MLB Spring Training: Reds Opt Out of Ball-Strike Challenges
As Major League Baseball (MLB) introduces a trial program for ball-strike challenge calls in spring training games this year, the Cincinnati Reds stand out as the lone team not embracing the initiative.
Francona’s Rationale
Reds manager Terry Francona explained his decision to reporters last Friday, citing the lack of challenge options during the regular season. The challenge system, implemented to provide more accuracy and accountability in ball-strike calls, will be implemented throughout the Class AAA level this season but is not expected to make its way to the majors until at least 2025.
"I don’t want my major leaguers initiating the challenges because they won’t have that option during the 2025 regular season," Francona said. "It’s not a strategy for (the MLB teams), so why work on it?"
ABS Technology Availability
The Automatic Balls and Strikes (ABS) system, which powers the challenge function, is not yet available in all spring training ballparks. In Arizona, five dual-team stadiums, including the Reds’ and Cleveland Guardians’ home in Goodyear, have the technology installed. In Florida, eight different parks are equipped with ABS.
Francona further emphasized that the challenges are not a primary focus during spring training.
"I’m OK with seeing our younger kids do it because they’ve done it," Francona said. "Its not a strategy for (the MLB teams), so why work on it? I don’t want to make a farce of anything, but we’re here getting ready for a season and that’s not helping us get ready."
Other Teams’ Involvement
While the Reds have opted out, many other teams have welcomed the opportunity to experiment with the challenge system. Following a successful trial in the minor leagues, MLB believes that the technology can improve the accuracy of ball-strike calls and reduce the number of disputed calls.
Several managers, including the Guardians’ Terry Francona and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Derek Shelton, have expressed support for the system, believing it can provide more fairness and accountability in the game.
"I think it’s a great thing for the game," Shelton said. "It gives players a chance to get the call right and it takes some of the pressure off the umpires."
However, some players have expressed concerns about the potential for challenges to disrupt the flow of the game.
"I’m not sure if it’s going to speed the game up or slow it down," said Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds. "It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out."
Conclusion
Despite the Reds’ decision to sit out the ball-strike challenge trial, the initiative is still seen as a positive step towards improving the accuracy and fairness of the game. With its potential to reduce disputes and provide players with more control over their own fate, the challenge system could become a permanent fixture in MLB in the near future.
