Should MLB switch to an automated system to call balls and strikes?

Question

The topic has surfaced since Chipper Jones cried about the calls. Should we get rid of the human element and have computers make the calls instead?

Answer 1

I don't think so, at least not now. Here's why I see that.

#1 - Developing a system would be tough. Since each batter has a different strike zone, the system would have to adapt to that. Each time a batter not only takes the plate, but takes his stance, the system would have to calculate the strike zone, see where the pitch ends up, and then decide if it's a ball or strike. It's probably possible, but there would be a lot of bugs and problems initially, and it would take years before it would be ready.

#2 - It would be expensive. Purchasing and maintaining that system would require a whole new staff for each team, and some teams might not want to do that, especially considering that umpires would cost less to pay and they can easily do the job of the machine.

#3 - The human element of the game gives it more excitement. Sure, we could probably develop a team of robots to play the game one day, but would it be as fun? I don't think so. You won't see robots showing any emotion, whether it comes to hitting a home run, arguing calls, or doing anything in the game. The human element makes this game more enjoyable to watch.

#4 - Most of the time, the umpires do get the calls right. It's generally the very close calls that are missed. There are only a few times that an umpire is clearly wrong on a call. When people like Chipper Jones talk about this, it's more about blowing off steam than the system being flawed.

Overall, the system is good as it is. There's no reason to change it right now other than to stop players & managers from complaining. So, why should they?

Answer 2

Gosh No. The Umpires have a very difficult job, calling ball's and strikes. A good umpire is supposed to be 85-90% accurate. A good hitter is only 30% accurate. A good Pitcher maybe 67% (K to BB ratio). The human element is what makes the game interesting. You focus on the one or two calls a game an umpire "blows" in your eyes, instead of the hundred or so that he gets right (in your eyes). Also, if you have never been behind the plate to umpire, the job is hard enough when you are right there watching it, let alone with a bunch of over payed "talent" yelling at you, as well as coaches, managers, oh yeah and 40,000 fans. Give the ump's a break, they do a great job!! Also, they have to call a pitch right then and there, not after seeing a super slow motion replay that adds a target strikezone. Watch a pitch once at normal speed and see how you do vs. the umpire...bet the ump wins!!

Answer 3

Never, and anyway the umpires are always looked at after the game, if that system they put in a few years ago, there is a computer that tracks them and the league goes over the stats after the season to see how the umps did. Computers will cause a lot of problems and could cause more problems then ever

Answer 4

Keep the umps, get rid of Chipper Jones

Answer 5

No, no matter how many times players whine about the calls they get, most of the time the ump is right there and instant replay shows the correct call was made.

Answer 6

Not nearly as bad as trying to read 7 lines of words with no periods - a complete run on sentence. Video games are controlled by machines. You might feel more comfortable with those. Oh - if you just watch the bad games you'll feel better about the empires....I mean, umpires. @ Yankees Fan - EXCELLENT!!!

Answer 7

No, but umps should adhere to the official strike zone as spelled out in the Baseball Rulebook.

Answer 8

Yeah. I'm a futurist and I think the time has come to use a computer to call balls and strikes.

Answer 9

Well I don't know about that but they should definitely have replay videos so the umps make the right calls.

Answer 10

absoultly not. that takes out the "fun" of the game. That would make it unenjoyable to watch.