Meet the new worst umpire in MLB

Fortunately for Hernandez, another ump has taken up the mantle: Mike Muchlinski

It happened during Thursday's contest at Busch Stadium, which also happened to be the St. Louis Cardinals' home opener. Muchlinski got the honour of calling balls and strikes. Well, an honour for him. More like a volcano of dishonour for the teams, players, and fans who were there that day.

After allegedly issuing a pre-game warning that any player who touches their helmet to sarcastically challenge a call - the ABS is not used during the regular season so teams can't do this - would be ejected immediately. He then proceeded to miss 22 calls.

ABS had a 99% accuracy in the minor leagues. Muchlinski had an approximate accuracy rate of 85% during the game of April 3rd, which is the lowest to date this season.

Looking at the umpire score card, many of the calls weren't terribly egregious, though many others left those watching scratching their heads. And while Hernandez still probably takes the cake as the worst to ever do it on a consistent basis, Muchlinski will now be watched - and mocked - like a hawk all season.

Muchlinski's lack of effort on Thursday will only serve to re-enforce the idea of robot umps behind the plate. While that might be farther away, the ABS system could be present in the major leagues within the next year or two.

No word yet on if Muchlinski will try to eject a computer.