The MLB has been looking into this for some time now and haven't decided if they should make the switch. This was brought up with many other issues like the pitching clock and the runner on 2nd base in extra innings. The minor league affiliates of MLB have been testing a automated strike zone in games this year. They still keep an ump behind home plate and they call the pitch, but if they call it wrong, the automated strike zone system corrects them. We will be discussing the pros and cons of the automated strike zone system and the impacts it had on the minor leagues.
Many minor league managers and players don't like the system since it takes away the fun of the game. They don't want the calls to always be correct, which makes them hate the system. It takes away the fun of the game when there is an electronic strike zone aorund. Over the life span of MLB, they would always brag on how bad the umpire was and make chants about it. There has also been many questions about it like if it's the same from ballpark to ballpark, which it isn't. Also, many pitchers don't get the calls they want while their pitching in the game with the automated strike zone. These are just some of the complaints about the automated strike zone, which they don't say is needed next year.
On the other side, many fans want to see the strike zone come to the MLB because of how bad the umpires call balls and strikes. When you watch baseball on TV, there is a strike zone traced out for you to see if it is a ball or a strike, and the umpires still miss many calls. The good thing about the automated strike zone is it has players heights to know their strike zones. The game would also turn back to regular timing, which the pitch clock has cut down, this is because the system is so strict on balls and strikes. Although many batters would like the system, it is still up in the air on if it should be called up to the majors.
My thoughts on it is if we really need it. I like to see the managers and players complain just for the fun of it. Many fans may disagree, but I think it takes away the fun of the game. Everyone makes mistakes, so why not just give them their jobs to keep. Managers can still challenge a play so it's not like the strike zone is the end of the world, and again the MLB has not decided if they should bring up the strike zone next season, which I think they shouldn't have to.
theathletic.com/4791440/2023/08/25/mlb-robot-umpires-future/
espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37859926/robot-umpires-not-likely-mlb-call-2024-manfred-says
Do you think the MLB needs the automated strike zone?
Does it take away the fun of the game?
Will the players like the system?
Replies
Great topic choice and well done overall Ashley!! Must not be a lot of baseball fans here. Be sure to hyperling your sources next time.
I think its a really cool idea with the electric strike zone I however think this idea would make games be more fair because strickes and balls would be alled out correctly all the time, making the game more fun and not having to have someone to call out balls and strikes and be more bias towards a team. I think having this would make the game more fair.
I agree, because the managers would always complain, and also since it would be more fair.
I think that switching to an automated strike zone would be good for the MLB. It would make everyone happier because the balls and strikes would be called correctly every time, making it a more competitive game. Relying less on three people to change the game.
I agree since it would be more fair to the teams not having to rely on 3 people, and you also stating that it would be more competitive.
I think the electric strike zone could be a good idea but I agree with the fact it might take away from the fun of the game for example the fairness of different sized players. And sometimes error can be a good thing it can be the reason your team loses or the reason your team wins or maybe the fairness of different sized players.
I agree, every once in awhile it can be a good thing that there is a mistake, making the game more fun.