Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Paul Skenes is emerging as a prominent figure in the world of baseball, and he recently shared his thoughts on a contentious topic within the sport: the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS). While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Skenes voiced his opposition to the potential adoption of ABS in Major League Baseball (MLB), a technology that aims to improve the accuracy of ball and strike calls behind home plate.
Skenes’s primary concern lies in the impact ABS would have on the role of catchers. In his view, the ability of catchers to receive and frame pitches is an integral part of their job, and a contributing factor to their presence in MLB. He asserts that ABS would eliminate this aspect of the catcher’s position, resulting in diminished job security for these players.
Skenes emphasizes the significance of the relationship between pitchers and catchers. This partnership requires effective communication and alignment on pitch selection and hitter analysis. The catcher’s responsibility extends beyond receiving the ball; they also block pitches and attempt to throw out runners. Skenes believes that ABS would disrupt this delicate balance between pitchers and catchers.
Despite Skenes’s reservations, MLB is actively testing new systems in minor league games, demonstrating their interest in exploring alternatives to the current ball and strike calling methods. Umpires face scrutiny from fans and media, highlighting the pressure to make accurate calls. The implementation of ABS has emerged as a potential solution to address these concerns and improve the overall accuracy of the game.
However, Skenes remains steadfast in his belief that ABS is detrimental to the role of catchers and the dynamic between pitchers and catchers. He hopes that MLB will refrain from adopting the technology and preserve the traditional elements of the game that he holds dear.
