Chris Bassitt speaks on ABS replay system, offers alternative use
Photo credit: http://www.forbes.com
Chris Bassitt has always been outspoken. Sometimes his opinions land him in hot water, but most of the time the Blue Jays is offering sage advice.
So it should come as no surprise that he was asked about his thoughts on the use of ABS Challenge system during Spring Training.
Like his friend and teammate Max Scherzer, Bassitt says that he is old school and prefers to let pitchers be pitchers and trust the umpires to call the entire game. He feels that umpires are doing a better job than most fans claim and believe.
Though he acknowledges he will probably lose this battle, but he also offered up a different way of using the ABS system.
I'm more inclined to kind of have a grading scale with the ABS, with the umpires, and then be able to rotate, so to speak, possibly the bottom part of umpires in and out, but who knows. I think umpires are a lot better then what the so-called public gives them credit for... keep the game the game.
Bassitt's words do hold some weight and influence; he is one the player reps for MLBPA Players Union.
His solution is not necessarily a bad one either. Many fans have been calling for a way to grade umpires. And while there various social media accounts and the Umpire Scorecards X account, every system is different and has different metrics. Perhaps a consolidated system would provide greater feedback for both the players and umpires, as well as the league.
While the ABS won't be introduced during the regular season, there are rumours that it will be in place by 2026.
Not if Chris Chris Bassitt has his say.
MUST READ
