I'd be happy with them transitioning to computerized umps that instantly tell the real ump what to say, all without us being told.
Why do you hope not, if it's quick and accurate? Umpires, at their best, are unnoticeable, not part of the game.
Honestly, I would not mind an automated system feeding the call to the umpire. Leave it to the ump whether to over-rule the system but provide some precision on the marginal calls. It would probably need to be thoroughly tested in the minor leagues.
Alright, I've changed my mind, get those automated machines in here stat, he threw at the runner on purpose.
It was undergoing testing this year in the minors. It's apparently pretty F'in good, though not without flaws. For example, apparently it does a great job with determining inside / outside pitches, less so adapting to a batter's height. And it points out some places where MLB has to decide what they think the rule should be - like a ball that catches part of the 3 dimensional strike zone cube, but dives into the dirt, should that be a strike? That was being called a strike by the system, the optics say it's a ball, and players hate it, but how do you write that rule to make other pitches that seem like strikes not be balls?
I'm rooting for the Nationals. I think the call at first base was kinda "ok", Turner ran to first base out of the baseline. That would make him out. The rules The batter-runner is required to run in this three foot zone, the last half of the distance to first base. Both feet must be in or over the 3' zone, one foot in and one foot out is not good enough. If both feet are in the lane; but the throw hits the runners' arm, which is outside the lane, there is no violation. If the runner is hit by the throw or a collision occurs on his last step before touching the base, generally interference is not called. The runner has to step into fair territory to touch the base, which is in fair territory. The batter-runner is out if, in running to first base, he is hit with a throw while he is running outside the 3' running lane, or interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base. He could be called out even if he is not hit with the throw, if the umpire judges that by being outside the lane he interfered with the fielders attempt to field the throw. There must be a throw before interference is called and the throw must be a quality throw. The baseball rule states that he is out when out of the lane and causes interference with the fielder taking the throw. Go Nats!
Rendon!!!! Again!!! So far no one wants to win a game in their own home ballpark. Looks like we'll be going to game 7 tomorrow night. Stros will need 5 runs to tie, six to win.
