I can't blame Major League Baseball umpires for not welcoming instant replay with open arms. It must feel like one of their jobs has been outsources overseas. However, considering all the mistakes made this season alone on home runs, they should recognize the need to use available technology to improve the game of baseball.

Showing their displeasure with the current state of the instant replay process, umpires voted to boycott today's conference call to discuss league-wide implementation.

While I firmly believe MLB needs to add instant replay, they may be rushing the process. Implementing replay shouldn't be a difficult process, but I'd rather they get it right on the first try than to force the use of video during this season.

Let's just iron out all the issues this offseason and use replay on Day 1 of the 2009 season.

Umps currently cool on replay, boycott conference call with MLB [ESPN]

AJ Burnett was dominant, and Johnny Damon was mediocre, causing the Yankees to once again slip to 11 games behind the Rays in the AL East, and 6.5 games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race. In 8 innings, Burnett struck out an amazing 13 Yankee batters, while giving up only 1 run on 5 hits for the 2-1 Blue Jays victory.

Burnett was brutal to the heart of the Yankees' lineup, striking out Jason Giambi 4 times, Alex Rodriguez 3 times, and Derek Jeter and Damon twice each. The only Yankees hitters without a strikeout were Robinson Cano and Bobby Abreu.

Adam Lind's HR in the 7th inning tied the game at 1 after the Yankees had taken an early lead, and then Damon dropped a fly ball in the 8th, resulting in the eventual winning run.
Ricky Nolasco joined Burnett as the only other pitcher of the day with double-digit K's. He threw a 2-hit shutout, striking out 11 in a 6-0 win over the hapless GIants. Marlins catcher John Baker went 3-4 with 2 runs and an RBI in the win.

----- Other MLB Games -----
AL:
Red Sox 7, Orioles 2
Indians 9, Royals 4
Rays 4, Angels 2
White Sox 5, Mariners 0
Twins 13, Athletics 2
Tigers 11, Rangers 3

NL:
Phillies 5, Nationals 4
Mets 7, Braves 3
Astros 5, Brewers 2
Cubs 5, Red 0
Pirates 4, Cardinals 1
Diamondbacks 7, Padres 6
Rockies 8, Dodgers 3


----- Other MLB News/Notes -----

1967 Triple Crown winner and Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski has triple-bypass surgery. Get well soon, Yaz.

The Reds are so bad, the had to apologize to their fans. Ouch.

Steve Bartman's not the only Cubs fan who can catch. Only this guy's catch was way cooler.

Josh Beckett will miss his next start due to finger numbness. Heads up, Sox fans. Keep an eye on this one.



Streakers - In case any team tries to make history, I'm going to list the teams with the longest active winning and losing streaks. Today's streakers:
Rockies, Cubs: 4 wins
Nationals: 11 losses