If you are interested, Ed Hickox boasts a “correct call” rate of 84.4% so far this season; Overall he ranks 69 out of 76 qualifying umpires at that category. To put it in perspective, two umpires (Jeff Nelson and Chad Fairchild) sport a C.C. rate of over 90; therefore, it is safe to say that yesterday’s strike zone was a little bit odd in my opinion.

Tonight’s strike zone by Ed Hickox seemed to be a little like one of those fun house mirrors with the wavy lines. Sometimes it was a strike, sometimes not. [Then again I don't watch the games (we're cheap so we don't have cable) and can only go by how Hammy calls it.] Still haven’t decided if Santana’s improvement behind the dish is because of 1) one more year experience, 2) one year further removed from his injury, or 3) per Hammy, Sandy said Carlos is wanting to “own” the catcher’s job this year and wants to be known not only for his offense but for being a good defensive catcher. Having Sandy Alomar for your mentor isn’t bad either.