Key Takeaways
- MLB will regulate in-game technology available for use across all minor-league parks starting next season
- The move aims to bring parity and quell the arms race in technology spending among teams
- The league will approve in-game data and technology vendors, which may result in the removal of existing technology from some stadiums
- Critics argue that the new policy will curb innovation, render past investments useless, and limit front office spending
- The rule change may impact the quality of data in the minors and affect the use of certain technologies, such as Kinetrax and Catapult
Introduction to the New Policy
The landscape of minor league baseball is set to undergo a significant change with the introduction of a new policy regulating in-game technology. According to sources, MLB will begin to regulate the technology available for use across all minor-league parks starting next season. This move is designed to bring parity to the league and put an end to the unchecked arms race in technology spending among teams. The league will approve in-game data and technology vendors, which may result in the removal of existing technology from some stadiums if it is not approved.
The Reasoning Behind the Policy
The reasoning behind this policy is to ensure that all 30 clubs have access to the same set of information when making baseball operations decisions. The league spokesperson stated that each club can use the information however they see fit, but it is essential to provide a level playing field when it comes to access to information. This move is seen as a way to prevent deep-pocketed organizations from gaining an unfair advantage by spending freely on cutting-edge tools and technology. The current system has led to disparity, with some organizations having access to advanced technology such as Hawk-Eye tracking data, while others do not.
Impact on Teams and Technology Vendors
The new policy is likely to have a significant impact on teams and technology vendors. Some teams may need to scale back their existing technology, while others may gain access to new information. The league has acknowledged that the effect will be different for each ballpark, with some facilities seeing additional tech installations and others remaining unchanged or reduced. Multiple vendors have privately expressed concerns about the decision, with some worrying that it will stifle innovation and limit the development of new technologies. One high-level research and development analyst noted that the rule change may result in missing out on potential innovations, as teams will no longer be able to gather data and analyze it later.
Quality of Data in the Minors
There is also a concern about the potential impact on the quality of data in the minors. Some teams prefer certain technologies, such as Kinetrax, which produces important biomechanical data. However, Kinetrax is a premium product with a high price tag, and it is unclear whether MLB will approve its use in every minor-league park. Other technologies, such as Edgertronic and Catapult, may also be affected by the new policy. The future of these technologies in minor-league games is uncertain, and teams are waiting for clarification on what constitutes a data or technology versus a service.
Conclusion and Future Developments
The introduction of the new policy is a significant development in the world of minor league baseball. While the goal of bringing parity to the league is admirable, the impact on teams and technology vendors is likely to be significant. The details of the policy are still being ironed out, and executives are waiting for clarification on various aspects of the rule change. As the offseason progresses, it is likely that more information will become available, and the effects of the policy will become clearer. One thing is certain, however: the landscape of minor league baseball is set to undergo a significant change, and teams will need to adapt to the new regulations.
