Robo-Umps

[Top 10 Personal Catcher]

I've seen quite a few comments on here regarding the desire to have robot umpires. This is usually a reaction to frustratingly bad calls from umpires behind the plate. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. On one hand, it would be great to have balls and strikes called consistently throughout the league. On the other hand, however, I wonder if going this route would detract from the entertainment factor of the game. I mean, when someone strikes out looking, would the strike 3 light just come on and the batter just walks away? Would the lack of an umpire ringing the batter up make those moments feel anticlimactic? Would the lack of banter and argument between the umpire, batter, and catcher also make the game less entertaining?

 

As I said, I'm not entirely sure how I feel. I just thought it would make a neat discussion thread, and I am interested in what other people think about how automated umpires would affect the game holistically.

 

Apologies if this thread has already been done and I didn't realize it.

[Orgfiller]

Our catcher is also good at stealing strikes from the dumn umps, so it would kind of suck if that was implemented during his contract lol.

[BTS]

I don't think I'd like it. I like the game within the game of trying to steal strikes.

[JFD]

they should just wear a dog shock collar for when they f*** up. that'll set em straight.

[Spanky__99]

I've seen quite a few comments on here regarding the desire to have robot umpires. This is usually a reaction to frustratingly bad calls from umpires behind the plate. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. On one hand, it would be great to have balls and strikes called consistently throughout the league. On the other hand, however, I wonder if going this route would detract from the entertainment factor of the game. I mean, when someone strikes out looking, would the strike 3 light just come on and the batter just walks away? Would the lack of an umpire ringing the batter up make those moments feel anticlimactic? Would the lack of banter and argument between the umpire, batter, and catcher also make the game less entertaining?

 

As I said, I'm not entirely sure how I feel. I just thought it would make a neat discussion thread, and I am interested in what other people think about how automated umpires would affect the game holistically.

 

Apologies if this thread has already been done and I didn't realize it.

 

Interesting post/thread, you've certainly caught my attention to the other side of this as per your examples, as an old school fan, I'd certainly miss the umpire/pitcher/batter aspect of this, but many sports evolve to better the game to its true results. You've now truly f***ed up my brain, as I suck back some suds.

 

P.S. You'd think the "Union" of these umpires would sort this out, if not, they could become obsolete in regards of calls behind the plate, I mean, we already have video replay in the game, why not?

[Boxcar]

I've seen quite a few comments on here regarding the desire to have robot umpires. This is usually a reaction to frustratingly bad calls from umpires behind the plate. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. On one hand, it would be great to have balls and strikes called consistently throughout the league. On the other hand, however, I wonder if going this route would detract from the entertainment factor of the game. I mean, when someone strikes out looking, would the strike 3 light just come on and the batter just walks away? Would the lack of an umpire ringing the batter up make those moments feel anticlimactic? Would the lack of banter and argument between the umpire, batter, and catcher also make the game less entertaining?

 

As I said, I'm not entirely sure how I feel. I just thought it would make a neat discussion thread, and I am interested in what other people think about how automated umpires would affect the game holistically.

 

Apologies if this thread has already been done and I didn't realize it.

 

I'd be conflicted also because it would remove a tangible skill from the game (framing)

[Top 10 Personal Catcher]

Interesting post/thread, you've certainly caught my attention to the other side of this as per your examples, as an old school fan, I'd certainly miss the umpire/pitcher/batter aspect of this, but many sports evolve to better the game to its true results. You've now truly f***ed up my brain, as I suck back some suds.

 

P.S. You'd think the "Union" of these umpires would sort this out, if not, they could become obsolete in regards of calls behind the plate, I mean, we already have video replay in the game, why not?

 

I agree with your comment regarding the union. One would think it would be in their best interest to have extremely high standards. I'm sure they do; but, are they high enough? What efforts have gone into improving the skill that is umpiring? Ultimately, I feel that baseball is a human game, so human beings should be officiating it. Human error comes along with that, of course; however, I would like to know what can be done to produce better quality umpires.

[Deadpool]

It would suck that we just paid a lot of money to get a catcher that can frame, but frankly, this would make the game better. Martin is still good at baseball outside of framing. I just want a game that's between 2 teams, not between 2 teams and the whims of fat f***s who get their fee fees hurt when Brook Jacoby looks at them the wrong way.

[Olerud363]

I assume they'd just have earphones and get a little help. Still make the call.

 

Or what if they were just used for ratings with real repercussions. Like Umps could get sent to the minors if bad, get bonuses if good. I'm sure people have suggested that before but the Umps union is too strong?? Fine let them strike, use the robot umps during the strike.

[Hammer]

The strike zone would be fixed to rule book definition, so the strike zone won't change from one ump to another. It would make things a lot more predictable for the pitcher and there would be no reputation to worry about with the umps. I think it would be a net benefit for the pitchers and batters would probably learn to hate it. The batters would be forced to swing at pitches that catch the corner of the strike zone because they know they aren't getting the benefit of the doubt from the home plate ump. Catchers right now quickly pick up on how an ump is calling a particular game and adjust their signs to the pitcher accordingly. With a fixed strike zone, pitchers wouldn't need the signs because they can see where their ball is crossing the plate. How it looks to the ump or catcher becomes less relevant. On the other hand, it may free up the catcher to focus more on the batter's swing and stance rather than trying to calculate where the ump is calling it tonight.

[LTR]

I don't mind keeping umps just as long as they get an electric shock every time they make a bad call.

[o2cui2i]

Complaining about umps is a part of the game and a part of what keeps the game alive. complaining about baseball is as old as the game itself.

 

removing umps would be like removing stealing or home runs.... it wouldn't be baseball.

 

 

that being said I really think that they need to make them accountable. every ump can miss a call, but ones that are consistently s*** at their job need to be reprimanded by the league and eventually replaced if they can't get their act together.

[o2cui2i]

Interesting post/thread, you've certainly caught my attention to the other side of this as per your examples, as an old school fan, I'd certainly miss the umpire/pitcher/batter aspect of this, but many sports evolve to better the game to its true results. You've now truly f***ed up my brain, as I suck back some suds.

 

P.S. You'd think the "Union" of these umpires would sort this out, if not, they could become obsolete in regards of calls behind the plate, I mean, we already have video replay in the game, why not?

 

the umps union is what protects them when they are useless. If their union wasn't so powerful the commissioners office would have sorted this decades ago

[Spanky__99]

the umps union is what protects them when they are useless. If their union wasn't so powerful the commissioners office would have sorted this decades ago

 

Hence, my brackets of union?

 

Plus, they do get fined and suspended, just not firm enough.

[burlingtonbandit]

I feel like removing umps in favour of the computer would be a bit too drastic. An easier solution would be to install a system like what they have in Tennis where you get a certain number of challenges. If a team challenges that specific strike you look at the Jumbotron where a pitch tracker comes up and says whether or not it is a strike or not. It would only take 10-15 seconds not like the replays that they do now.

 

I think a system like this would help the umpires more than anything because they would have to call the strikezone by the book and they can't say "I call the outside strike" even though its not an actual strike.

[Dick_Pole]

I am 100% against it.

 

Mastering the strike zone as a player is a skill, one that goes beyond framing. A smart pitcher-catcher combo will/should not only know the strengths and weaknesses of the hitter up to bat but the tendencies of the umpire too. Any problems with umps are more likely solved by firing the douchebags that purposely use their position as a power trip, rather than putting a machine on duty behind there.

 

A kid like Sanchez isn't getting calls that are on the corner? Tough s***. Don't walk 5 batters a game and miss your catcher's target and maybe the umpires will have a better perception of you and give you the benefit of the doubt on those close calls.

[Maahfaace]

I've seen quite a few comments on here regarding the desire to have robot umpires. This is usually a reaction to frustratingly bad calls from umpires behind the plate. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. On one hand, it would be great to have balls and strikes called consistently throughout the league. On the other hand, however, I wonder if going this route would detract from the entertainment factor of the game. I mean, when someone strikes out looking, would the strike 3 light just come on and the batter just walks away? Would the lack of an umpire ringing the batter up make those moments feel anticlimactic? Would the lack of banter and argument between the umpire, batter, and catcher also make the game less entertaining?

 

As I said, I'm not entirely sure how I feel. I just thought it would make a neat discussion thread, and I am interested in what other people think about how automated umpires would affect the game holistically.

 

Apologies if this thread has already been done and I didn't realize it.

 

I wonder what would be next? Robo ice refs? football? a soccer robo ref that looks like the ball droid in the new star wars trailer? Everything else in the world is on its way to getting automated, I'd rather not see it infiltrate athletics any more than it already has. Since pitch trax was implemented into TV broadcasts until now, I'd wager the hate levels for umps have increased 10 fold. DONT YOU SEE? MOAR TECH LEADS TO CRAVING MORE TECH LEADS TO ROBOBALL WITH T3000"s ALL OVER THE FIELD.

 

I wouldnt be surprised if all the advanced stats fanatics would love this idea though, whole lotta beeeep booopin on this site.

[Deadpool]

I wonder what would be next? Robo ice refs? football? a soccer robo ref that looks like the ball droid in the new star wars trailer? Everything else in the world is on its way to getting automated, I'd rather not see it infiltrate athletics any more than it already has. Since pitch trax was implemented into TV broadcasts until now, I'd wager the hate levels for umps have increased 10 fold. DONT YOU SEE? MOAR TECH LEADS TO CRAVING MORE TECH LEADS TO ROBOBALL WITH T3000"s ALL OVER THE FIELD.

 

I wouldnt be surprised if all the advanced stats fanatics would love this idea though, whole lotta beeeep booopin on this site.

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9a/Base_Wars_cover.jpg

 

It's the logical conclusion...

[Zaun of the Dead]

Our catcher is also good at stealing strikes from the dumn umps, so it would kind of suck if that was implemented during his contract lol.

 

he plays for the blue jays. the umps will be stealing strikes from him during his contract.

[Zaun of the Dead]

also completely in favor of this because I can't stand umpires.

[z3r0s]

I don't get the idea that a person would miss framing because it is a skill. You know what else is a skill? Hitting the corners with a pitch. Having real (terrible compared to a computer) umps takes that skill away. One is a way bigger part of baseball than the other.

 

Robo-umps would lead to a way better game and could be integrated without changing the 'feel' of the game at all by still using ump with an earpiece. In fact, if it was me, I would implement them without telling the public. You can let it slip years later so the purists can't bitch at the time its implemented and will see how much better a consistent zone is.

 

Robo-umps would also allow the league to tinker with the zone to allow for more/less runs. The strike-zone isn't exactly as the textbook defines it right now, and has changed over the years. This would just make it more precise.

[Brownie19]

the umps union is what protects them when they are useless. If their union wasn't so powerful the commissioners office would have sorted this decades ago

 

Wait - are we talking about umpires or teachers now?

 

FWIW - I'm against robot umps. I still enjoy the element of human error, I'd like to see them held accountable when they are awful at their job, but I've come to realise that won't happen when unions are involved.

[z3r0s]

I don't get the idea that people like human error as part of the game either. The best games are those where you don't think twice about the ump. Take a minute to think about your sentiment.

 

I like having umps because they are sometimes wrong and affect the game by messing with what the count should really be. I enjoy putting them in a situation where they can not possibly be right all of the time. But if they are TOO wrong, TOO often, then I don't like it and they should be punished for being wrong.

[BigBounceyBlueBalls]

they should just wear a dog shock collar for when they f*** up. that'll set em straight.

 

To high, to late for that, most are brain dead and blind stick it up there ass or in there penis! Lol

 

Hook the Shock program into pitch track and Zap em everytime there call differ's conditional response Training! I like it.. Lol

[Boxcar]

I don't get the idea that people like human error as part of the game either. The best games are those where you don't think twice about the ump. Take a minute to think about your sentiment.

 

I like having umps because they are sometimes wrong and affect the game by messing with what the count should really be. I enjoy putting them in a situation where they can not possibly be right all of the time. But if they are TOO wrong, TOO often, then I don't like it and they should be punished for being wrong.

 

Idk, I kind of enjoy the game more as an ump blows an obvious call for my favourite team in a critical moment. It's what makes the game feel so pure.

[ScientificReason]

Idk, I kind of enjoy the game more as an ump blows an obvious call for my favourite team in a critical moment. It's what makes the game feel so pure.

 

Pure s***.

[Governator]

I'm sorry but I disagree with this.

 

Knowing that every ump is different, every pitcher since the beginning of time has had to make in-game adjustments to satisfy him. That's all part of being a pitcher... I get it that there is going to be human error but tough titties. When a rotation stinks overall you notice the missed calls more often because you finally threw a 3rd strike, stop sucking and you won't notice it. When Mariano Rivera painted the corners with a cutter, he'd get the odd missed call like anyone but since he was consistently good it rarely would change an outcome.

 

In other words, if our pitching staff didn't suck so badly this wouldn't even matter, we sound like poor losers crying that it's just not fair. Here's an idea, replace the knuckleball thrower with someone who knows where the ball is going to go.

[z3r0s]

I'm sorry but I disagree with this.

 

Knowing that every ump is different, every pitcher since the beginning of time has had to make in-game adjustments to satisfy him. That's all part of being a pitcher... I get it that there is going to be human error but tough titties. When a rotation stinks overall you notice the missed calls more often because you finally threw a 3rd strike, stop sucking and you won't notice it. When Mariano Rivera painted the corners with a cutter, he'd get the odd missed call like anyone but since he was consistently good it rarely would change an outcome.

 

In other words, if our pitching staff didn't suck so badly this wouldn't even matter, we sound like poor losers crying that it's just not fair. Here's an idea, replace the knuckleball thrower with someone who knows where the ball is going to go.

 

There are two things I'd point out about your response. 1) This isn't a debate about the Jays and their staff, but rather baseball in general. 2) Adjusting to the umps zone is part of baseball as it is currently played, but it isn't really part of how baseball SHOULD be played. Umpires were the best resource available for many years to implement the rules of the game. It is very likely that they are not anymore. Umpires should not be mistakenly considered part of the game.

[Sorrow]

There are two things I'd point out about your response. 1) This isn't a debate about the Jays and their staff, but rather baseball in general. 2) Adjusting to the umps zone is part of baseball as it is currently played, but it isn't really part of how baseball SHOULD be played. Umpires were the best resource available for many years to implement the rules of the game. It is very likely that they are not anymore. Umpires should not be mistakenly considered part of the game.

 

I like the idea of roboumps because you'd have the same strike zone for both pitchers. There have been tonnes of games this season across the league where that isn't the case.

[Brownie19]

What's the status on the accuracy of the "robo ump" Are they able to accurately adjust the zone for each hitter? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the zone established in the players position during a swing? ie, you can't just crouch right down and put your chest on your knees...

 

I guess they could send all players through a simulator to develop their particular strike zone or something.