It’s no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers more frequently incorporate analytics since Andrew Friedman was hired as president of baseball operations in October 2014. As part of the organization’s effort to gain any sort of competitive advantage, they use laser rangefinders.
Although the GPS system is approved by Major League Baseball — so long that it isn’t used during play — it caused quite the stir during the series with the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Los Angeles sought permission to mark spots in the outfield, which they do at Dodger Stadium. The Mets initially granted the Dodgers’ request only to go back on their decision and report the club’s actions to MLB.
Upon investigating the matter, MLB reportedly reached a conclusion and will not take disciplinary action, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Baseball will not discipline the Dodgers for using a laser rangefinder to predetermine defensive positions before games, according to major-league sources.
Although the Dodgers weren’t reprimanded, clubs were informed and reminded of what’s not permitted:
Baseball, however, notified all clubs on Thursday that golf tees, chalk and paint cannot serve as markers for positioning, addressing another issue raised by the Mets when the Dodgers visited Citi Field last weekend.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed the issue at Citi Field, and acknowledged opposing teams are permitted to mark spots at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers outfielders participate in meetings prior to each game to review defensive shifts and other notes pertaining to that specific opponent. They are given a laminated sheet with such information, which has also caused a bit of stir.
On multiple occasions in recent weeks, television cameras have caught an outfielder reviewing the info, which prompted social media to erupt with claims of a player looking at his cell phone during play.
