MLB is testing and debating some rule changes to speed games up.
One is to just turn intentional walks into a signal instead of the 4 pitches. Ok, but this doesn't actually save much, if any time, and you lose those fun plays when the pitcher or catcher screws up.
The other change is to start extra innings with a runner on second. This is just straight stupid.
I get wanting to speed games up, but this doesn't seem to be the way.
that doesnt speed game up ….both are well, ****ing stupid ideas…….the runner on second is nhl shootout gimmick times ten.
the runner on second completely changes the nature of baseball and the game long strategies that you would use even if to set up a 9th inning or extra innings win….or even set your batting order up.
and im all for the DH rule to stay as it relates to the 2 leagues.
what is it now? 15 seconds to throw a pitch…..or something like that….
the game's pace is fine.
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As for those two rule changes they're pretty stupid. Only one that i wouldnt really care about is the intentional walk rule. It won't save too much time, but whatever. It's irrelevant to me. The starting a runner on second in extras is dumb as ****. I'll be so pissed if that happens.
Want a way to speed up the game? Make managers challenge a play immediately. Don't let them stand on the top of the stairs after every questionable play waiting for their replay guy to say if it's good to challenge or not. The amount of times a game that happens is ridiculous.
Totally agreed on that front. 15 seconds to challenge or you're SOOL.
Another idea: maybe some people like when managers come out to argue with umps, but I hate it. It's dumb more often than that. Automatic suspension for managers if the umpire tells them to go back in dugout and they don't.
I'm on board with a signal for intentional walks. Always thought it was weird that you had to go through with all four pitches.
Hate the idea of starting the extra innings with a runner on 2nd.
The issue with baseball isn't the length of games that go into extra innings. It's the length of games in general.
Actually enforcing the rulebook on how much time pitchers take between pitches will go a long way in making games shorter. I think it's something like 12 seconds. But most pitchers take over 20. Also, why should batters be allowed to call for time in the batters box? Imagine that in any other sport: "Sorry, I'm not ready. Give me a second." That should be done away with too.
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.as...am=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=11,d
Pitchers who took the longest in between pitches last year: Iwakuma, Price, Tanaka, Sabathia, Nelson, all around 24-25 seconds. Shortest were Miley, Dickey, Denricks, Fister Fernandez, all around 17-19 seconds.
If the guys who took around 24 seconds took 19 seconds, that would save 25 minutes over a full game (assuming 300 total pitches between two teams).
I'm on board with a signal for intentional walks. Always thought it was weird that you had to go through with all four pitches.
A few ways to speed up the game IMO...
Enforce the "clock" during an at bat. Batters shouldn't be adjusting batting gloves, taking a stroll out of the box, fixing their nuts, etc during an at bat. On the same note, pitchers need to up the pace for most part. A lot of them, predominantly relievers, take a very long time in between pitches.
Next would be to enlarge the strike zone, albeit a smallish amount. The strike zone SHOULD be belt to knee cap. It's getting way to small. Make batters have to swing. Everyone loves a great 16,17 pitch at bat where it's pitcher vs batter but the annoying 5 pitch at bat that takes a minute and winds up being a ground out is annoying.
Starting extras with a runner at second is so childish and silly.
This nonsense about automatic intentional walks seemingly is a thumb in the eye to those screaming loud enough about this issue
How about 5 foul balls (after the 2nd strike) and it becomes strike 3?
Just an idea that I've had for a while now, though I'm okay with not messing with that either.
I just get annoyed when seeing frickin 10 pitches on the same batter, because he's ripping all these foul balls, while sitting on 2 strikes.
What would be the penality for a pictcher getting caught wasting time?
Make it a balk?
I like the really good like high teen pitch at bats where it's batter vs pitcher in who is going to make the first mistake, I guess that's contradictory with this. I would however like to see a bigger strike zone so the batters HAVE to swing more.
Maybe it's just because I'm not a huge baseball fan anymore, 10 pitches on the same batter is a pet peeve of mine when watching the game. It seems like whenever I need a bathroom break or need to get up for a second, that's what's happening.
I'm all for speeding up the game (very difficult to watch with full attention on tv) but I would be weary of changing any rules that will help lower a pitchers pitch count. Specifically targeting Bleeds idea. If we did that, you would see even more games dominated by the top pitchers in the league.