I have watched several MLB preseason games so far and

[Diamond_Dog]

I really like the ABS challenge system. 👏🏻

[Auggie]

1. Me too

[Diamond_Dog]

2. Was watching the Guards-Dodgers game this afternoon Auggie

One of the challenges showed the pitch was 2.5” off the plate. Ump had called it a strike.

[Auggie]

5. Wow. I was listening on radio ...

so couldn't see it.



Was it either of the two successful challenges by Cleveland in the first inning that set-up the Manzardo grand slam?

That was cooler than the underside of a pillow.

[Diamond_Dog]

6. Yes, you're right, Auggie, the pitch I mentioned was in the 1st inning.

Manzardo’s nickname-Manzo-They are giving away a bobblehead this summer in Cleveland of him in Mandalorian armor and holding a helmet. It will be labeled “The Manzalorian.”

[Wounded Bear]

3. They used it last year in pre-season as well. I like it, too...

It's not perfect, but it does seem to correct calls well. It also exposes which players really know the strike zone.

[Diamond_Dog]

8. I was amazed at how far off some calls the umps made were!

[Wounded Bear]

13. They are trained to look over the inside shoulder of the catcher...

so if the catcher sets up toward the inside part of the plate, the ump's angle to see the plate gets forced to the side significantly. They are always a little soft on the outside pitches anyway, and the position of the catcher can make it more difficult for them.

They are also looking down toward the plate, which can distort their angle of vision on the top/bottom of the zone, especially on tall or shorter batters.

The automated system helps correct these built in error opportunities. Statistically, the umps are actually pretty accurate given the challenges of the job, overall, but I'm still a fan of the challenge system.

[Brother Buzz]

4. I like it too

And the challenges are decided lightning fast so they are not a distraction.

[Diamond_Dog]

9. Yes it is very fast!

[True Dough]

7. Count me in.

But my question is this: how long until it is expanded, or until umpires are all but gone from the game?

Do you think that will ever happen?

[Diamond_Dog]

10. That's a good question!

Umpires belong to a union, right? I wonder what the union would have to say about that.

[Auggie]

11. Umpires are MLB's official representation on the field ...

and have absolute and unquestioned control of play -- gamesmanship, rain delays, forfeits, etc. There are judgment calls on the bases too that are often too close to call via replay or if the camera is blocked. There should always be a need for a crew of some kind.

[Wounded Bear]

14. There will always be live umpires on the field, at least in our lifetimes...nt

[Bristlecone]

12. I don't like it, but I didn't like the pitch or batters clocks

And now love them.

[True Dough]

15. Apparently a whole lot of fans are getting behind the ABS challenge

Watch this clip. The ump must be feeling rather foolish.

Link to tweet

[True Dough]

16. Another game where the ump looks horrible

[True Dough]

17. Here's a game from today where ABS proved pivotal...

Link to tweet

[Brother Buzz]

18. The ABS system was missing at the Diamondbacks/Padres series in Mexico City

Then I realized I know squat about what is needed to make it work. Any help?

[Diamond_Dog]

19. I found this -

The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system—often referred to as "robot umpires"—was not used during the Padres-Diamondbacks Mexico City series (April 25-26, 2026) because Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú lacked the necessary infrastructure, specifically the specialized 12 Hawk-Eye cameras and T-Mobile private 5G network required to track the pitch location precisely.

Sports Illustrated

[Brother Buzz]

20. Thanks. They could have hauled the 12 Hawk-Eye cameras to Mexico City

But I guess the lack of T-Mobile private 5G network thingy made it a nonstarter.

I really like this ABS thingy.