Do you think there's any correlation between tv networks superimposing a box over the plate and an increase of "worst call ever" posts? Why or why not?
Posted Aug 24, 2020, 7:39 PM UTC
5122
Everyone recognizes a bad call when they see it regardless if the graphic is present or not. The box just helps amplify those bad calls.
18
The box helps the viewer with borderline pitches. Borderline pitches not being called isn’t outrageous. So while there may be correlation, I don’t think it’s causal.
11
It is, we've just been conditioned to think it isn't. The strike zone is clearly defined.
-2
I hate the box.
EDIT: I’m fine with it on replays. I really wish it wasn’t there for the whole game, though. I do find it distracting.
11
100%.
Absolutely despise it.
1
Well, let's be real - several MLB umps have opted out this year, and are replaced by replacement level umpires, so umpiring absolutely is historically bad this year. I know it's fun to shit on umpires, but the ones in the majors ARE the best of the best and are in MLB for a reason, and if they have to get replaced with a minor league ump then the number of blown calls is just gonna go up, no way around it
9
And the umpires had little to no spring training. Going from seeing 95+ (with movement) after spending the last 2 months on the couch is a huge challenge.
5
The angle of the camera to the plate is factored in. For some guys like Aaron Judge/Jose Altuve who are on one of the extreme ends when it comes to strike zone size, it may play a role it misrepresenting the strike zones.
The recent few that have gained attention are straight down the middle of the formal strike zone, as well as the superimposed version. 100% strikes.
8
As if the strike zone box overlay is a new or recent thing.
2
Nah the umps just suck. You don't need a box to see if a pitch is right down the middle or 3 feet outside.
1†
The superimposed zone helps those less familiar with baseball and the strike zone have an opinion on every pitch, which makes baseball more interesting moment to moment, which is good for the sport
It’s not meant for us
0
Absolutely it has. Now some are super egregious and you notice it without it, but others are closer and wouldn't be quite as infuriating. I wish they didnt have the box on at all.
I hate the box overlay. It lulls you into thinking that is the strike zone when every umpire has a slightly different one.
Uh, what? Isn't the subjective strike zone the problem here and not the objective square?
To the previous commenter's point, yes, a subjective strike zone is simply not what is in the rulebook. The box does confuse viewers, though, because a) it's a 2D box when the strike zone is the whole volume over the plate (so a pitch can knick one small part of the back of the plate and still be a strike) and b) it's not always placed correctly.
It's a decent approximation but it is taken as gospel by viewers and announcers when in reality it's just approximate. Of course, the fact that it's frequently significantly better than a given umpire's strike zone that night is a big problem, but the box they draw isn't perfect.
The box is static, but the real zone varies based on players stance.
Agreed, it's not perfect and it's typically better than what an umpire is calling. I would love to see an automated strike zone, though. Add one of those tennis-style cameras, with 3D capability to your point, and go to it when managers want to challenge balls and strikes. Umpires won't have to argue and the game can proceed mostly as is.
The strike zone graphic isn't always accurate either.
Never said it wasn’t. But until robot umps are reality, this is what we have.
This is my problem with it. If it's not accurate don't have it. When we get roboumps I'm fine having the zone be displayed.
Honestly i want them to remove it. It hurts my enjoyment of it