SI Insider: Are Umpires Calling More Strikes Outside the Zone This Season?

While umpires are calling more strikes, it may be more of a reflection on batters than umpires

Brewers manager Craig Counsell says he thinks the strike zone has gotten bigger this season, as the called strike rate has gone up. But is it because of the umpires?

SI senior writer Tom Verducci breaks down Counsell's claim that since there are more rookie umpires this year, umpires are calling more strikes this year.

According to the numbers, Counsell is only half-right. Umpires are calling more strikes this year, but not for the reasons Counsell, and many fans, would believe.

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