Bad Day at Fenway

How much longer do we have to wait for MLB to install the ABS System? Bad calls seldom outright lose the game for a team, but they just put you at a disadvantage. But yesterday’s call on Muncy was close to a “game loser”. Yeah, I know, he could have it the strike that was actually in the zone. But the strike 3 was aweful. To add insult to injury, Jordan Baker could have walked the baseline to avoid Muncy’s reaction but instead he chose to make a stand and toss Max and Doc.

I have seen enough bad umpiring for a lifetime and the sad irony is that it’s all fixable.

* MLB stood on a soapbox when it lobbied for replay reviews and video challenges, proclaiming the goal was “To just get the calls right”. Swell. Now let’s get the balls and strike calls right.

The Athletic ran this article Friday, by Jason Stark. I will try to post it but it’s subscription so I don’t know if it will open. I’ll try

If you can read it you will notice what the complaints have been from it’s use in MiLB.

Some examples:

* The strike zone is different in each park.

* That can be fixed. Now it’s different for every umpire.

* The strike zone is the same for tall and short guys.

* studies show that human umps don’t adjust their zones to players heights either.

* It brings back the 3 1/2 hour game as too many balls are called.

* Is that bad tech or bad AAA pitching?

* Not all strikes are created equal:

* Listen to Rangers pitching prospect Owen White, on pitches he has thrown that even he thinks shouldn’t be a strike. “Like back-up sliders, where the catcher sets up on the outer third (of the plate) and then he catches them on the inner third? I mean, there are just pitches that shouldn’t be rewarded or called strikes because of the (automated) zone,” he said. “To me, whenever you make the catcher look bad, those really shouldn’t be a guaranteed strike. But the ABS calls them strikes.”

* My take – It’s not the umpires job to critique pitch quality. It’s a strike or a ball.

* Umpires couldn’t adjust the zone for blowout games or to speed up games with bad weather blowing in.

* That’s the most lame reason I’ve ever heard.

* What do they have against catchers – framing would be a lost art.

* To me “framing” actually effecting the call is overrated anyway. And there’s a difference between true framing and yanking pitches to the center of the plate.

* The challenge system was addressed.

* I’m opposed to another stoppage for a challenge. It puts 2 separate strike zones in play; the umpires individual interpretation of his zone and the ABS zone.

To me these complaints are mostly lame. They are not backed up by facts, as the article points out. They don’t credit player’s ability to adjust.

The Technology is available – JUST USE IT!

DODGERS RECALL GAVIN STONE

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have recalled right-handed pitcher Gavin Stone and optioned left-handed pitcher Bryan Hudson.

Stone, 24, returns for his third stint with the Dodgers and he is 0-0 with a 12.75 ERA (17 ER/12.0 IP) and eight strikeouts in four games (three starts). With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he was 6-4 with a 5.04 ERA (53 ER/94.2 IP) and 113 strikeouts in 20 games (19 starts). Last season, he was named the 2022 Dodgers Branch Rickey Pitcher of the Year after going a combined 9-6 with a 1.48 ERA (20 ER/121.2 IP) and 168 strikeouts between High-A Great Lakes, Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Arkansas native has been in the Dodger system since being drafted in the 5th round of the 2020 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Central Arkansas and he is a combined 17-12 with a 3.25 ERA (111 ER/307.1 IP) and 419 strikeouts.

Hudson, 26, appeared in the game last night, allowing one run on one hit. On the campaign, he is 0-0 with a 7.27 ERA (7 ER/8.2 IP) and seven strikeouts in six games. He was 5-1 with a 2.76 ERA (14 ER/45.2 IP) and 75 strikeouts in 39 games for Oklahoma City this season. He is a combined 37-28 with a 4.23 ERA (236 ER/502.2 IP) and 443 strikeouts in 189 career minor league games (75 starts). He was drafted by the Cubs in the third round of the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of Alton High School (IL).

I agree about Will Smith, third would be a logical spot or the Dodgers could go without a set DH and that would offer an opportunity to rest Smith and still keep his bat in the line-up. The Dodgers should also consider extending him to a five year deal this winter.

Of course, if the Dodgers pursue Ohtani this winter, then third becomes a viable option with Michael Busch handling the position when Smith catches. Lots of options.

Just when you think Urias has turned the corner, he falters. His next outing may tell us more. Was it just a bad outing?

I’m getting tired of watching Chris Taylor’s all or nothing swing. Time to move on. Way too many swings and misses.

Story in the LA Times about the woman, Linda Goldbloom, who died after getting hit in the face by a foul ball at Dodger Stadium five years ago. She and her husband were long time Dodgers fans. Her husband is still upset with the Dodgers delayed acknowledgement that she died at the game. She was sitting in the loge section behind the plate. The Dodgers failed to acknowledge what happened for six months. Why?

She died four days later in the hospital after emergency surgery. I recall hearing about a woman struck by a ball in the face. I often sat in that section. Then nothing. It’s a good article, definitely worth reading. Sometimes I don’t get responses to tragedies or incidents, best to be transparent, not try to hide it

To Mark, OldBear and others… I rarely, if ever comment, but o just wanted to let you all know that I visit this site every morning. I love getting game recaps, minor league updates and history lessons. I have been a Dodgers fan since I was born in LA in 1991. My life has taken me all over the US, but the Dodgers have been a constant! Thank you and Think Blue!

I agree Mark about Will. Is athletic enough to play left field. Has a strong arm and runs well. Would have to go get a catcher to play every day (not Barnes) 100 in left and 40 behind the plate would be perfect! Justin turner looks pretty bad at first base, but his production at the plate has been great! Sounds as if he’s a little bitter about the way things went with the front office. 0&2 on Duvall and Julio just put one on a tee ball stand. He looks like a cy young winner one minute and a triple A pitcher another. Really can’t stand Cora! As for Muncy, ball was clearly off the plate. If he has such great eye for the strike zone, why does he take so many pitches right dy broadway? Poor Chris Taylor! Swing is same spot every time. If the ball is in same path he can crush it! Would be great to get series win today!

Sounds great for Will Smith to move to another position. A lot of catchers wear down once we are into Sept. So we just have to get another catcher. Another alternative is also to get another catcher who can start 50 games or so and let Will DH. So both those plans don’t work with Barnes as the number two guy.