MLB unveils new replay technology and marketing approach
CTV
A season of seismic changes for baseball gets underway Thursday highlighted by significant new rules designed to speed up the pace of play and create more action on the field.
Major League Baseball also hopes fans noticed more transparency around replay reviews and efforts to boost marketing of players.
Improved replay technology and a refreshed marketing strategy designed to focus on players were among the notable changes unveiled at MLB's Innovation and Fan Engagement Showcase on Tuesday.
The sprawling replay facility resembles a television production truck and features workstations with umpires assigned to two games simultaneously with a replay operator, who required about four to five weeks of training.
Once a close play is spotted, they notify another group watching the isolated angles from television feeds.
"Us having access to all the angles at the ballpark is what leads us to be faster and faster every year," said Jim Sensale, director of replay operations. "We're hoping to have the call before they even come to headset."
In terms of feedback from current umpires, Sensale said the feedback is positive