Cal Raleigh and the Mariners Embrace the New ABS Era
In Peoria, Arizona, the Mariners are diving headfirst into the new automated ball-strike (ABS) system, and Cal Raleigh is leading the charge. With the ABS set to become a permanent fixture in Major League Baseball this season, Raleigh is taking a proactive approach to mastering it.
Raleigh's Strategy with ABS
Raleigh, aware of the strategic nuances the ABS introduces, is using spring training to get comfortable with the system. “In-season, you’ve got to be smart,” Raleigh explained.
“It’s about putting the team first and knowing when to challenge.” His approach this spring?
Embrace the volume to learn the system inside out.
During a recent game, Raleigh showcased this strategy. In a 2-2 count, Mariners invitee Dane Dunning delivered a sinker near the top of the strike zone.
Raleigh quickly signaled a challenge. Within moments, the call was confirmed as a ball, pushing the count full and eventually leading to a walk.
Understanding the ABS System
The ABS zone operates as a two-dimensional plane across home plate, measuring the full 17-inch width. The top of the zone is set at 53.5% of a player's height and the bottom at 27%. The system only requires any part of the ball to graze the zone’s edge to be called a strike.
Raleigh is keen to master this, particularly at the top of the zone where catchers have historically excelled at “stealing” strikes. “That’s definitely the area that’s changed the most,” Raleigh noted, emphasizing the need to adapt.
Raleigh’s Preparation
Last spring, Raleigh went a perfect 9-for-9 in ABS challenges during its initial rollout. However, this year, with the World Baseball Classic on the horizon-where ABS won’t be used-he’s feeling the urgency to adapt quickly.
“I need to know where it’s at,” Raleigh said. He’s been diligently using Trackman data during bullpen sessions and live batting practices to get a feel for the strike zone.
For Raleigh, it’s not about stealing strikes but ensuring legitimate strikes are called accurately. “It’s going to be about understanding the strike zone, and that takes reps,” he emphasized.
Team Strategy with ABS
The Mariners are honing their approach to ABS, recognizing the importance of discipline, especially for pitchers. Each team is allotted two challenges per game, retaining them if successful. Challenges can only be initiated by a pitcher, catcher, or batter immediately after a pitch.
The team has held numerous ABS-specific meetings in Arizona, leaning towards catchers making the calls during the regular season. Raleigh feels catchers have the best vantage point for making these crucial decisions. “I’m sure I’ll mess a few up,” he admitted, but he’s confident in the catchers’ ability to be objective.
As the Mariners navigate this new era, Raleigh’s leadership and willingness to adapt will be key. With the ABS system poised to change the game, the Mariners are ready to embrace the challenge, one pitch at a time.