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Pro baseball players and staff eager for new iPad
Major League Baseball spring training is well underway, and the 2012 season starts up in less than two weeks. We're anxious for the first pitch on opening day, but USA Today is reporting that MLB players and staff are excited about today's "season opener" for the new iPad. USA Today interviewed Ron Coughlin of the Cincinnati Reds. Coughlin, the manager of video scouting for the team, noted that just about every Reds player has an iPad that they can use to watch video and prepare for games. The Reds have installed high-definition video cameras at Great America Ballpark this year to capture game footage, and Coughlin thinks the new iPad will be the perfect companion device. "With the '3,' now you're going to be able to see the grip on the baseball, perhaps even the rotation of the baseball and be able to (better) break down mechanics. A decade ago (the latest) was VHS tapes, then the quality of video improved when everything went digital. Now, the next step is getting everything in high definition. The clearer the picture, the clearer you can see what the pitcher is trying to do." The Reds aren't the only team embracing the iPad and anxious for the newest device. USA Today talked with Philadelphia Phillies catcher Brian Schnieder, who noted that the Phils' video team loads imagery of pitchers in the upcoming series onto iPads before the team flies to its next road stop. Schnieder also uses FaceTime to talk with his three kids. Players and staff aren't allowed to use the devices in the dugout or bullpen, but it appears that for our favorite boys of summer, the new iPad will be a useful tool off the field for work and play. [via Gizmodo]
