Ump Needs to Shut Up

In the eighth inning of last night's game, Pedroia was ejected for arguing, no big deal. It was the way things lead up to the ejection that was completely inexcusable. Dustin was ahead in the count 3-1. On the next pitch he checked his swing believing he had ball four and headed down the first base line as if he didn't hear the strike call. The ump said that Pedroia went around. It looked to me as though he had, but the problem came when the first base umpire yelled at the second baseman and mimicked Dustin's swing. Pedroia yelled back and also pantomimed swinging the bat, presumably saying that he had held up. The umpire then dismissively waved at him as if to say, get back to the batter's box. Pedroia then promptly grounded out, but continued talking. I might too if I had just been waved away like an insolent child. The home plate ump then ejected Dustin.

What is with these MLB umpires? There was absolutely no reason to act like a jerk. All he had to was say, you swung, please finish your at bat. In any other sport, the officials almost always take the high road. They are in control, so there is no reason for theatrics, screaming, or any other macho antics. They make the call, and the players and coaches accept it. Pedroia wasn't angry with the call (ok maybe a little) he was angry at being treated shabbily when there was no reason. How is it that there are more ejections in baseball than football? It's the showboating umps.

On the upside, Jason Varitek seems to be on a mini hot streak. He's batting .357 with 2 HR's in the last 4 games. Youkilis continues to rake from the clean up spot, and made the Orioles pay for walking Papi last night. It doesn't matter where he hits in the line up, lead off or clean up, he gets you what you ask for. He's becoming more of a power hitter while not sacrificing average. It's extremely tough to keep him off the bases as evidenced by a near .400 OBP. Sound like any recently departed left fielders we know? Plus he's a gold glover(decidedly not like that certain left fielder). I think Youk may be the team MVP this season.