NBA: the problem-solving pace-setter for MLB, others?

This column from the Chicago Tribune explains the ideas behind NBA commisioner David Stern's hiring of a former military general to take misguided referees to task. The writer asks for the same sort of authority figure to sort out problems in the NCAA, which he hopes eventually helps to clean up Major League Baseball:

That in turn would apply pressure to Commissioner Bud Selig, whose baseball industry sanctions minor-league umpires to arbitrate major-league games so the elite can enjoy an in-season vacation, not to be confused with a five-month off-season vacation. When the regulars return from fishing, perhaps the more confrontational types could be urged to avert disorder instead of baiting players and managers.

If players don't get a vacation during the season why should umps?