Refs worth all the zeros?

By Dan Rodgers

It all really took off during the 2009 MLB post-season. There were countless calls in just about every game that were questionable to the extent that it was hard to believe the referee or umpire couldn't see the play to make the correct call. For example: Game 2 ALDS, Twins vs. Yankees. Joe Mauer hit line drive right down the left field line and the ball is called foul even though it is clearly fair.

In the ALCS, Angels vs. Yankees, Nick Swisher was apparently picked off of second base but he was called safe. Later than inning, it was called that Swisher left early from third base even though he clearly did not. It is absurd to think that the umpires did such a poor job in the most important series of their careers and since it was a chance to go to the World Series for each team. I can only hope that the umpires were just consistently bad and did not feel the need to have a make-up call for a previously bad call. That would be dispicable and is not how the game of baseball is or should be conducted.

Don't forget about the NFL. Don't get me started on all these rules protecting quarterbacks; don't they wear pads and helmets? The thing that gets me the most in the NFL is the spot of the ball and how nonchalantly the refs just place the ball. The ball is supposed to be placed in its location when the players knee, elbow, etc. hits the ground. In many cases it seems like they are just guessing. Not to mention the forward motion rule. It is 100% speculation. The refs have to decide if they think the runner was trying to move forward or if he voluntarily moved backwards.

The worst might be the NBA and just basketball in general. I have a hard time watching basketball because I feel like a foul is called on every possession up and down the floor. All the player has to do is drive the lane and flail in the air and he will be awarded two shots.

Oh, by the way, these guys make six figure salaries just for the duration of the season.

Rodgers That