Tigers' Jim Leyland would outlaw arguments with first-base umpires

Posted: 6:17 p.m. Dec. 9, 2009
Tigers' Jim Leyland would outlaw arguments with first-base umpires

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INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Leyland has gotten into his share of spats with umpires. But the Detroit Tigers manager would have no beef with a rule that cuts down on disputes.

“I’ve thought about this long and hard. I’ve always said that I think they ought to change one thing,” he said today at the winter meetings. “I don’t think you should be able to argue an out-safe call at first base.

“Talk about delaying the games and everything. I think if they don’t allow you to argue that call — he said he was safe, he said he was out, he never changes his mind — plus, he’s behind the plate the next time.”

Rather than ruffle the umps, Leyland said it’s better to stay in the dugout.

“So why go out and argue? I think the only time you would do it is if a player was involved, and you got a little upset, and you wanted to get him out of there,” he said.

Leyland would know.

i.e. Magglio Ordonez in Minnesota.