'Robot umpires' debuted in the Atlantic League All-Star game, here's what happened. Interesting experiment. Not sure how this will work out, but it shows the willingness to try new concepts. Note that the umpire has the ability to override the "robot" ball/strike call - and the human umpire still calls check-swings. This has a chance of working. The idea of "stealing first base" on a wild pitch or passed ball seems a bit more weird - but again, they're willing to experiment.
Not a bad idea. The ball/strike deal is kind of unique in major sports with its carefully-controlled environment and objectivity. I wonder how much it would change the game, since the "statistical strike zone" (a line where >50% of human umps call it a ball outside and >50% of human umps call it a strike inside) is a circle and not a box. So with a bot calling it, pitchers could learn to use the corners of the box in a way they can't use it now. It would also help negate home field advantage, since the strike zone has proven to be slightly bigger for home pitchers and smaller for road pitchers.
I have been asking for this for at least 5 years. I am tired of the BS strike zones some of these umps come up with.
^Phil, you're right. The big advantage of the electronic strike zone would be consistency, removing the individual variance among human umpires. And as noted, the human umpire is still there to call check-swings, overrule idiotic electronic calls (such as a ball bouncing into the strike zone), and call plays at the plate. I personally want to see the major leagues introduce this next season.
^^ I don't know. I am not sure the ability to properly use the technology is there yet. I watch several games a week and each park seems to have different equipment angles. However, I would take it if the AL gave up the DH - one of the most useless positions in sport.
^Viper, I totally agree with you on abolishing the DH. When I'm elected King of Baseball, there will be some changes: Balls and strikes will be called by electronics, to eliminate individual variances by human umpires. The new initiative will surely have some growing pains, but it sounds like a step in the right direction. The DH will be eliminated. Pitchers will learn to play by national League rules and concepts. The mound will be raised - at least to 12 inches. Aluminum bats will be banned at all levels of high school and above. We have raised a generation (or more) of pitchers who can't pitch inside and saw the bat off in the batter's hands. With aluminum bats, there is no reward for pitching inside, so pitchers don't learn how to pitch inside. I solicit your support for my run for King of Baseball.
I agree about the DH and the aluminum bats, but I don't think either will happen unless you are elected. I am frankly surprised the NL has been able to fend of the DH monster this long.
Unfortunately with each AL victory in the All Star Game and World Series and talk of a total overhaul of the leagues and divisions to deal with travel/tv times, the pressure mounts.
^Phil, think back to the days before the DH and recall the number of pitchers who stayed in games late because they actually had some ability to hit - guys like Spahn, Newcombe, Bob Gibson. They were a threat to help themselves with the bat, thus there was not an automatic move to pinch hit late in the game. I think that if the DH rule goes away, you'd see some real emphasis on teaching pitchers to handle the bat. Also, a pitcher is much less likely to throw a bunch of brushback pitches (or hit a batter on purpose to "send a message") if he knew he might see some retaliation during his own plate appearance.
The thing I don't like about the DH is it totally takes away the management of the game from the standpoint of, every time the pitcher spot comes up in the lineup, do you pinch hit him, or not? That used to be such a part of my thinking as a fan of the Astros when they were in the NL, now it doesn't enter my mind. It's only dependent on their performance on the mound and pitch count, whereas the NL manager has to weigh all that against the chances of getting a hit with a pinch hitter and do I have enough bullpen to make it if I pull him now vs next time?
And a pitcher who can handle the bat reasonably well can hit in his spot and stay in the game. Think Bob Gibson, for example - a great pitcher and a career .203 hitter, not an automatic out.
Well, it has actually happened now - a batter "steals" first base. Player completes first successful steal of first base I'm still not sure I like this concept, but give baseball an "A" for being willing to experiment.
