That's just the nature of the beast.

Umpires are necessary evils. That's just the nature of the beast. For years, people have looked on umpiring as a job they could get any postman to do.

Because of the confidential nature of the league's substance abuse policy, we can't comment on any aspect of that program.

Initially, our people didn't fully understand the stringent nature of what we expect and what the state of Colorado requires. We are taking actions to correct the deficiencies found and bring ourselves into compliance.

Before I joined professional baseball, I started umpiring in San Diego, California. I worked 155 games in a five-month season. For three years in a row, I was working tripleheaders on Saturday and doubleheaders on Sunday.

Instant replay ought to be thrown out. Period. It's a game of imperfections. Why is that so bad for the game? Really, I think they are trying to make the game perfect. I'll tell you what: It will never, ever be perfect.