#1
#1 out of 2
sports1d ago
Catchers used to learn the umpire. With robo-umps, now they’re studying Jose Altuve and Aaron Judge
- ABS changes the strike zone by batter, making catchers study individualized zones at spring camps.
- The top and bottom of the zone will shift with each batter, even as plate width stays constant.
- Catchers may use framing differently to leverage challenges and persuade umpires.
- Two challenges per game heighten strategic decisions on when to challenge pitches.
- Managers and players expect a learning curve as ABS rolls out across MLB.
- Hitters will see hundreds of pitches to understand their own zones as desks in camps adapt.
- Ringed with caution, ABS is expected to reduce overt umpire errors while preserving some human judgment.
- Realmuto and other catchers are training to recognize zone dynamics and caller strategy.
- The World Baseball Classic incidents highlight ABS’s looming impact on major league play.
- Catching as a discipline evolves, with emphasis on high-leverage awareness and decision timing.
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