This year in spring training, one thing was different. Robot-ump, in spring training, one thing was different. Robot umpires were tested to determine the system’s effectiveness. Every season, there remain horrible calls that affect games and seasons themselves. Here is the system that could come soon explained:
The Good and Bad of the Robot-Ump in MLB
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There Aren’t Robot Umpires
Robot umpires aren’t coming. Instead, the new system would still rely on umpires. Instead of just using a system similar to that of MLB The Show, where strikes are strikes and balls are balls, the MLB would invent a challenge system. If a player or pitcher believed that something was called wrong, he could challenge the call and possibly overrule the call.
Players would be limited to how many challenges they had per game, however. What this system essentially would do is invent a system similar to what the MLB did eventually where you can challenge an out call. If you’re wondering what constitutes a strike, then simply put if a ball even touches the strike zone a little bit, then the ruling would be called a strike. A ball has to be something that completely misses the strike zone, meaning that framing is key to a pitcher’s game.
The Problem: The Game Could Change Massively
Framing is critical to catchers nowadays. The problem that could come is evident. Many pitches that miss the strike zone easily look like strikes thanks to just how good catchers are. If such systems are brought into the game, then certain pitchers may struggle to throw strikes and may have to become more aggressive in the strike zone. Meanwhile, at the same time, this is more than just a problem for pitchers.
Another problem is that it could overtake the game. The system really doesn’t limit the amount of challenges if you get the call correct. Thus, any player could change the course of the game and create problems that would just annoy fans. A lot of people don’t like to see balls called strikes or vice versa. However, at the same time, it is pretty awesome to see a catcher’s talent and it might be better to leave the system of umpires alone.
The final problem could be the players themselves disliking the system. Certain pitchers who are more old-school may feel like the system is too similar to something like the transfer portal in college football, which probably caused Nick Saban to retire. If this system causes players like Max Scherzer (although he is already 58) to retire, then that is a problem for the MLB.
The Solution? Limits
One thing that the MLB can do is seriously limit the number of challenges per game to around two for all players. Challenge systems in sports usually are unlimited until the challenge is wrong, and then the challenge is permanently removed from that team. If the MLB can successfully put together a challenge system that is effective and not abusive then that could be a win-win situation for the MLB. One thing is for sure: People don’t want players to abuse the system. However, how can you not introduce the system if certain umpires make ridiculous calls?
Essentially, the new system that could change baseball needs to be carefully considered by the MLB. Sure, robots aren’t literally going to take umpires’ jobs away. However, at the same time, too many challenges and too much abusiveness from players could be a bad thing for baseball. Overall, this system is a system that could change the history of the MLB forever. If the system is introduced, be very careful with the system MLB.
Main Image: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
