The use of a new device has been permitted by MLB for the 2022 season and beyond.
The device, according to MLB insider Steve Lookner, is called “PitchCom”.
This device is designed to prevent sign-stealing and will be used by catchers to signal pitches, pitch types, and pitch locations.
Catchers will have this device planted on their gloved hand and will transmit the suggested pitch selection to the pitcher via a listening device.
Of course, we know that sign-stealing with the use of technology became a problem in 2017 with the Houston Astros and their scandal, which came to light after the 2019 season.
MLB will reportedly allow PitchCom this season: “Using a pad with buttons on the wrist of the gloved hand, a catcher can signal pitches — pitch type, and location — with the suggested selection directly to the pitcher through a listening device.” https://t.co/z077iHJVBF
— Steve Lookner (@lookner) April 5, 2022
A Way To Stop Sign-Stealing
This is a good idea by MLB and should help curb sign-stealing all together.
Sign-stealing has always been a part of the game but doing so with the use of technology is illegal.
This is a good way to counter that.
It also helps keep the signs secret for the teams using the device.
It should benefit pitchers to have the catcher suggestion come through a listening device and should prevent catchers from having to put down signs during an at-bat, which also prevents teams from being able to intercept the signs.
It should also be advantageous for the team giving the signs, as if the hitting team cannot intercept the signs, there is no reason or need for the team giving the signs to have to change them.
It’s about time we saw some action on things such as this, though it doesn’t change the fact that the Astros were not punished properly as a result of their sign-stealing scandal.
We’ll see how well this works and what the game looks like as a result of this change.
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