Whether or not you’re a traditionalist who likes the human error factor in the game of baseball, get ready for some changes to the game soon. Indeed, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred commeneted via a story in The Athletic that automated strike zones will be used in Minor League Baseball in 2020.
This story comes from Evan Drellich, and there are some quotes from the commish.
Automated strike zone to debut in Minor League Baseball in 2020, Rob Manfred says
From @EvanDrellich: https://t.co/1Lp9wPbgM8
— The Athletic Sports Business (@TheAthleticBIZ) November 5, 2019
First, Manfred says the technology is there. Therefore, why not test it out?
“Here’s our thinking on the automated strike zone: The technology exists. We have the technology,” Manfred said, per The Athletic. “We’re actually going through a big upgrade of that piece of our technology during this offseason. I think we need to be ready to use an automated strike zone when the time is right. It’s why we’re using it in Minor League Baseball next year, in some ballparks at least.”
Obviously, using the next quote only as a barometer and reading between the lines; it seems as though it is a test of how the automated strike zone functions in the game.
“I think it’s incumbent upon us to see if we can get the system to the point we’re comfortable it can work,” he added. “I only would go to an automated strike zone when we were sure that it was absolutely the best it can be. Getting out there too early with it and not having it work well, that’d be a big mistake.”
Finally, it’s tough to see the Minor Leagues as the lab rat for the experiment. Sure, this could work out great; but enough big league veterans (Clayton Kershaw being one) have commented on the issue to let everyone know they aren’t in favor of the change.
For example, if the hitter learns the automated zone and there is little variance in what is a strike going forward; it should provide an edge for the offense. Will baseball then have to ‘juice-down’ the baseballs? The answer remains to be seen.
