Rain Delay Discussion: ABS Evolution
I’ve been a fan of ABS, but think it could use some tweaks, specifically I’d make two changes:
Each team gets three challenges, activated one at a time to start the 1st, 4th & 7th. Challenges don’t expire, so you could eventually have all three.
Any player who loses a challenge can’t challenge again in that at bat.
My thinking is that by spreading them out and limiting per AB on a loss, it keeps the ability to challenge and umpire quality consistent through the game.
Exhibit A is Randy Arozarena, who lost both challenges in the 2nd AB of the game. That punished his entire team and (crucially) removed umpire accountability for innings 2-9.
I’ve seen a number of players batters and catchers chase a lost challenge and burn a second. They’re adults and can use self control, but it’s also a team game.
This would also ensure each team has at least one challenge late in the game to possibly add some drama.