All About Pocket Knives

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Sat Feb 28, 2026 8:46 pm Just wondering what MLB fans think of the introduction of the ABS system this year?

Just my opinion.

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Sat Feb 28, 2026 8:46 pm Just wondering what MLB fans think of the introduction of the ABS system this year?

I kinda like it.

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Sat Feb 28, 2026 8:46 pm Just wondering what MLB fans think of the introduction of the ABS system this year?

I think it is too bad Angel Hernandez has retired.

Actually, I think I will be a fan of it. The 2 sports that I watch are NHL and MLB. I really like the challenge system in hockey, so much happening so fast, there was a great need for it.....imo.

Waukonda wrote: ↑Sun Mar 01, 2026 12:30 am
I think it is too bad Angel Hernandez has retired.

Ike You changed my opinion, as long as it doesn't stall the momentum of the game.

I want it fair to all the players, I'm for robo strike zones all the time. I love it. It's smooth as I seen it.

I like the way they have planned the ABS challenge system, at least so far. It doesn’t delay the game at all. At least it should end atrocious situations like this one.



Of course, the ”retirement” of Angel Hernandez also helps!

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Mon Mar 02, 2026 4:29 pm I like the way they have planned the ABS challenge system, at least so far. It doesn’t delay the game at all. At least it should end atrocious situations like this one.



Of course, the ”retirement” of Angel Hernandez also helps!

Ken

I had to stop watching a while after that. Atrocious!

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Mon Mar 02, 2026 4:29 pm I like the way they have planned the ABS challenge system, at least so far. It doesn’t delay the game at all. At least it should end atrocious situations like this one.



Of course, the ”retirement” of Angel Hernandez also helps!

Ken

Or maybe not. Teams start the game with 2 challenges. There is nothing stopping the leadoff hitter from wasting those both in his first at bat. Then no more challenges for the rest of the game. Only the batter, pitcher, or catcher may challenge, managers are not allowed to challenge. Some teams have given the order that their pitchers will not be allowed to challenge, only their catcher. It is almost guaranteed that missed calls will happen and the team will have no challenges left. It has already been seen that arrogant batters that think they know the strike zone do not.

Teams will no doubt run out of challenges, just like they do in the NFL. But I doubt any team will allow players "free reign" to use their challenges. To the contrary they are using Spring Training games to determne how and when to use their allotted challenges. And who can use them, and who can't.

During Spring Training games we are seeing challenges made during early innings because that's when the veterans are in the games. After 2, or at most 3 at bats those veteran players are no longer in the game. When regular season games start I expect to see challenges happen in later innings, and mostly by catchers and hitters.

Ken

I was at Toronto v Detroit yesterday. Two challenges used as i recall.
Hope everyone has a team they follow and a winning season!

I was watching a game last weekend and the broadcast crew got into a long discussion of what they thought of the ABS. One made the point that he thought many of the challenges he saw by batters were what he called "emotional challenges." The batter was so shocked that he was called out on strikes that he immediately tapped the top of the head to challenge. Replay showed that it was indeed a strikeout. I think that is going to be a problem as the manager will have no control over that. I saw a batter challenge a called third strike and replay showed the ball in the strike zone by 2-3 ball widths. I think there is going to be some problems with the system.

Most teams have a handful of players that because of their “eye” ability, and situational awareness, will be given a green light to challenge if the situation warrants it. If indeed there is an issue with certain players going rogue and requesting a challenge, and consistently losing the challenge, the team “clubhouse” will police themselves. On good teams typically there is a clubhouse “sheriff”, “kangaroo court”, or other ways of dealing with those things. All part of “team chemistry”. Beyond designating who has the green light, the team’s manager shouldn’t have to be involved, beyond maybe taking the “sheriff” aside to express a concern.

As with any change time will tell.

Ken

Opening day is next week!!!


This is an exciting time of year for sports fans. March Madness is in full swing, and NHL teams are jockeying for playoff spots. Did I mention MLB Season Opening Day is next week??!!

Ken

I'm anxious, I've given up on college sports. March Madness has circled my drain, it's owned by P5s .

Baseball has it's P5s also, but a couple of good pitchers levels things out and LA can't get them for 5 or 6 years.

I'm anxious, I've given up on college sports. March Madness has circled my drain, it's owned by P5s .

Baseball has it's P5s also, but a couple of good pitchers levels things out and LA can't get them for 5 or 6 years.

wlf wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 11:56 pm I'm anxious, I've given up on college sports. March Madness has circled my drain, it's owned by P5s .

Baseball has it's P5s also, but a couple of good pitchers levels things out and LA can't get them for 5 or 6 years.

No one else has asked, so I guess I am the only stupid one. P5s? What the heck are you talking about, Lyle?

Power 5 conferences, those with the biggest wallets and pull to get the best players.

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Mon Mar 23, 2026 4:43 pm Power 5 conferences, those with the biggest wallets and pull to get the best players.

Ahhh, thank you O.C. It has been 25 years or so since I have paid a great deal of attention to college sports. I only look at highlights the following day on the news.

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Mon Mar 23, 2026 4:43 pm Power 5 conferences, those with the biggest wallets and pull to get the best players.

Nothing has really changed except it’s now more out in the open. Same schools with big money (Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, Oklahoma, USC, Notre Dame etc) have been doing it under the table forever. With help of their fans, alums and the usual network media ($$$) suspects they're waging a battle against the upstarts daring to rock their boat.

Ken

wlf wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 11:56 pm I'm anxious, I've given up on college sports. March Madness has circled my drain, it's owned by P5s .

Baseball has it's P5s also, but a couple of good pitchers levels things out and LA can't get them for 5 or 6 years.

Might as well give the Dodgers the rings for 2026 on opening day and not play the season? Again.

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Mon Mar 23, 2026 5:26 pm

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Mon Mar 23, 2026 4:43 pm Power 5 conferences, those with the biggest wallets and pull to get the best players.

Nothing has really changed except it’s now more out in the open. Same schools with big money (Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, Oklahoma, USC, Notre Dame etc) have been doing it under the table forever. With help of their fans, alums and the usual network media ($$$) suspects they're waging a battle against the upstarts daring to rock their boat.

Ken

It's easier , legal ,and waiting times for transfers are pretty much gone.

I think the first regular season game is in 2 days, Yankees @ Giants. Play ball!

1967redrider wrote: ↑Tue Mar 24, 2026 2:03 am I think the first regular season game is in 2 days, Yankees @ Giants. Play ball!

I'm ready, I will definitely be watching the NHL with playoffs nearly here, but I will squeeze in some baseball as well.
There is great parity in the NHL, the powers that be in MLB need to do something to create a little more in that sport.

I saw this headline on the Bee earlier today, and after today's game couldn't resist posting it. Not only did the Brewers put up 14 runs against the ChiSox, but Misiorowski struck out 10 Sox batters.........in the first four innings!

Too funny, Ike!


Apparently there was a frakas after the Reds opener last night.