On MLB's umpires and the playoffs

It's unfortunate that Tim McClelland blew a call at third base in the Angels-Yankees game on Tuesday night. Ask any player, and they will put McClelland among the top five umpires in the majors. Major League Baseball is holding its breath, hoping to get through the remainder of the playoffs without more problems with umpires. The problem is that six crew chiefs, all experienced veterans, are unable to work this post-season because of illness or injury. That has forced some inexperienced umpires into difficult spots.