ABS Challenge System

[Ruminator]

Like most batters, catchers, and pitchers -- he knew. Reminds me of Aroz vs Cleveland.

 

[Steve Hawk]

I love the ABS, I would like to see at least 3 challenges. We have been clamoring for this for so long. No more steering games even if its sub consciously. Love it!!

 

[Sperrydogg]

Um yeah, that was probably a strike. (Maybe don't blink during the pitch if you're the ump, eh?)

Oops

 

[Sperrydogg]

Like most batters, catchers, and pitchers -- he knew. Reminds me of Aroz vs Cleveland.

That’s a badass

 

[Sperrydogg]

It’s actually crazy how a pitch that misses by fractions of an inch can actually be seen by the naked eye and then a pitch that only misses by an inch looks like it’s a foot outside.

 

[CalgaryFan05]

I love the ABS, I would like to see at least 3 challenges. We have been clamoring for this for so long. No more steering games even if its sub consciously. Love it!!

This. I think there should be way more challenges.

It works. And it literally takes like 5 seconds. It's not like in football where a proper film review drags on for several minutes, stalling the game.

 

[sutz]

Love the ABS system, but not so sure I'd increase the number of challenges. While it is fast, I still would question expanding the system yet. I'd give it a full season or maybe even two before I push for any changes.

Umping is hard. They're trained to look over the catcher's inside shoulder. If the catcher takes an inside stance, the angle the ump is looking changes rather dramatically from pitch to pitch. The outside edge is harder to spot. I've always cut them some slack on those pitches, even before ABS. It's all about the angle the ump views the pitch from.

 

[Ruminator]

We have needed this for so long, and I support it for most all reversals when evidenced by the ABS pitch location graphic. Pitches are just too quick, fast, and deceptive for human umpires to consistently call accurately.



However, there is currently a lot of discussion on social media regarding pitch locations that barely kiss the edge of the strike zone box (or maybe I should say enter the strike zone box by a barely discernable amount), which according to current rules, should technically be called a strike. Below image serves as an example. I'm struggling with this a bit because ABS-ruled strikes that barely kiss the box is basically enlarging the strike-zone box (compared to how umps have usually called such pitches prior to ABS), which benefits the pitcher. Will be interesting to see what tweaks they make for the 2027 season, and I'm sure there'll be a few.

Another example of ABS being a bit too precise, this one from last night's Hou/Oak game:

 

[sutz]

Too precise?

 

[MontanaHawk05]

At least it's quick.

 

[Ruminator]

Can't help but chuckle at highlights like this one -- as the ump declares the batter out, the batter already head-tapping and making his way to first base long before the review concludes and the call is overturned.

 

[Ruminator]

Ichiro knew exactly where that pitch was. Too bad they didn't have ABS back then. (Japanese to English translation follows X post.)

 

[sutz]

Not many players could match Ichiro's eye for the zone.

 

[Ruminator]

Chiz is an amazing player! He can stare at where the ball crossed the plate dead center and convince himself it was a ball!



Amazing at wasting away ABS challenges, too -- five so far this season:

 

[Ruminator]

This isn't ABS-related, but sheesh. One thing's for sure: France ain't touching any similarly hit balls for the rest of his career even when it rolls clear across the foul line into foul territory.