Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen a parade of poor umpiring decisions, as well as some tirades and hot takes, frequently involving the Red Sox. Subsequently, the idea of MLB robo-umps (also known as the Automated Strike Zone or ABS) has surged in popularity. Where to begin? Let’s go roughly chronologically – and this is by no means a complete accounting of bad calls from the recent past (Laz Diaz, you’re off the hook for now).
Widely considered to be one of the worst calls of the season, in a game against the Nationals, umpire Bruce Dreckman ended Justin Turner’s at bat by calling him out on a third strike that was nowhere near the strike zone.