[greymule]

If MLB believes that the computers and cameras are the gold standard that umpires should aspire to meet, why not equip the PU with an earpiece that tells him whether the pitch was a ball or a strike?

This would hardly be difficult with today's technology. If they didn't want an earpiece, they could use a vibrating signal under the chest protector or something. And why even do that? Have "strike" or "ball" immediately announced on the scoreboard.

If the batter swung and missed but the scoreboard showed "ball," the fans would be treated to knowing that the batter had swung at a bad pitch.

The PU would still be needed for HBP, fouls, interference, plays at home, etc.—everything but actual ball/strike calls.

The point is, if you have a machine that can instantly discern a true ball or strike, why compel a human to do that job?