41.   Now the umpires are on strike, and these million-dollar babies are going to cross their line.

42.   One umpire is a low-ball umpire.

43.   Piniella thought the umpire was too chatty with his shortstop, Andy Sheets, and told him so.

44.   Replacement umpires were on standby if Ludwig had not issued the order for the regular umpires to work.

45.   Replacement umpires are in Florida because the regulars are locked out.

46.   Runge said the umpires are willing to work the spring training games without a contract and negotiate later in the season.

47.   Real umpires will be on hand.

48.   Replacement umpires will be on standby.

49.   Selection was limited for this post-season, said league senior vice president Phyllis Merhige, because six umpires are hurt and unable to work.

50.   Sometimes, umpires are not very consistent on balls and strikes, which is a problem for everyone except those making a living on instant replay.