Chicago Cubs: An electronic strike zone is coming to baseball

Baseball purists abhor the idea of an electronic strike zone. But, recently, players, including the Chicago Cubs Ben Zobrist have supported the plan.

It’s taboo to many. The mere thought of some type of digital or electronic strike zone could ruin the game and its tradition. On Tuesday afternoon, this topic took center stage at Wrigley Field. Chicago Cubs veteran Ben Zobrist brought the subject up on-field right in the face of the concept’s biggest nemesis – a big league home plate umpire.

Earlier in the game, Cubs skipper Joe Maddon got tossed by said umpire, Phil Cuzzi, for arguing strikes against Zobrist . This time around though, Zobrist wasn’t having any of it. Earning his first MLB ejection, the calm, 16-year veteran unleashed his fury on Cuzzi.  Zobrist’s words were so terrible, Cuzzi threw him out of the game as soon as they came out of his mouth. The exact horrific expletives that got Zobrist ejected were explained to USA Today’s Scott Boeck.  Be advised this is not for younger audiences.

"“I just basically said, ‘That’s why we want an electronic strike zone,’ “said Zobrist. “And that’s what obviously got me tossed.”"

Oh Ben! That’s the best you can do? Geez, I’ve got to introduce you to my cousin Joey from the West Side to teach you some “Chicago-speak”. It’s apparent that you’ve got the Chicago mantra, “Talk softly and carry a big stick” down pat my friend. But it’s perfectly understandable.

The last few years, Major League Baseball has played on our emotions with whether the ESZ will ever make its debut and players, managers and clubs are suffering the bad calls while waiting. So where does the league sit on the electronic strike zone?