Solid point. It can definitely be deceiving to look at OPS and just OPS. Looking at OBP and SLG side by side but not combining them (if that makes any sense) may be a more telling statistic. And no, I don't know of one that balances it out better.
This was actually pretty funny.
As for why he is umpiring in October, I have no idea. He's been around for a while, so maybe seniority plays a role. It's unfortunate.
I love going to playoff games and all, but I would never camp out over night for a standing room ticket.
But to answer your question, I don't know if it's necessary.
From my lurkings on SoSH, Schilling posted that Gibson once told him:
"Do you know you are arguing with the best young umpire in the game right now?"
Fantastic.