If our robot umpire overlords have not arrived, they are at least getting closer to taking their proper place in the (inter)national game.
The TrackMan system, which uses Doppler radar to determine whether a pitch has passed through the strike zone, made its professional debut last Wednesday in the Atlantic League's all-star game. MLB signed an agreement this spring with the independent league to have it road-test new technology and rules before they are implemented in the American and National leagues.
After plate umpire Brian deBrauwere received Trackman's determination in his earpiece (which was connected to an iPhone in his pocket), he would either "confirm or correct the program's decision", according to Deadspin's Gabe Fernandez.