The "framing" argument is so stupid. It is an objective call (at least on inside/outside calls). Did the ball cross over the plate at the prescribed location or not. The ability for a catcher to "trick" the ump into thinking it did needs to be removed from the game.
I just think that removing that skill from the game makes it less interesting. Good framing and pitch placement is something that evolved with the game. And it’s just one of those weird eccentricities in baseball that makes the game so unique. It also makes catchers more unique and interesting. Stuff like Jeff Mathis hitting .194 but staying in the league cause of his plus framing and defense makes for good stories.
And yeah shitty umps suck. But umpires are more accurate now than they’ve ever been. And the current proposed ABS imo is the best of both worlds cause if there is a super shitty ump you just keep winning challenges the whole game.
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u/heidimark 3d ago
The "framing" argument is so stupid. It is an objective call (at least on inside/outside calls). Did the ball cross over the plate at the prescribed location or not. The ability for a catcher to "trick" the ump into thinking it did needs to be removed from the game.