Unconfirmed: MLB Hires Vic Carapazza, Porter, Gonzalez

The UEFL reports the unconfirmed rumor that 2012 Triple-A fill-in umpire Vic Carapazza has been hired to the full-time MLB staff along with call-ups Alan "Al" Porter and Manny Gonzalez.

Professional Baseball Umpire Vic Carapazza

At present, 2012 fill-in umpires Mike Estabrook (595 games since 2006), Angel Campos (549 games since 2007), Mike Muchlinski (467 games since 2006) & D.J. Reyburn (387 games since 2008) have worked more MLB regular season games than Carapazza (302 games since 2010). Porter has worked 299 contests since 2010 while Gonzalez has worked 175.

After the end of the 2012 regular season, umpires Ed Rapuano and Tim Tschida were amongst those discussed as possible retirements (see Rumor Mill Madden, 10/7/12); other names mentioned solely due to extended absences and/or injury to end the 2012 season were Mike DiMuro, Brian Runge, Hunter Wendelstedt, Bruce Dreckman and John Hirschbeck. Hirschbeck has previously stated he intends to return to MLB in 2013.

Previously, Todd Tichenor was hired in advance of the 2012 season as a replacement for the retiring Bill Hohn. An official "Hired: " post will be created when/if this story is confirmed or announced.