Cincinnati Reds third base/catching coach J.R. House explains some of the new catching drills at spring training. Kareem Elgazzar, kelgazzar@enquirer.com
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – When Reds pitchers are throwing a side session at their team’s spring training complex, there’s usually a blue camera placed behind the mound on a tripod. Another device is placed on the ground, about 10 feet in front of catchers. Behind the catchers, and behind the fence, are analysts holding tablets.
Welcome to the new data revolution in baseball.
The Reds, like nearly every team in baseball, are using Rapsodo pitch-tracking machines, which are placed on the ground in front of catchers.