Bret Boone joins the show to talk about the Rangers' winning streak and his reaction to the new ABS system
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Bret Boone joins Shan and RJ to discuss the Texas Rangers' strong start to the 2026 season, highlighting their 4-1 record and four-game winning streak—their best start since 2012. Boone, former Rangers hitting coach, expresses enthusiasm for the team’s balanced offense, praising key contributors like Danny Jansen, Marcus Semien, and Evan Carter, while also offering thoughtful analysis on players struggling early, such as Jocko Peterson and Josh Young. He emphasizes the mental toll of a poor start after a tough previous year and stresses the importance of patience and mental reset. Boone then shifts focus to the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, sharing his evolving perspective: initially skeptical, he now sees strategic value in the system, particularly in how catchers manage challenges and how it adds drama and fan engagement. He reflects on the historical variability of strike zones and argues that ABS brings consistency and fairness, ultimately benefiting hitters by eliminating umpire bias. The conversation underscores both the excitement of the Rangers’ resurgence and the broader implications of technological change in baseball.
The Rangers' 4-1 start is their best since 2012, with balanced contributions across the lineup and strong early performances from key players.
Player struggles early in the season—like Jock Peterson and Josh Young—are often amplified by mental pressure from past performance, not just mechanics.
Bret Boone supports the ABS system as a long-term improvement, crediting it with creating a consistent, fair strike zone and adding strategic depth to the game.
Catchers are best positioned to manage ABS challenges due to their game awareness and consistency, making them ideal decision-makers.
The ABS system enhances fan engagement through real-time drama and suspense, turning close calls into moments of intrigue.
Rangers' Strong Start and Early Momentum
“It's great to see him get off to the start, 4-1. And I'll try to keep my bias out of it as much as I can.”
Offensive Depth and Player Contributions
Boone breaks down the Rangers' offensive strengths, praising top-of-the-order hitters like Nimmo and McCutcheon, as well as the resurgence of Berger and Seager, and the impact of young players like Carter and Higgy.
Mental Challenges and Player Struggles
“When you have that type of year that he did a year ago... you put the pressure of the world on you to, all right, I had a bad year last year. It's over with. Let's put it in the river...”
The New Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System
“I think that's the reason for the change. Excuse me. That's the reason for the challenge. I think that's the reason going forward that you're going to just have a straight, there's no challenge. It's just the computer is going to do it...”
Fan Engagement and the Future of Baseball
Boone concludes by reflecting on how technology like ABS enhances the fan experience through drama and consistency, ultimately serving the long-term health of the game.
“I think that's the reason for the change. Excuse me. That's the reason for the challenge. I think that's the reason going forward that you're going to just have a straight, there's no challenge. It's just the computer is going to do it...”
“When you have that type of year that he did a year ago... you put the pressure of the world on you to, all right, I had a bad year last year. It's over with. Let's put it in the river...”
“I think it adds another element. Because this game is about what? Everything is about one thing, and that's the fans.”
Hosts
Guest
Bret Boone
person
Texas Rangers
other
ABS System
other
Jock Peterson
person
Evan Carter
person
Danny Jansen
person
Grainger
brand
Josh Young
person
Corey Seager
person
Shan and RJ
media
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