2. Expand what can be reviewed on replay
Most things are reviewable but still, there are plays that aren’t. Checked swings are not reviewable (which, without a rule on it, is understandable because how do you overturn something with no rule on it?) and, as we saw in the other NLDS, plays that are not at a base on the infield are not reviewable.
This play was not reviewable because it wasn’t on a base or in the outfield.
Balls and strikes are also not reviewable. Considering that umpires often judge 150 or more pitches per game, it’s understandable that not every pitch can be challenged because it would take too long.
What about MLB and computerized strike zones?
This will never be admitted by officials publicly, but computers cannot tell the height of the strike zone since it is based on the batter when they are in their stance. The TV strike zone graphic does not change in height between Jose Altuve (who is listed as 5 feet, 6 inches tall) and Aaron Judge (who, at 6 feet, 7 inches tall is more than a foot taller than Altuve).
In short, that’s why MLB doesn’t have “robo umps”: MLB has to process the official height on pitches after the game. This is why there is “post-game processing” on Statcast and also why sites like UmpScorecards release the numbers the next day.
However, there are instances where there are egregious ball/strike calls in big parts of the game that impact the game’s outcome. What should be done with those?
3. There should be a challenge system on balls and strikes
The aforementioned Gabe Morales’s call in a Yankees-Red Sox game in the ninth inning of a tie game with runners on the corners with a 3-2 count and two out is much more important than the first pitch of a game.
Give each manager three challenges on that per game but the challenge must be nearly instantaneous. No “let’s have our replay guy in the clubhouse look at the pitch for 30 seconds and he sees it’s 1/16th of an inch off the plate so we’ll challenge now.” Give the manager five seconds to challenge it.
They can go to replay for it and announce the call. And speaking of announcing the call …