Really good players argue with umpires less.

[BlueSkies7776]

I forgot who said this, but an umpire said in an interview with Bob Costas that really good players don't have the tendency to argue with umpires about calls that are close or calls that don't go their way. I have been thinking about this comment ever since I heard it and I kind of pay a little more attention as to which players argue and how much they do it.

Obviously a player's individual personality comes into play as far as how they handle tough situations. But naturally, if a player is really good and has a lot of success he might not be as short tempered compared to a guy that is struggling a little bit.

[Perfect Zero]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

Eh... I don't know about that. It might be wishful thinking on the part of the umpire that this is the case, but I think it's a tendency that doesn't equate to actual success. Take Ian Kinsler for example: he is one of the most hot headed players on the Texas Rangers and has been thrown out many times in the past for arguing. However, he's been in the 30-30 club for the past two seasons and is a top three second baseman on offense and defense. It might be true when the umpire is deciding upon a strike zone, but I don't think temper affects statistics.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

I guess it depends. You have to remember that the good hitters get the close calls more often than not. Then they become all incredulous when an umpire dares call a close pitch a strike.

[theaub]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

I guess it depends. You have to remember that the good hitters get the close calls more often than not. Then they become all incredulous when an umpire dares call a close pitch a strike.

This.

Roy Halladay doesn't need to argue balls and strikes since he gets an inch and a half on each side of the plate.

[SPTO]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

This.

Roy Halladay doesn't need to argue balls and strikes since he gets an inch and a half on each side of the plate.

As you know from watching Halladay's career, there's been times when he's given WAY MORE than an inch and a half.

I think with pitchers they don't argue the call so much as try to influence it by body language. I've seen some very good pitchers in the past and present stare down the umpire or hold their pose after throwing the pitch expecting to get a strike call and usually later in the game if they're consistent with the pitch location they'll get that call.

As for hitters I think it depends, some guys don't necessarily argue but can be quite chirpy while others use charm or smiling to disarm the home plate umpire. Two former Blue Jays were VERY good at that approach back in the day and usually got good results out of it. (Joe Carter, Carlos Delgado)

[CMH]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

Derek Jeter is a habitual complainer, but perhaps the difference is he doesn't argue to the point he becomes aggravating to an ump.

I think good players are more likely to let bad calls slide because they get so many to go their way. And when you're playing well, sometimes you just shake your head and keep it moving.

Bad players know that the bad call has a larger affect on their performance.

Maybe instead of wondering why good players argue less (if this is what that umpire truly believes), he should start asking himself why bad players disagree with him.

Tell you, MLB Umpires have the worst attitudes and outlook on things.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

^ Re: Jeter, et al. The good ones subtly argue with their eye rolls, smirks, little head tilts, etc. Jeter has quite the repertoire of those, as do many of the other stars.

Umps are only going to toss you if you blatantly show them up. Unless it's Joe West, who actively inserts himself into games when he feels people haven't noticed him enough lately.

[DrJones]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

Derek Jeter is a habitual complainer, but perhaps the difference is he doesn't argue to the point he becomes aggravating to an ump.

The difference is Jeter has calm eyes.

[jake44np]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

Disagree totally with that statement.
I watch every Reds game and the 2010 MVP Joey Votto argues with the umps all the time.
I believe he was thrown out of like 4 games for argueing balls and strkes two years ago and twice last year.

[Sportsforever]

Re: Really good players argue with umpires less.

^ Re: Jeter, et al. The good ones subtly argue with their eye rolls, smirks, little head tilts, etc. Jeter has quite the repertoire of those, as do many of the other stars.

Umps are only going to toss you if you blatantly show them up. Unless it's Joe West, who actively inserts himself into games when he feels people haven't noticed him enough lately.

He has country CD's to sell...any publicity is good publicity, right?