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Let's assume for a minute that umpires are biased against the Mariners, but not because of pitch framing, and let's use the Blowers explanation that they miss in spots that do the least amount of damage. And lets assume the other option that someone else pointed out, that umpires are more likely to job young guys and not the established vets. Now consider all of this and explain Felix losing 1500 strikes in 5 years.
If umps are jobbing certain types of pitchers, it certainly isn't an 8 year veteran guy who won a Cy Young a few years ago and finishes in the top 3-6 every year. I think this is where this theory falls apart. I could see where MAYBE, just POSSIBLY you could think that umpire bias exists against those teams that aren't "really" competing. I don't believe that to be the case, but it is possible i guess. But name a tougher competitor on the mound over the last 5 years than Felix Hernandez, a guy who never mails in a start.