The check-swing challenge system used in the minor leagues has now reached the Triple-A level. The system uses tech similar to Hawkeye to spot the farthest the bat goes in rotation. The current parameter for a swing is the bat reaching or exceeding 45 degrees relative to the top of the plate — in essence, parallel to the opposite foul line to the batter's box.
At AAA, the system is in use only in the Pacific Coast League, with the International League being used as a control group — the IL umps have been instructed to use the new 45-degree standard when making a swing/no-swing decisions.
Like ABS, each team gets two challenges and the pitcher, catcher or batter must challenge immediately; each team is award one challenge per extra inning. They do not carry over.
Here's a peak:
Check swing challenges are now a thing at Triple-A
My take: 45 degrees is ridiculous. If the bat crosses the plate, I'd allow 15 to 20 degrees max. This is really being done to make it easier for the base umps on appeal, making it so the end of the bat has to point on plane toward fair territory to be a swing.
THE ASYLUM
Swing challenge now in AAA
The check-swing challenge system used in the minor leagues has now reached the Triple-A level. The system uses tech similar to Hawkeye to spot the farthest the bat goes in rotation. The current parameter for a swing is the bat reaching or exceeding 45 degrees relative to the top of the plate — in essence, parallel to the opposite foul line to the batter's box.
At AAA, the system is in use only in the Pacific Coast League, with the International League being used as a control group — the IL umps have been instructed to use the new 45-degree standard when making a swing/no-swing decisions.
Like ABS, each team gets two challenges and the pitcher, catcher or batter must challenge immediately; each team is award one challenge per extra inning. They do not carry over.
Here's a peak:
My take: 45 degrees is ridiculous. If the bat crosses the plate, I'd allow 15 to 20 degrees max. This is really being done to make it easier for the base umps on appeal, making it so the end of the bat has to point on plane toward fair territory to be a swing.
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