Here's to the umpires and ABS system
Sanders takes command at media day. Dodgers' owner not on list? Eli says 'no'
Good morning, all! I hope your Thursday goes well!
MLB is taking another step toward instituting an Automatic Ball-Strike system (ABS), using it in next Tuesday’s All-Star game. The ABS system was used in spring training, has been employed in Triple-A since 2022 and could very well be in the majors next season.
Here are some things to know about the system:
Only pitchers, catchers and hitters can challenge ball-strike calls
The challenge must come right after the umpire makes the call
Teams get two challenges per game
Teams lose a challenge if it is unsuccessful
When MLB announced Wednesday that the ABS system would be used at the All-Star game, it immediately stirred up comments on social media. Many traditionalists oppose its use. I am not among them. The technology works. The kinks have been ironed out. Use it.
The system should not be construed as a knock on umpires, who have a difficult job as it is. Although the system is not used at the Double-A level, the technology is in the ballparks. Jeff Dooley and I get a feed of the strike zone into our booth, while broadcasting Hartford Yard Goats games. If anything, I am amazed at the home plate umpire’s accuracy. Calling balls and strikes requires tremendous concentration. In this day and age, when two clubs regularly combine to throw over 300 pitches per game, the plate umpire has to be laser focused. The umpire has to remain focused through cold nights, hot afternoons, rain, three-hour plus games, etc.
The reality, however, is umpires do miss calls. I have seen a wrong call turn an entire inning or even an entire game around, and I am sure you have too. So if the technology is in place to make the correct call, use it. We already have reviewable plays thanks to technology. Take the next step with balls and strikes.
With betting so much a part of baseball now - heck they are even betting on whether the first pitch in the top of the third will be a ball - it is paramount the right call be made. Traditionalists will have to live with it. The game marches on and the ABS system is just the next step.
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DAN