Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw Not a Fan of the Electronic Strikezone
Dodgers fans have seen firsthand what bad umpiring can do to a team’s momentum. It’s happened far too many times this year in the middle of an incredible losing streak. One called strike or one missed opportunity to get ahead in the count has changed the trajectory of games.
Those missed calls have reignited the conversation of bringing an electronic strike zone to baseball. And while it’s being tested out at various levels of baseball, big leaguers have been split on how it would be received in MLB. The Dodgers can attest to that.
Before the season, Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer had said that he would be in favor if the technology is there. But on Wednesday evening, Clayton Kershaw didn’t seem so sure about that change.
I don’t know. I’m such a traditionalist when it comes to the game. And I know I’m probably in the minority these days, but I just love the idea of an umpire and just what that looks like and how that feels.
Dodgers Related: Edwin Rios Done For the Season
Kershaw also understands that it could be an important addition to the game. Getting the calls right on the field can often be the difference between a win and a loss. But the Dodgers pitcher also thinks he needs to be persuaded by the technology.
I also know guys want to be right. And missed calls is something that if you can change that and get it right 100 percent of the time, I understand that argument. …I think a lot of guys are in favor of it and I’m kind of not. But maybe they could persuade me if they showed me the technology.
Kersh went on to talk about the strike zone that we all see on tv and how that is not actually indicative of a true zone. And that’s obviously true, but the technology will be there one day. Dodgers fans would certainly like to see them get the calls right now.
Dodgers Reach The Exclusive 85 Percent Vaccination Threshold
Getting rid of Angel Hernandez (“I thought he caught the ball”) would be a good starting point. Can’t see on the field and can’t see behind the plate.
This is nothing new as MLB has tried it before and failed. It lacked enthusiasm
and bored the game. If you think about it how about a electronic pitching machine that gives you a variant of pitches.
Tennis has used electronic line check in its review for years; it’s accurate and has improved match play immeasurably. Anything that removes ridiculous strike calls on balls 4″ off the plate or eliminates the silly skill of pitch framing (deceiful cheating) is a good thing.
I think most pitchers are not in favor of the electronic strike zone. It just seems most pitches that umpires miss are outside and are called strikes. It’s tough to hit when the pitcher doesn’t have to throw the ball over the plate to get a strike. I believe that 2021 umpires miss about 40% of close strikes.