Is it time to automate ball/strike calls?
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 4, 2010 8:00 PM EDT
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For accuracy and to preserve the integrity of the game, I believe ball/strike calls should be automated. For example I read an article ( http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/technologys-place-in-the-strike-zone/ ) where the strike zone is smaller on an 0-2 count and much larger on a 3-0 count. It would be very interesting to see a comparison of the strike zone in various ballparks for the home/away team.
Advantages:
1. Greater accuracy and thus fairness.
2. Faster game (less disputed calls).
3. Fewer ejected players and suspensions.
4. Lessen the impact of having an umpire "bought off". There is no record of this happening but obviously at some point in the history of MLB it has happened (as in other sports).
Disadvantages:
1. Eliminates the human element.
2. Less controversy and perhaps less interest generated.
Any thoughts?
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Less disputed calls?
I think you’re giving some people in the league to much credit to not argue with a machine
The thought of Ozzie Guillen kicking dirt on a computer comes to mind.
by T_Mizz on Sep 4, 2010 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That would be funny to see! Someone in my town once shot a VLT with a shotgun…
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 4, 2010 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Though it does bring to light the question:
Where do you live?
In the sticks, about 250 kms east of Saskatoon. Kelvington to be precise.
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 4, 2010 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I like your little golf course.
Used to do mens night there on wednesdays. Then i hit a Moose by Okla driving back. Good times.
by craig in calgary on Sep 6, 2010 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, the golf course is good. This year it was one of the few without fairways underwater. Maybe someday we will get a traffic light too. What a day that would be…
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 7, 2010 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions
MLB
If this was any other league I could see this happening, however this is the MLB we’re talking about. The last thing they want is change and this is a very drastic change. It took years for the MLB to apply homerun instant replay and it will be many more years until they apply instand replay for close calls. If anything this would be at the very bottom of their to do list; if it even gets on that last. It’s a great idea, no doubt about it but I just don’t see MLB wanting or even thinking about this much change.
Good point about the instant replay on close calls
I’d like to see that first, because that’s not replacing the umpires (which I’m sure the union would frown upon) it’s helping them out (and Galaraga).
No
Umpires are an integral part of calling a baseball game from the days kids first pick up a bat. That’s the game, warts and all, and it shouldn’t be any different at the big leagues. I don’t want to see a computer calling the balls and strikes. But what I do think is silly is not letting the umpires take advantage of the game footage that exist. To my mind umpiring crews should expand to a fifth umpire, who watches the game feed somewhere just off the field and who is constant wireless communication with the other umps, or say the crew chief, for quick, seamless consultation on any call. As it is now, umpires regularly ask a second umpire for a consult on close calls, to get a different vantage point. So could just work the same with the fifth ump and if it’s done through a wireless, then it’s all quick and discreet so doesn’t have to be a big deal – as fans watching the game we need not even know most of the time when the fifth ump / video has been consulted.
by jabalong on Sep 4, 2010 9:06 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I wish the game was called the same in the big leagues as it is in children’s ball. Unfortunately, the strikezone shrinks and grows depending upon who is batting or pitching. Ex: the strikezone is smaller for experienced and especially famous players. I also feel like the size of the strikezone often depends on whether you are the road or home team, especially in places like Yankee stadium. Even at Skydome (it will always be Skydome btw), I think the Jays get a more generous strikezone than if they were on the road. I would love to see someone do a study on that. Here is another article (linked from the previous one) showing how strikezones shrink and grow depending on the count:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-compassionate-umpire/Study
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 4, 2010 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
minor league experiment?
They could do like the NHL and try it out in the minor leagues first. If it is popular and/or significantly shortens games it could then be implemented in the majors.
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 4, 2010 11:25 PM EDT reply actions
NO!
My father is spinning in his grave at the mere mention of an automated strike zone.
Ask the players themselves. No way.
I think most people wouldn’t be opposed to instant replays on certain calls (trapped vs caught balls, Safe vs out at the bases) and I would be included among those type of people. I think a challenge flag like the NFL or a 5th umpire in the booth would be the best way to implement it.
But I am not sure I could get behind an automated strike zone.
Life as a Toronto Sports Fan?... *sigh*... It is what it is...
i don’t go to games to watch umpires. i do get frustrated when a bad call decides a game, or an experienced pitcher continuously get’s an expanded strike zone. if are there to watch our team, and we want to ensure that the game is ruled consistently why not automate. I think the fifth umpire on wireless connect with the other four is a decent idea but i have no problem with complete automation
i think they should definitely automate the balls & strikes, but no need to tell anyone about it. Just give the technology to the umps. The maintenance of the illusion of umpire in control is maintained. Mind you, if it was a secret and got out, it may be bad. Ok, just use the technology and tell everyone, but leave the umps in control of it.
"I'll tell you what I do in winter; I sit at the window and wait for spring, that's what I do." Rogers Hornsby
Yankee stadium
Perhaps I would have got more positive comments from the following question: “Should the calling of balls and strikes be automated in Yankee Stadium?”
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 7, 2010 12:34 AM EDT reply actions
I’d like to see a challenge system similar to football for that. The automated strike zone has the advantage of not adding time to the game and probably speeding the game up.
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 9, 2010 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Challenge
Challenge:
Name an instance of a sport where the human factor has been removed where you would like to bring it back. Some options:
1. Bring back the goal judge in hockey and do away with goal reviews.
2. Get rid of video reviews in football.
3. Stop home run reviews in baseball.
4. Lose the challenge system in tennis.
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 9, 2010 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
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