Robot Umps Taking Over Triple-A
Robot umpires are inching ever so closer to MLB, now taking over at the Triple-A level, as first reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney.
The electronic strike zone has been a subject of conversation for years and now it seems like only a matter of time before MLB adopts the same system.
The Automatic Balls and Strike system, commonly called ABS, will be used in two different ways throughout the season.
Half the games will be played with all calls being made with the system, while half will be played with a challenge system, similar to what’s used in tennis. The ABS system is not entirely new though, it’s been used throughout the Atlantic League, Arizona Fall League and many Single-A parks as well.
The system has yielded good results thus far and as a result, has expanded to the Triple-A level. Although I’m personally not a fan of the robot umps, I am very interested to see how this system will play out once it makes it to MLB.
Teams will obviously have a limit on challenges which should add another layer of decision making for managers. Do you waste a challenge early in the game on an obvious missed call, or do you hold onto it and use it later in the game during a more important at bat?
What about framing? It’s a very important aspect of catching and is frankly the reason a lot of catchers are on MLB rosters. Will that just become a thing of the past with catchers no longer being able to steal strikes. If so, then I must say that I am not a huge fan.
Overall, I’ve always felt like umpires get an unfairly bad rap. You watch a game and an umpire will usually be making the right call over 90% of the time. It’s a rather difficult job that many people judge harshly despite never trying it themselves.
I always loved the human element of different umpires and their strike zones because it always added to baseball’s drama. In a society dominated by the advancement of technology, it’s no surprise that baseball would eventually follow suit.
So, what are your thoughts on robot umps? I know opinions are very decisive on this topic but what can’t be denied anymore is that it’s going to make its way to MLB.
Baseball is, unfortunately, a dying sport with an average fan being 57 years old. If this is a move needed to get that number down, then I am all ears and happy to see it.
I must say though, not having to hear fans complain about bad calls all day will be a positive. Not allowing idiots like Angel Hernandez to ruin the game is also something I’m looking forward to seeing.
Like I’ve said, I’m not a fan of the decision to add the electronic strike zone. Baseball is a game of making mistakes and adjusting, yet we aren’t affording that same luxury to the umpires themselves. Still, I get why they are doing it and how it in theory should help the sport.
Maybe I’m just old school for believing in the idea of having an actual ump call the game. Regardless, it just seems like they are trying to take the human aspect out of a game that relies on it so much and I, for one, am not the biggest fan.
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