MLB Players And Coaches Are Just As Excited For The iPad 3 As You Are

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Rob Coughlin of the Cincinnati Reds believes the new iPad's Retina display will allow the team to improve their game.
Rob Coughlin of the Cincinnati Reds believes the new iPad's Retina display will help the team improve their game.

With your new iPad pre-order ready to be loaded onto tomorrow’s truck for delivery, you’re probably pretty excited right about now. But maybe not as excited as some MLB players, coaches, and scouts. Apple’s device allows them to identify tactics and improve their game, and scout for new talent. It’s also great for keeping in touch with their families while they’re away from home, and they’re expecting the third-generation device to be the best iPad yet.

Just about every single Cincinnati Reds player has an iPad, according to manager Rob Coughlin. And it’s becoming an increasingly valuable tool to the team. USA Today Sports reports:

The tablet has ingrained itself into the fabric of the game, providing players an avenue to kill time or stay in touch with loved ones during the season’s eight-month grind. And it’s an increasingly valuable tool for scouting and game preparation.

“Look around the clubhouse,” says Rob Coughlin, the Cincinnati Reds’ manager of video scouting. “Just about every single (player) has an iPad they can use to prepare for a game.”

With its high-resolution Retina display, Coughlin is confident the new iPad will enhance the team’s scouting and preparation efforts. They’ve had high-definition cameras installed at Great America Ballpark in the hope that the improved quality will give them a scouting edge.

Coughlin said:

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.

But it’s not all work, work, work. With the iPad, players can can kill time on long trips by playing games, watching movies, or browsing the web. And with FaceTime, they can keep in touch with their families while they’re away from home.

That’s more than I’ll use the new iPad for. I just want my tweets in high-definition.

[via MacTrast]

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