Ernie Johnson Apologizes For TBS' Much-Criticized Strike Zone Graphic

(CBS) TBS play-by-play man Ernie Johnson has apologized for the network's much-criticized strike zone graphic in its broadcasts of the MLB playoffs.

The comments from Johnson on the Spiegel and Goff Show on Wednesday were the first public remarks from anyone at the network regarding what has started as a pet peeve for viewers and now has turned into something more angry. The strike zone graphic for TBS -- the equivalent of ESPN's "K-Zone" -- has been noticeably off, with pitches that hit the corners that the umpires call strikes being marked as well outside the zone on the virtual graphic.

Initially, it led to many fans expressing outrage at the umpires on social media. As  more and more people realized the wonkiness of the graphic, it's simply been annoying, including to those in the Chicago market as the NLCS between the Cubs and Mets is being televised entirely on TBS.

"I hear you too," Johnson said of the criticism. "And again, I think it can be confusing sometimes. And yeah, you look at pitches and say, 'Where was that?' And it looks like it's outside the zone, but it's a called strike. That's the human element of umpiring too.

"I don't think it's ever been an exact -- and I don't know if it's a technical reason for that -- but it can't be an exact strike zone or estimation.

"I don't get into all the technical stuff, but I understand when folks see it and say, 'Hey, if that's in there, why isn't that a strike?' We hear it, believe me.

"It's kind of a blurry situation, and the value of it is certainly debatable. I have no doubt the conversation will go on. And I apologize for any frustration for fans out there too, because I know we don't want you throwing stuff at the (TV) set and saying 'What the heck is going on here? That's a strike, and why'd he call it a ball?'"

Johnson kept a sense of humor about the issue when 670 The Score host Jason Goff joked weather he has to drink to understand the strike zone graphic.

"We only drink in odd-numbered innings," Johnson said with a laugh.

The most puzzling part is why TBS hasn't fixed the graphic or just eliminated it altogether. Johnson didn't offer any explanation on that.

Listen to Johnson's full interview below. He talks plenty about the Cubs-Mets series.