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Originally Posted by SRW
I just thought of a mechanic change that I'd like to see go back. (I know, the topic says "Rules"...)
The new mechanic of the slow pitch plate umpire going set when the pitch starts. I find it more difficult to judge the height of the pitch as consistently as before this year, when up then moving down to track it into the zone.
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Had that discussion in OKC last February. This apparently came from the national staff and my opinion wasn't really received well. One member was available for discussion (actually, he is often very open and willing to discuss anything). We didn't agree, but at least he was willing to discuss it.
I have yet to hear anyone who has tried to use it tell me they like it. I expect to hear it, now that I mentioned it. However, I doubt that person(s) would be the type to keep a strict line on height.
The new mechanic contradicts everything taught about calling IPs and the strike zone as it relates to consistency. An umpire which goes to the proper set position loses any consitency of viewing the pitch because not all batters are of the same height. From what I have observed of the umpires trying to use the mechanic, IPs just disappeared unless the pitch was extremely high.