Pray for Dodgers and Padres Fans Who Have to Suffer Through an NLDS Umpired by Angel Hernandez
As soon as the umpire assignments for the Division Series were announced, I did what I do every time they're released before a Postseason series: run to the list and pray that Angel Hernandez is not assigned to the Braves. Thankfully for me, he isn't, but Dodgers and Padres fans weren't so lucky this time around.
If you did an anonymous poll of every player, coach and executive in Major League Baseball of who the most dislike person in the sport is, I think Hernandez would run away with it. Some of the Astros might come close, but they'll at least have one team not voting for them. Everybody hates Angel Hernandez.
He is just truly the worst. I've never seen someone worse at their job who is simultaneously so indignant and positive that everyone is just out to get him. No, dude, you just really suck. I don't think you could find a single person who actually likes the guy.
I just genuinely feel bad for the fans of two teams which could easily have a Postseason series come down to a call made by that guy. It really is a shame.
And i don't know that this would be the case, but with the Dodgers-Padres series being played in Arlington — where the NLCS and World Series are scheduled to take place — it's conceivable that the umpire crew there already might just stay there for the next two series, as well. And Lord help us all if that's the case.
I'm sorry, Dodgers and Padres fans.