Ex-Yankees SP CC Sabathia Eyes Robot Umpires, Says MLB Pitchers Prefer Human Element

As the debate rages on regarding MLB's need for robot umpires, it sounds like some pitchers prefer to leave things how they are.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, legendary former MLB pitcher CC Sabathia said that while he prefers the institution of an automated strike zone, today's players don't share his sentiments.

"If it was up to me, I would want full...robotic umpires," Sabathia said. "But just talking to the guys and the players of today's game, they don't want that. They kind of want the human element."

The former New York Yankees star went on to add that he thinks a viable compromise is to adopt a challenge system that has proved to be effective in the minors.

"I feel like they're leaning towards to be able to challenge that pitch right there, challenge that call where you can tap your helmet, go upstairs, look upstairs and they can review it," he said. "It's a quick thing that they use in the minor leagues and I feel like we'll go to that before we go to fully automated robotic umpires."

Blown calls by umpires can have massive ramifications on the outcome of games, so the league must find a way to minimize them. However, it sounds like we're a long way from seeing robot umpires introduced in the majors.