MLB: Ranking the 5 Worst Umpires in Baseball

May 25, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; MLB umpires Joe West (22) Sam Holbrook (34) and Clint Fagan (82) during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it’s an inconsistent strike zone or a quick trigger finger when a manager comes out to argue a point, nothing gets under the skin of players, coaches and fans more than a obviously terrible umpire.

For years umps operated with relative impunity, but as the popularity of the game has grown and advances in replay technology now allow us to judge the accuracy of their calls in real time, it’s impossible for these guys to hide behind the “human error” excuse, especially if there’s a consistent pattern that can be found in their work.

For whatever reason, blown calls seem especially egregious this year, and we’re only two months in to the 2013 season. While umpires can be forgiven for missing on a bang-bang play, when they miss a routine call and alter the course of the game, it affects the integrity of the game.

Additionally, many of the men on this list are afllicted by the dreaded Joey Crawford Syndrome. In other words, they have thin skin, are quick to throw someone out of a game, and oftentimes needlessly inject themselves into the action because of an apparent desire to be noticed by the general public.

Without further delay, let’s take a look at some of the umps that should be considered for early retirement.