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Red Sox’ Alex Cora: New ABS challenge system has turned major league dugouts quiet
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- Red Sox’ Alex Cora: New ABS challenge system has turned major league dugouts quiet
CINCINNATI — As has already been demonstrated through just two games, MLB’s new ABS challenge system can create drama and even chaos at the ballpark.
Several times on Saturday during the game between the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds , there were multiple challenges on successive pitches, with the momentum shifting instantly depending on the outcome.
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But the introduction of the system has also had a surprising effect on the atmosphere in major league dugouts.
“I can tell you, the games that I’ve been in the dugout, my whole career, there was a lot of screaming and complaining about the calls we didn’t agree with from (the dugout),” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “When you have the challenges, it’s very quiet. Because you know you can challenge the pitches. That’s something that (Worcester manager Chad Tracy) mentioned, that you’ll feel the difference in the dugout. One hundred percent.”
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Instead of catcalls directed to the umpire over perceived missed calls, players now have a recourse to address their disagreements. Thus, the dugout isn’t as loud or lively when questionable calls are made.
After the Red Sox used up their two challenges by the third inning in Saturday’s 11-inning loss to the Reds, the Sox were left without any recourse when a number of missed calls by CB Bucknor were made.
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As such, Cora and the Red Sox are trying to come up with a consistent philosophy when it comes to the system.
“The most important thing is when,” said Cora. “We don’t want to be the team that challenges the most; we want to be the most efficient. And (Saturday), we weren’t the most efficient. It wasn’t the right moment to do it. None of the three — I know Roman (Anthony) got one right. But at that point, what did it change? That’s something we’ve been talking about.
“You have to compete. It’s your at-bat. They’re still humans and they know the strike zone and they’re going to make decisions based on what they think is right. But talking to them (Saturday), talking to them today, they knew at the moment they challenged it, they knew that wasn’t right moment. It just didn’t work out the right way.”
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