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Can't say I'm surprised. I do find myself frustrated when the HP ump's calls affect the game. What are the negatives?

https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/abs- ... m-mlb-2026

The downside is they should have gone to 100% robot umpire for balls and strikes. Instead each team gets 2 challenges per game.

They institute a long list of goofy ideas but resist the most needed one.

The problem is, selfish players are going to use this and waste the 2 challenges per game if they are wrong very quickly. Consulting with others is not allowed before challenging. This is a step in the right direction I guess, but I feel like it’s going to be very clunky.

cardinalsfever44 wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 13:18 pm The problem is, selfish players are going to use this and waste the 2 challenges per game if they are wrong very quickly. Consulting with others is not allowed before challenging. This is a step in the right direction I guess, but I feel like it’s going to be very clunky.

that's the human downside...arrogant pitchers, and dumb batters. Catchers are the only smart ones, and the most patient. Batters can be dealt with by team orders, "don't challenge until the 8th inning". Pitchers can't be reckoned with on the matter, so most every manager takes the choice away from them..."If you want to play, you won't challenge"

The system itself is really good...no negatives. Even makes the umpires better.

Great thing for baseball - 2 things will immediately happen

-Use it only in high leverage - you know high leverage when you see it, players will have to be instructed how to use it effectively

-Umpires will be better, their call rates will go up to 98% from 95%, bad umps will be exposed even more

hmoss859 wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 13:45 pm Great thing for baseball - 2 things will immediately happen

-Use it only in high leverage - you know high leverage when you see it, players will have to be instructed how to use it effectively

-Umpires will be better, their call rates will go up to 98% from 95%, bad umps will be exposed even more

Yes this is going to be amazing, like immediately will improve the game a good 10-20%... just like the pitch clock.

cardinalsfever44 wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 13:18 pm The problem is, selfish players are going to use this and waste the 2 challenges per game if they are wrong very quickly. Consulting with others is not allowed before challenging. This is a step in the right direction I guess, but I feel like it’s going to be very clunky.

Then it becomes the manager's job to bench them until they stop being dumb about it.

From what I understand the ABS zone is significantly shorter than the zone that has been called for the last several years. I expect it'll be a pretty big adjustment for the pitchers and we could see some more offense right out of the gate.

3dender wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 14:37 pm From what I understand the ABS zone is significantly shorter than the zone that has been called for the last several years. I expect it'll be a pretty big adjustment for the pitchers and we could see some more offense right out of the gate.

More offense will be welcomed

ScotchMIrish wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 13:15 pm The downside is they should have gone to 100% robot umpire for balls and strikes. Instead each team gets 2 challenges per game.

They institute a long list of goofy ideas but resist the most needed one.

+1

ScotchMIrish wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 13:15 pm The downside is they should have gone to 100% robot umpire for balls and strikes. Instead each team gets 2 challenges per game.

They institute a long list of goofy ideas but resist the most needed one.

they couldn't get 2 Labor Unions and the Owners to decide on one strike zone....the depth, shape, etc....also one of those unions was going to vote against it anyways : Umpire Union.

Love it!

ScotchMIrish wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 13:15 pm The downside is they should have gone to 100% robot umpire for balls and strikes. Instead each team gets 2 challenges per game.

They institute a long list of goofy ideas but resist the most needed one.

It would seem this is the first stage in converting to 100% robotic. With tech today, there are no needs for an umpire crew...possibly one umpire to review all plays with stationary cameras and drones. I know it hurts when a profession is eliminated, but I think it could make both hitters and pitchers thrive.

dugoutrex wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 15:26 pm Love it!

I'm with ya, man

Pura Vida wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 15:41 pm

ScotchMIrish wrote: ↑23 Sep 2025 13:15 pm The downside is they should have gone to 100% robot umpire for balls and strikes. Instead each team gets 2 challenges per game.

They institute a long list of goofy ideas but resist the most needed one.

It would seem this is the first stage in converting to 100% robotic. With tech today, there are no needs for an umpire crew...possibly one umpire to review all plays with stationary cameras and drones. I know it hurts when a profession is eliminated, but I think it could make both hitters and pitchers thrive.

Check swings? Foul tips? Hit by pitch? Safe and out calls? Infield fly? Interference? Stolen bases?