yup - In fact I'd say in general one of the reasons that so few guys throw the curve anymore is that so many umps don't give the pitcher the whole K zone on a good curve.
The ump is probably right on these calls. A curve is falling rapidly as it crosses the plate. That fact that the catcher catches it below the box doesn't mean it's not a strike.
I get why he they don't want to give up on him - it's a big arm and he has a pretty good slider to go with the FB, but it's like the light just doesn't come on all the time.
Guys always trying to get too clever. Morris always talked about not wanting to speed up or slow down the bat of a guy that is already either behind of ahead.