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Baseball’s new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System made headlines during the first week of the MLB season.
As a result, the system exposed a few umpires, most noticeably C.B. Bucknor, for the sheer volume of their missed ball-strike calls. One manager, Minnesota’s’ Derek Shelton, earned an ejection because he thought a challenge by Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Hensley came too late.
On Wednesday, April 1, MLB experienced another ABS milestone. A game between the Texas Rangers and Orioles ended on an overturned ball call. The Orioles finished up their 8-3 victory by challenging and winning strike three for the final out.
MORE: Pirates make decision on baseball’s No. 1 prospect before home opener
Just more than one week into the season, opinions vary about ABS’ effect on the MLB product.
Ultimately, you can count podcaster and media mogul Bill Simmons among those who give ABS a huge thumbs-up.
On The Bill Simmons Podcast, he brought up ABS, “which has completely changed baseball in five days. … I think it’s made it better.”
Also, Simmons said, “What’s interesting is how the fans react to it. … The fans like cheer, like a hit happened. I think this has been a home run. I love ABS.”
MLB instituted the ABS Challenge System for the regular season after testing it in the minor leagues and spring training. The system monitors the exact location of each pitch, relative to the specific batter’s zone. Batters, pitchers and catchers may immediately request a challenge of a ball or strike call. Then, a videoboard displays a graphic showing the result.
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) has a discussion with umpire Mike Muchlinski (76) during the game against the Atlanta Braves. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Each team receives two challenges per game.
Additionally, author and cultural critic Chuck Klosterman joined Simmons on the podcast. He presented the opposing view.
“I don’t like employing technology for officiating,” Klosterman said. “I don’t think it’s necessary. … There’s going to be errors in baseball; there’s going to be errors in officiating.”
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As a result, the system exposed a few umpires, most noticeably C.B. Bucknor, for the sheer volume of their missed ball-strike calls. One manager, Minnesota’s’ Derek Shelton, earned an ejection because he thought a challenge by Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Hensley came too late.
On Wednesday, April 1, MLB experienced another ABS milestone. A game between the Texas Rangers and Orioles ended on an overturned ball call. The Orioles finished up their 8-3 victory by challenging and winning strike three for the final out.
MORE: Pirates make decision on baseball’s No. 1 prospect before home opener
Just more than one week into the season, opinions vary about ABS’ effect on the MLB product.
Ultimately, you can count podcaster and media mogul Bill Simmons among those who give ABS a huge thumbs-up.
On The Bill Simmons Podcast, he brought up ABS, “which has completely changed baseball in five days. … I think it’s made it better.”
Also, Simmons said, “What’s interesting is how the fans react to it. … The fans like cheer, like a hit happened. I think this has been a home run. I love ABS.”
MLB instituted the ABS Challenge System for the regular season after testing it in the minor leagues and spring training. The system monitors the exact location of each pitch, relative to the specific batter’s zone. Batters, pitchers and catchers may immediately request a challenge of a ball or strike call. Then, a videoboard displays a graphic showing the result.
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Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) has a discussion with umpire Mike Muchlinski (76) during the game against the Atlanta Braves. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Each team receives two challenges per game.
Additionally, author and cultural critic Chuck Klosterman joined Simmons on the podcast. He presented the opposing view.
“I don’t like employing technology for officiating,” Klosterman said. “I don’t think it’s necessary. … There’s going to be errors in baseball; there’s going to be errors in officiating.”
Continue reading...
