Defensively, Austin Hedges is considered one of the best catchers in the game, largely because the Padres’ 26-year-old backstop again leads the majors in framing runs saved, according to baseballprospectus.com. Some people call that strike-stealing. Major League Baseball has partnered with the independent Atlantic League to see how an automated strike zone would work in the game.
Union-Tribune: How do you think “robo” umps would play in baseball?
Hedges: It doesn’t play. Umpires are as part of this game as the players are.
U-T: You’re a strike-stealer.