgery. As for his future, he said this...

“I have no idea. I have absolutely no idea. That’s not my department.’’

That makes two of us. In an ideal world, he would accept a diminished role. Face it, he doesn't have the range at the hot corner because of his hip. He could play there from time to time if needed. He could also DH when the Red Sox are facing a lefty and pinch hit at ANY needed time. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT?? He is a great guy to have on the team and the Boston brass would not be saving that much money by trading him. Of the $12 million due to him in 2010, Boston was ready to pay $9 million just to acquire Max Ramirez from the Rangers. Max who? Mikey's place is here...I hope to hell he stays.

Lastly, there is a tremendous women's college basketball game coming up at 5:30pm EST tonight and most of you will be able to see it. It's on ESPN 2 and ESPN 2 HD. Number two Stanford will play the number one world champion Connecticut Huskies. The Cardinal has a record of 9-0, the Huskies an equally impressive 9-0. The game will be at the XL Center smack in the middle of downtown Hartford and by the 5:30pm EST game time, it will be a sellout, as well it should. If you're preparing dinner and you want to watch the nation's two best women's teams in a December battle, turn that television to ESPN2. Women's basketball? The way these two teams play...OH YEAH. Who knows? You might be amazed.

Have a great Hump Day Wednesday. Nadia and I are not getting along right now but that's a story for another day. I love her, though, through the thick and through the thin. Please click on this post's title for more on the Stanford/UCONN battle and as always, BE WELL. Thanks. GO HUSKIES!! 5:30pm tonight on ESPN2.