The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has decided to expand the base size and introduce restrictions on defensive shifts along with the Automatic Ball-Strike System (ABS) and the so-called “robot umpires” starting from the 2024 season. The operation of the pitch clock will decide whether to introduce the game in the second half after a trial run in the first half of the year. The Futures League will implement rules against three batters a pitcher, and the KBO League will decide to introduce the rule later. The playoff race will be discussed again after combining on-site opinions. In addition, it will not be possible to acquire FA qualifications during the contract period of multi-year contract players, which will clearly define their identities. 토토사이트
KBO said on Monday, “We held the first board meeting in 2024 and finalized the application of ABS (automatic pitching judgment system) for this season. In addition, the KBO confirmed the timing of the introduction and application sequentially by considering the importance and urgency of major systems such as pitch clock and base size expansion. We also revised the rules on multi-year contracts for non-FA players.”
First, the introduction of an automatic pitch judgment system (ABS), also known as a “robot umpire,” has been finalized. The KBO is already fully prepared to introduce the automatic pitch judgment system from the 2024 season. The KBO’s umpire committee conducted winter training at Bears Park in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province from April 4 to 8.
“The introduction of the pitch clock system will significantly reduce the amount of game time. This is even better for the players than anything else. If we reduce it by 20 minutes per game, it will be very helpful for our physical stamina. The players will be more concentrated,” Huh Un, former chairman of the KBO’s referee committee, told reporters on the spot.
Once robot referees are introduced, it is expected that players and referees will no longer have blushing arguments. Already, robot referees have been introduced and utilized in the Futures League. In December’s winter training, judges who mainly played in the first team focused more on adaptation training. The referees at the scene also seem to welcome the introduction of robot referees. This is because they have been stressed out as they have suffered more conflicts than anyone else due to strike decisions.
“Even if ABS is introduced, referees must be alert. ABS is not everything. ABS is just providing the important part, and there are other things more importantly. However, I think the situation that can cause stress will be relieved to some extent. If this ABS settles down well, it will be of great help. Referees really have a mindset that they hope ABS will do well,” he said.
Already, the Major League has been using the pitch clock starting from the 2023 season. Pitchers must throw the ball within 15 seconds when there is no runner, and within 20 seconds when there is a runner. Batters must also enter the batter’s box at least eight seconds before the game. The effect is certain. The average duration of games in the nine innings in the Major League has been shortened by more than 20 minutes, from three hours and four minutes to two hours and 40 minutes.
Players are also actively studying to adapt to the new system in a welcoming atmosphere. “First of all, I don’t know how the strike zone will be formed,” LG’s bullpen pitcher Ham Deok-joo said on Thursday about robot referees. “Still, I think all fastballs will be shot somewhat similarly anyway. All pitchers have different trajectories of breaking balls. I think I need to check a lot about those areas. Rather, I think I will try to take advantage of those areas. If he catches high balls or things like that well, he might throw more. Also, if he gets a strike decision for hitting a low pitch, he might be a bit cowardly, but he seems to have to throw (laughs) inevitably.”
Ham Deok-ju said, “I don’t know whether I will be able to practice to adapt to the zone by robot referees during this spring camp or not. If I can practice, I think I should check by throwing more breaking balls than fastballs. If you catch a part with a strike, you will have to keep attacking. I think I have played a robot referee game only once in the Futures League. I thought it was like a strike because I was the type to throw the ball completely deep outside, but sometimes it became a ball. Rather, the breaking ball went in like a short bound, and I got a strike call. That’s why I think I should make good use of it in that direction,” he said again with a smile.