Bad and Worse

Here’s the difference between MLB umpires Angel Hernandez and Joe West—Hernandez looks to be a decent human being who happens to be a bad umpire.  West is bad across the board.

Hernandez worked the Red Sox-Yankees’ ALDS, and things didn’t go well for the 27-year veteran  On Monday, Hernandez had four calls at first base reviewed, leading to three reversals.  Tuesday, he moved behind the plate, much to the irritation of New York starter CC Sabathia.  After the game, which the Yankees lost along with the series, Sabathia told reporters, “I need to say this.  I don’t think Angel Hernandez should be umping playoff games.  He’s absolutely terrible.”  There are some numbers to back up Sabathia’s claim, at least for first base.

According to Sports Info Solutions, Hernandez had 14 of 18 reviewed calls at first base overturned the last three seasons of regular play.  That comes out to a 78-percent reversal rate.  But here’s the kicker.  The average reversal rate at first base was 60 percent.  In other words, nobody else on average was getting it right even half the time when challenged.  Holy Joe West!

I’ve watched Hernandez a number of years now.  It’s always struck me how he goes out of his way to be friendly to players as opposed to, say, Joe West, who treats ballplayers as a cross between vermin and chewing gum on the sole of his shoe.  This summer I saw something else, what looked to be a rosary wrapped around one of Hernandez’s wrists.  If nothing else, a prayerful umpire is a humble umpire.

If only that make him a good umpire.