Intentional slow play

Question
Sir,

My question involves intentional slow play.  Our team was losing by two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, 16 to 14.  Our opposing team had three batters in succession take an unreasonable amount of time to get into the batters box, and once in the batters box also spent an unreasonable amount of time getting set.  As the fourth batter was doing the same act, as the pitcher I called time and approached the plate umpire and objected to the intentional slow play.  His response shocked me as he made the statement "don't tell me how to ump", although there was no guidance given as to the original question.  In the bottom of the sixth inning, same score, I made my first pitch as time expired and the umpire called the game due to time.  Is there a requirement for timely play?

Answer
Hi Scott,

It's unfortunate that the umpire did not address your concern in a more professional way.

By rule the batter must take the batting position w/in 10 secs after being directed by the umpire.  A few secs to get set and lets go.

It is up to the home plate umpire to "move play along" and the vast majority do just that.  I don't know any umpires that like slow play...it's boring.

mark