71.   The umpires were confused.

72.   The umpires are a little different and the strike zone might be a little different.

73.   The umpires are angry because Gene Budig, the American League president, mistakenly gave Alomar a five-game spring break rather than suspending him for the postseason.

74.   The umpires are angry because the American League is allowing Baltimore Orioles All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar to participate in the playoffs.

75.   The umpires are up against it on this one.

76.   The umpires were outraged that Alomar did not have to serve his five-game suspension immediately and then not during the playoffs when he dropped his appeal.

77.   The umpire was like a spy, sacrificing recognition and creature comforts for the greater good.

78.   The umpire was unmoved.

79.   The umpire was with him so he kept putting it where he was calling a strike.

80.   The umpires are counting on judgment errors and a persistent inability to control the games by their replacements to advance a settlement.