K-Zone Replay
What is the Idea and Purpose?
To continue with the trend Major League Baseball and other major sports are seeing, an even greater expansion to the current review system should be made. Specifically, a computerized system should now determine whether a pitch was a ball or strike. This will ensure an increased amount of accuracy and eliminate a great deal of human error from the game. In the end, the aim is to increase the impartiality of Major League Baseball and the enjoyment experienced by the fans.
Why add this?
This increased accuracy in each game will keep fans happier. No one wants to see a call go against his or her team, especially when the wrong judgment was used. The replay that was brought to the league in 2014 helped to alleviate some of that agony. But, fans are still outraged by certain pitch calls. Furthermore, this proposal will also let the spectators and players know that the correct call was in fact made. Players will not only know that, but also precisely where the pitch was located. When they arrive at practice the next day, they can utilize this newfound knowledge of the pitch location to better ready for their next contest.
Having technology determine the outcome of a pitch would be extremely easy to integrate into the game. A strike zone could be displayed on the big screen that every stadium owns. When the baseball crosses the plate, it would instantaneously be shown on the video board along with the word “BALL” or “STRIKE”.
Before the league uses this expansion of instant replay, it should be tested. This entails the use of it in preseason games down south. If enough support is shown by the ball clubs and the fans, then it would have to be brought up at board meetings. Then, Bud Selig, the commisioner of the MLB, and Joe Torre, executive vice president for baseball operations. If they find the system beneficial, it could be in the league as early as that same year.
Bringing it to the Ballparks
Would Have Helped...
On October 4, 2014, a playoff game between the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals was hanging in the balance. With the Nationals up one run, the Giants were down to their last chance in the top of the ninth inning. Washington’s pitching staff dominated San Francisco all night and they expected to finish off the game with a win. However, the Nationals received some trouble from home plate umpire Vic Carapazza. He did not give the Washington pitchers some strikes that the artificial system clearly showed as strikes. Read more
