Finally, Commissioner Rob Manfred has done something right.
Announced earlier this week, the ABS challenge system, which has been implemented in the minor leagues, will be used and tested during spring training games.
If you are unfamiliar, the ABS system is a challenge system that allows either a pitcher, catcher or batter to challenge the home plate umpire’s call on a single pitch. A hawk-eye camera will be used from center field to complete these challenges.
The system has worked fairly well in the minors, and bringing it to spring training this year is ahead of schedule. Just like how we saw players began to get used to the pitch clock two springs ago, we will get a chance to see them use and react to this new system.
My immediate thought is that this is LONG overdue. MLB umpires have been awful. There’s just no sugarcoating it.
The primary issue with these umpires is the lack of accountability for the fact that they’re abysmal at their jobs. If we don’t perform at our jobs, you and I get fired. Umpires, however, have a long leash.
What introducing this system does is it finally begins to put accountability on these umpires. Granted, you will only have two challenges throughout the whole game. However, these two challenges are certainly a start in creating said accountability.
Looking at some Oriole players, there are a few who can benefit greatly from these challenges. First, Adley Rutschman gets rung up on more balls called strike threes than another player in the league over the last two seasons. Using these challenges is definitely something you’ll see Adley do while at the plate and behind it.
Now, on to a different topic. So far this spring, a lot of young players have stood out and impressed in O’s camp. The most notable has been Samuel Basallo.
I personally have talked a lot about Basallo. He has been a sight to see since he was tearing it up at Low-A Delmarva. Now, he is turning heads as a 21-year-old non-roster invitee.
Veteran pitcher and new Oriole Charlie Morton had some great things to say about Basallo after throwing a bullpen with him. He notated Basallo’s maturity while behind the plate, something that certainly stands out being said by a guy who’s been pitching as long as Basallo has been alive.
During batting practice, Basallo has warranted multiple tweets and comments from Oriole personnel. For most fans, this isn’t a surprise. We’ve known Basallo is this good, but it’s amazing to see how well he’s doing while having barely graced Triple-A.
It was also said that Basallo has been really active in meetings and has even been working on his English to engage with others during meetings.
Man, we got lucky stealing him away from the Yankees. Do not miss out on Basallo while he’s at major league camp. You are seeing another future Oriole superstar who simply hasn’t gotten the love some former top guys have had.
What are your thoughts on the ABS challenge system and the emergence of Samuel Basallo? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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