Posted by Eric SanInocencio on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Take a few seconds during any television broadcast of a baseball game, and you are sure to see the subtle improvements of technology. Whether its ESPN’s “K-Zone” or an instant replay of a close call, the way we watch our National Pastime is improving every time an umpire utters “Play Ball!”

Not only has watching the game in HD redefined the viewing experience, but the way in which baseball is understood and explained is rapidly evolving as well. VORP is now an accepted acronym, with Fan Graphs changing how we track a pitcher’s outing. Simply said, change is everywhere.

However, the most basic of interactions that any fan has with baseball still lags behind, stuck in the traditional methods of yesteryear. Why is it, with all the tools at our disposal, do we still place our broadcasters 300 feet above and away from the action, and expect them to call a game that we see better from the comfort of our living room?

While there have been websites created to dispel “myths” about certain vernacular in the baseball dictionary (think “feared” or “clutch”), very little uproar has been made about how the game is presented to the viewer. Now don’t get me wrong, changing the view of Joe Morgan or Steve Phillips doesn’t bring them instant credibility as analysts, but there has to be a different way in which to place those more talented into positions that have a better vantage point.

Seriously, try telling the spin on a pitch from two stories up in the matter of a split second. Try understanding a pitcher’s sequence when you can hardly tell the velocity of a pitch. It’s almost like TV companies know the limitations, placing a monitor in the booth to help replay anything that might have significance to the on-air personalities. Why stop there? Why not re-vamp the entire idea and make it work better for everyone. Do broadcasters have to even be there?

The main argument for having a press box-style lineup is to know the “feeling” of a crowd or get a “sense” for the buzz in the ballpark. However, if that perch high above the action takes away from the talent’s ability to explain the proceedings, what good is it? This idea is outdated, and can be solved with a few quick measures that take the model in place and tweak its production location.

First off, I agree that anyone calling a game should be at the stadium that day. Hanging around and working the field during batting practice is essential, just to have the tidbits and stories to mention later on the air. There are situations that happen on-site that we might not know and that information is vital as well. This is all valuable, and should continue as part of the process. Once the game begins, however, it all should change. Here’s how.

Let’s be honest. A television camera from center field is the best view right now to watch the game. From there you get a feel for the umpire’s strike zone, notice the pitch and speed without hesitation, and see what your audience does. There’s no reason not to use that shot as the focal point of your broadcast.

That can’t be done from the press box on the third level. Where it can be done, in a place that every stadium has, is the video production room. Players and coaches use it endlessly to scout and prepare for upcoming matchups, and they boast dozens of monitors and equipment focused on different angles of the field.

It is here that the broadcasters should call the contest, with the benefit of zoom and shots from all cameras available for that game. Think of how much better they can analyze the action, turning in a single view from upstairs to a multi-faceted control center with every inch of the park covered. The timing doesn’t change, the place is the same, and you are in tune to what your viewers are watching. Plus, you are better prepared to watch and report, with everything in front of you at the push of a button. This is a no brainer.

Traditionalists would foam at the idea, citing the game doesn’t need a change in presentation. However, even the Olympics would disagree with you. This year, in an effort to save money, NBC had games called from a video feed half a globe away, and had it not been reported that there was a change, you wouldn’t have noticed it. Even the argument of the crowd’s “feel” to the game doesn’t hold water, because any part of the stadium will rock at the pivotal moment, whether you are on the mezzanine or in the bowels. This is simply better.

The idea of a “command center” isn’t foreign, with many businesses and restaurants using the model for years. When you sit at a sports bar, the more TVs the merrier right? Now, think if all those TVs were zoomed into different parts of one game. How much more could you focus on every little thing with the help of that additional technology?

Baseball specialty shows (MLB Tonight, Baseball Tonight) have this setup for their analysts in studio, and you’ll hear talent say how great it is to follow the action in this manner. The setup simply has to be moved into the ballpark booth. Just one more step to go.

The funny part is that fans are starting to get ahead of announcers in this process already. DirecTV incorporates a “MLB Mix” channel, giving you access to eight games at once via one screen. This is done on any television no matter the size. You can now sit in your den and get a view better than the men paid to bring us commentary. It’s like the idea is dangling right in front of the network’s faces, but they can’t fully make the transition.

Well, now the time has come. The moments of “I couldn’t quite tell if that was a slider or curveball” need to be exchanged, while eliminating the “that looked like a strike from up here” from our viewing experience. It is time for use to watch the “real” game, the best way possible, so that fans and broadcasters alike can enjoy the entire baseball experience.