Both pitchers and hitters have had issues with the strike zone all season long. Look no further than Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon for proof of that.
Boston fans know that Pap can be little hot-headed at times. But when a mild-mannered guy like Chipper Jones starts calling the work of MLB umpires "substandard," something's up.
"I’ve said it time and time again, the officiating in this league is substandard for the most part," Jones told reporters after the Braves' 5-4 loss Sunday, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
"I'm going to stick up for my team. And if a guy is not doing his job I'm going to say something. If I get fined, I get fined. I don't care. … I wasn't allowed to do my job."
Jones was called out on strikes to end Sunday's loss to Baltimore. Kevin Gregg's pitch was called a strike over the outside part of the plate.
After a toss of the bat and helmet back toward the dugout, umpire Mark Ripperger stared down Jones, similar to Papelbon's situation against Oakland.
"I didn't say a word after the last pitch. I know they are balls. I've been here 18 years; I know what balls and strikes are. I know when guys are trying to pitch around me.
"He can stare me down all he wants; he made two bad calls."
