More on Joe West from
George King:
Umpire Joe West wasn't just checking his watch during the Yankees' season-opening series -- he was checking CC Sabathia's shoes, too.
West forced two Yankees to change equipment in Boston, and questioned a third, but players yesterday were hesitant to comment on the man who so harshly criticized them and their archrivals.
CC Sabathia confirmed that West made him change shoes in the second inning of the Opening Day game at Fenway Park. West told Sabathia he had to change his gray shoes because there wasn't any Yankees blue in them, though the gray shoes matched the gray Yankees road uniforms.
The next night West told Marcus Thames he had to take tape off his wrist because it didn't match the uniform. And West stopped reliever Joba Chamberlain on the way to the bullpen to check his shoes, but told Chamberlain his cleats were OK because there was blue in them.
Can you believe this guy? Can't wait to see the receptions he gets in NY & Boston
