SPECIAL | Robot umpires take to the field for baseball's spring training

Technology and tradition are converging this spring training as AI-based umpires are tried out as part of MLB's evolution. The Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which uses Hawk-Eye technology, a fixture in tennis matches, was rolled up from the minors into the majors for an experimental run this season. The system which accurately identifies a ball or strike but still allows players to challenge calls they feel are inaccurate, be it a strike, ball or walk. But could ABS automate the game a little too much for fans? USA TODAY MLB Reporter Gabe Lacques has seen the robot umpires in action and joins The Excerpt to share his impressions.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.