Story by
Twins catcher cleverly figured out how to trick batter into wasting ABS challenge
- Story by
- Twins catcher cleverly figured out how to trick batter into wasting ABS challenge
When MLB launched its automated strike zone (ABS) challenge system , the challenge limit was always going to force teams into taking a strategic approach around deploying those challenges.
Well, it was only a matter of time until teams would come up with some gamesmanship for ABS. Twins catcher Victor Caratini did just that this week, and it was brilliant.
Advertisement
One of the consequences of ABS is that it kind of negates the need for catchers to frame pitches (unless the team is out of challenges). They generally have a good sense of the strike zone, so if an umpire misses a call, the catcher can simply initiate a challenge. But a bad frame job can really throw off the batter when he looks back on a taken pitch.
Caratini put that to the test with Red Sox infielder Andruw Monasterio at the plate, and it worked to perfection. Caratini wildly framed his glove outside the strike zone on a strikeout call, baiting Monasterio to challenge a pitch that was comfortably in the strike zone.
The look of embarrassment was so real, and Caratini knew exactly what he was doing there.
So, just like that, the Red Sox lost their challenge and Monasterio had himself a shameful walk back to the dugout.
Advertisement
We'll surely see other catchers take a similar approach. Those challenges are precious resources, and if catchers can get a batter to waste one on an obvious strike, it makes the pitcher's job so much easier.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Twins catcher cleverly tricked batter into wasting ABS challenge
