Major League Baseball's reported proposal to limit players' access to in-game video replay is not sitting well with some, and New York Yankees reliever Zack Britton considers the suggested changes an overcorrection following the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.
"Right now, MLB's proposal would be like a blackout. There would be no access," Britton said, according to Mark Didtler of The Associated Press. "That's a pretty extreme stance because of one team, that everyone else is punished. So, hopefully, we can find some common ground, but definitely before Opening Day.
"Guys would like to understand what we're going to be allowed to use and what we're not going to be allowed to use before Opening Day."
Tony Clark, head of the MLB Players Association, met with the Yankees to discuss the potential rule changes, according to Didtler. The union has apparently countered MLB's proposal with a suggestion that players continue to have access to video, but with protections in place to prevent catchers' signs from being seen.
"The video person would be entrusted with cutting those clips, and you would look to have a standard of oversight thereafter," Clark said. "The conversions we've had included that, as well as the individual clips sent to a central place that allows for review, as well."
Clark also said the union is not against players being punished for future infractions. No players were disciplined following the league's investigation into the Astros' sign-stealing scheme, and MLB has already determined that none will face fines or suspensions stemming from the ongoing investigation of the Boston Red Sox.
