Okay, I'm going to try and make this one short. It’s time to turn over the called strikes and balls responsibility to the computers! I'll let that sit for a minute. Most people will disagree. I've said that's the way it should be for years, but after watching the Angels vs. Twins game last night, I have to reiterate my opinion.
Accuracy, Accuracy, Accuracy. ESPN's K-zone is accurate within 4/10ths of an inch. Umps can vary the strike zone a couple inches between consecutive pitches. Also the break of a ball and the catcher framing a pitch has no bearing on K-zone.
I'm not talking about getting rid of the home plate ump, or any of the umps. If you look at the playoffs they even bring in two additional umpires to help with the foul ball pole. Of course we need the home plat ump for plays at the plate, foul tips, catcher interference and a number of other duties. The home ump would have overall control of the game and final say in the call, but let's face it, even checked swings are appealed with either the 1st or 3rd base umps.
Traditionalists will say it’s not a part of the game. Look at the NFL, NHL, and NBA, all leagues now use instant replay. I’ll save that for another discussion about baseball, but it is a tool to better regulate to consistency of the game. K-zone is a tool used by every network, and it shows over and over again, inaccuracies of called strikes.
Some people will say that it will slow down the game. Absolutely not true. K-zone is instantaneous, and the home ump can still be verbally call balls and strikes, but the actual call will come from the computer.
I’ll try and add more to this later when I have some time, but to quote the great Eddie Murphy from Coming to America “It is also tradition that times must, and always do change my friend”
(that’s right, I used a Coming to America reference, so?)
The main reason I'm opposed to the use of computers/replay in baseball is that it would make the game drag on even longer. It takes 3.5 hours to complete a game now, imagine if they're checking with a computer after every pitch -- it'll probably take 4.5 or 5.
I'm fine if the managers get one challenge per game, and one more if it reaches extra innings (if they never used theirs, they don't get an extra one), but for strike zone judgments and every fair/foul call, I'm against it.
Overall, umpires really have very little impact on the games. You can cite the Rockies/Padres tie-breaker game last year, but that's an exception, not the rule.
Ultra, I disagree, you get the Ump Miked up and he can make the call right away. I absolutely agree with this blog and I hope it gets the backing and consideration it deserves.... So many times I have seen bad calls. and some perfect strikes not called for some odd reason!!
Great blog. 100% supportive of your idea and hope it gets traction. Time isn't a consideration at all with technology like K-Zone. I love the "human element" of sports....in the PLAYING of the game, not the officiating--especially calls (like balls and strikes) that shouldn't be subjective.
I'm an avid sport fan, but I'm a college football fan first. I'm a Iowa Hawkeyes, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bulls, and LA Angels fan. I also love the UFC, and think boxing is a dying sport. I'm a horrible golfer, but I like to drink while driving a golf cart and the golf course is the only place that lets me do that. I live in Milwaukee now after living in Iowa and Long Beach, CA. And without a doubt, Wisconsin people are the undisputable kings of tailgating. Even Brewer games people tailgate like it's a college bowl game.
