The use of data analysis and technology whether it be to identify opponents trends or individualized player improvement isn’t the demonic process employed to end the game that many seem to believe it is. Indeed there was a time frame where it was overwhelming and seemingly made the game more robotic. Rule changes even have been enacted to govern the impact (the no shift rule in example) however the presumption such things would be significant have proven inaccurate - as an example moving infielders strategically “on the dirt” without stacking multiple fielders on a particular side of the field or in the outfield has had somewhat similar results - at least in cutting off ground balls.
To me it’s tiring to constantly hear the “old school” discourse. There’s a balance in utilizing anything but to deny the importance of maintaining a competitive edge by using all aspects available is idiotic. Just sayin - everything in life evolves - don’t let yesterday take up too much of today but rather incorporate both in approach. There should always be an honored place for the human element in sports in all aspects but supporting that with today’s technology and analysis is also necessary else the game just becomes antiquated and folks lose interest - that’s been proven over and again throughout history in the many changes to both the game itself and those who support it.
That being said I think that the discussion on whether to use “robo-umps” for balls and strikes falls into the same area. The Florida State League has employed the ABS (Automated Balls & Strikes) process since 2021. Three games per week the pitches are called exclusively by the ABS while on Friday thru Sunday the umpire makes the calls while a challenge process is used where each team can challenge calls (limited by an allotment per team). I’ve watched many games, to be honest I haven’t seen a huge difference. One thing that’s noticeable is that the ABS is unforgiving so it does seem there are a few more walks issued but I’ve also seen pitches I believe to be balls called strikes on occasion, those are likely glitches else my eyes being wrong. This year the challenge system (started on 6/25) is used for all AAA level games. I think folks will be underwhelmed by the impact of either ABS process when it comes to the big leagues. There are technology challenges and ongoing maintenance issues to be refined - that’s caused a delay in the process getting to the show, at the earliest it seems like 2026 would be the year. It’s coming at some point - more “old school” groans coming as well 🤦♂️.
There are just a few weeks left in the minor league affiliation season. I’ll finish up the year of daily round ups - my tenth year of reporting. The Arizona Fall League begins shortly thereafter, this year’s Phillies contingent will team up with the Dodgers, Cardinals, Reds and White Sox as part of the Glendale Desert Dogs. Rosters will be announced in the next couple of weeks. There is also a World Baseball Confederation tournament in November running from 11/10 to 11/24 called the Premier 12 that some Phillies minor leaguers have been invited to play in (some prominent names). The tournament has 12 countries represented including the United States. The traditional winter leagues will also begin play in October, November and December - the Phillies will once again send a group to Australia to play for the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League. In place of my annual Phillies Minor League Digest hard copy book the past couple of off-seasons I’ve written player notes for every player who finished the year stateside in the organization and posted them on this page - takes a couple months to post them all. I’ve decided to discontinue that as there wasn’t much interest, in fact there’s not a great deal of interest in this site in general - an ongoing item of consideration for me. It’s an honor to have gained the trust of folks in regard to minor league coverage but it’s also consistently humbling, often in my own logic.
Lastly I am a believer that facts matter, probably to a fault. In one discussion I had with a commenter on another site the person stated it didn’t matter if their statements were inaccurate as the site was a discussion forum and it was his opinion. That’s where I disagreed in how it was presented - when offering statements in a manner that presents them as factual then indeed they should be - if offered as opinion that should be clear. Just sayin - social media is a great communication tool but also can be a cesspool of inaccuracy and the fact is some folks don’t take the time to make the distinction🤪. Just sayin.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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