When MLB mandated that there would be no video access for teams in an attempt to cut down on in-game sign-stealing following the Astros’ cheating scandal, chances are the league didn’t expect some of the fallout from the decision.
Sure. Who wasn’t in favor of combating teams stealing signs via video feeds during games after the Astros debacle?
But the effects of hitters not having those feeds to look at previous at-bats or get a glimpse of a new pitcher entering a game have been felt around the game, especially in a shortened regular season with players already struggling to find their rhythm at the plate.
“To be honest, it sucks because I like to make my adjustments during the game,” shortstop Javy Baez said. I watch swing. I watch where the ball was, where the contact was. And I’m mad. I’m really mad that we don’t have it, because to be honest, with all due respect, we didn’t cheat. We’re not cheating and we have to pay for all of this. It’s tough.”
“It’s a short season and it’s all this crap that we don’t like, but I know a lot of players are struggling. A lot of stars are struggling and I’m just one more, but the way that it is, that’s not the way we play baseball.”
Baez has yet to find his normal level of production this season. The Cubs’ shortstop has a .205/.246/.365 with six homers and 32.9 percent strikeout rate. While Baez has been the most vocal on the matter this season, he isn’t the only one seeing the effects it’s had on baseball this season.
“I definitely think that’s something that’s a little bit overlooked in the game, is not being able to have the video in our game right now,” left fielder Kyle Schwarber said. Because that’s key for some guys to be able to go back and look at where their swing is and look at any kind of key that they want to look at to be able to take into their next at-bat.
“I think now, we’re going by feel and we’re trying to be able to pinpoint it without obviously the video and just go out there and compete.”
MLB hasn’t said whether the mandate on in-game video would carry into next season, but as players continue to voice their frustrations against the recent changes, it will be something players continue to fight for heading into the 2021 season.
“It’s hard to get up in front of you guys and make excuses,” manager David Ross said. “I don’t think a lot of guys want to do that, so they’re trying to just take ownership of at-bats. But you know, [Javy] is frustrated and I don’t think he’s using it as an excuse. I’m not trying to say that. I just feel like there’s elements to a season and a baseball game that we all use as tools and when we start taking some of those off that you feel are a big part of your success, it’s frustrating.”
“I need video,” Baez said. “I needed to make adjustments during the game. It doesn’t even matter who’s there to watch us. It doesn’t matter if we have all the police that MLB wants to send over here. We need video back and I’m one of the guys. I’m going to keep trying to bring it back, because we need it and I’ll make adjustment with it.”
