Big league umpires miffed at company

New York Major league baseball umpires demanded that the company manufacturing equipment used to evaluate them remove a reference saying umps support the system.

In a telephone conference call Sunday, 45 major league umps told the officers of their union, the World Umpires Association, to make the demand on Questec Inc.

A screen on the company’s Web site says of umpires and the system: “In general they support it!”

The WUA filed a grievance against owners Friday over the system, and lawyer Larry Gibson said umpires think it cannot properly evaluate pitches, especially breaking balls.

Rangers’ pitcher Rogers debating trade to Reds

Cincinnati So far, it’s a no-decision for Kenny Rogers.

The Texas Rangers pitcher was still making up his mind Sunday on whether to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to the Cincinnati Reds.

“The first inclination is to stay here because it’s home, but I’m not trying to lean either way right now,” Rogers said after Texas’ 7-3 win in 12 innings over Oakland.

Rogers said he plans to speak to his family and the Reds before making his decision.

Bonds feeling better

Los Angeles Barry Bonds’ strained right hamstring was markedly improved Sunday and although he wasn’t in San Francisco’s starting lineup, he took batting practice.