An interesting article on size of strike zone.

[poodski]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index...zone-by-count/

I think this is a reason we need computers calling balls/strikes.

[northsider]

Nice little read but, nothing too shocking IMO. I always thought a 3-0 pitch was a no look strike for an ump to call even though I have no clue why it's a gimme pitch like that.

I doubt we get computed zones any time soon however in the day and edge of modern know how nothing will shock me.

[mikekhelxD]

It takes out the human element, says Selig.

Haha

[gaughan333]

Umpire's unions have too much pull

[croce_99]

Bob Brenly agrees

There's no reason to have an umpire call balls/strikes. With an automated zone, there wouldn't be any arguments behind home plate. Less ejections. Possibly, a quicker game (ok, maybe by a few seconds).

Umpire behind home plate will still be needed for plays at the plate, etc.

[gaughan333]

The one thing I'll say for umps..they get calls at the bases right much better than I could.

Also, they still aren't as bad as the NBA refs.

[KyleJRM]

I'm very intrigued by lefties getting a smaller strike zone. If robot balls and strikes were implemented, you might see the percentage of left-handed hitting batters shrink considerably.

[gocubs2118]

I just can't bring myself to wanting robot umps for balls and strikes. Everything else can be robotized (I just made up that word) but it would just feel weird having no ump behind the plate. It'll never happen anyway, not until Bud retires at least.

[northsider]

I just can't bring myself to wanting robot umps for balls and strikes. Everything else can be robotized (I just made up that word) but it would just feel weird having no ump behind the plate. It'll never happen anyway, not until Bud retires at least.

There would still be an ump for calls at the plate and such.

[smiddy012]

Would absolutely love an automated strike zone. Would be good for the game IMO.

[bulldog312]

I just can't bring myself to wanting robot umps for balls and strikes. Everything else can be robotized (I just made up that word) but it would just feel weird having no ump behind the plate. It'll never happen anyway, not until Bud retires at least.

It doesn't have to look any different though. As an example, Umpires could simply have an earpiece in that beeps or something if the computer recognizes the pitch as a strike. You obviously still need an umpire back there for plays at home, catcher interference, foul tips, etc.

[poodski]

It doesn't have to look any different though. As an example, Umpires could simply have an earpiece in that beeps or something if the computer recognizes the pitch as a strike. You obviously still need an umpire back there for plays at home, catcher interference, foul tips, etc.

I really like this idea actually.

[gocubs2118]

It doesn't have to look any different though. As an example, Umpires could simply have an earpiece in that beeps or something if the computer recognizes the pitch as a strike. You obviously still need an umpire back there for plays at home, catcher interference, foul tips, etc.

I guess, it will still be strange though. I'll probably get used to it after a while.

[La_Biblioteca]

this was extremely fascinating. Good post.

[bulldog312]

I really like this idea actually.

I've been promoting it for about 3 years with no luck