I’ve had a number of discussions over the past week or so that center around QuesTec, and all the issues associated with the company–their financial viability, the role of their technology in the administration of games, the aesthete and on-field consequences of usage, etc. I wrote a piece about the problem of asking umpires to handle ball/strike calls two years ago, and my views haven’t changed since then. Simply put, given the operational needs of the game on the field, (e.g., limitations on the options available for positioning of umpires), it’s just not possible for home plate umpires to do an adequate job of determining whether a pitch is a ball or a strike.
Whether in person, by e-mail, or on the phone, I’ve been listening to a number of arguments, recently, regarding QuesTec as part of a comprehensive system of umpire review. Eventually, most people come to agree that the job of accurately calling balls and strikes is simply too difficult for someone to do well. From there, however, nearly everyone who opposes QuesTec’s use falls back on the “It’s part of the human element of the game” argument.
The thing is, if you take that argument and drill down, you end up with the following call to action: “Hey! Let’s go out to the ballpark and watch umpires @#$% up calls!”
As I get ready to head to Cleveland and meet everyone at the first Cleveland Feed–and due to cancellations, we have ONE slot open (first come, first serve)–and I resist the urge to throw solid objects through my TV screen, I’m also excited about Baseball Prospectus Radio. If you haven’t heard the latest show in the archive, check it out: Scott did a phenomenal job with the Fay Vincent interview. The upcoming show is going to be exciting as well. Tonight, I had the chance to speak with one legend, and tomorrow I’ll speak with another. I hope you’ll like the results.
Powered by Oaken Barrel Gnaw Bone Pale Ale, onto the injuries…
I’m a baseball guy; some people even call me The Baseball Guy. But this chaotic week culminated in my fantasy football auction last night, and I’m pretty excited about a three-day weekend that includes the USC opener on Saturday, so I’m having trouble focusing on my first love.
Here’s a brain dump for you to take to the beach, the mountains, the ballpark, or wherever you’ll be waving goodbye to the summer over the next few days.
The Expos have come back from the dead to land in a tie for the NL Wild Card race. The Giants keep having trouble with right-handed pitching. The Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay’s in the mix for the AL Cy Young Award. These and other news and notes in today’s Prospectus Triple Play.