In the situation that is described here, I think the catcher should feel free to say something to the umpire right from the get go. He should not feel the need to defer to his coach. Normal conversation between players and umpires has been part of the game forever. It is a shame that somehow that fact has been lost on many of today's umpires. Back in the day, I would always talk to the umpires. Most would tell me what their strike zone was once I learned how to ask. There is absolutely nothing wrong with conversation between a player and an umpire, as long as it is courteous. In fact, it can make the game more enjoyable to play.