I like the changes to MLB overall (except one, and there's one I've just accepted). The pitcher coming in must face 3 batters or finish the inning was a great big step in the right direction. I think the pitch clock continues in the right direction.
I don't really like the DH in the NL. I've just kinda accepted it. But, the bigger bases and limited throw overs have brought back some of the non-home-run-fun I need. I think the DH and bigger bases can/will lead to less overall extra-innings. The free runner... It's sooooo bad. I wouldn't even put one on first. I think the DH plus bigger bases and the 3 hitter rules is enough to not have a lot of tied after nine situations in the first place. I do think making the bases bigger + the free runner on 2nd in extra innings is a bit much. At least make them steal 2nd now that the bases are bigger? There's a Designated Runner thing that is being tested in the minors which seems fun but weird. It's a different kind of weird, and not as egregious as the free guy on 2nd...
The free runners in extra innings... f*** all that!!! Handing out runners... even worse runners in scoring position, is an abortion of the entire game. Shoot-out after OT in hockey level stupid! It makes a bit of a mockery of the battle that was the regulation portion of the game...
If they want to change how extra innings are played why stop at free runners? Let the team batting provides the (batting practice) pitcher(s) for extra-innings. I feel like this could be a crazy role for some retired players. Work on that lack of rotation, Timmy... Develop pitches in retirement like "the lollipop" and "the meatball." Higher ERA good! Avg exit velocity better be triple figures! Can't walk anyone anyways, but strikeouts are BAD!! It could become a new, fun thing for the fans and the players. They'd have to bring out the screen, of course. For the defensive team's pitcher's protection as well as the BP pitcher, but honestly the hitters shouldn't be hitting frozen ropes back up the middle with BP pitching. But, round ball, round bat... To hell with baseball at that point. Late night tied game means an inning of vs. batting practice with live runners and defense. Separated completely from regulation innings stats. No stolen bases/no pickoff throws, each hitter sees no more than three pitches, 3 foot lead-off for base runners, secondary lead allowed. You hit three foul balls, or take three pitches, or any combination of those two options over three pitches that don't result in an out nor a hit... you just got struck out by your own team at BP in extra innings. Should be a rare and comical feat. I also feel like there should be an extension of the batting order. All position players, and sure any pitchers the manager would like to insert, go into a new, enormous, extra-inning batting order. The additional players are DH, you put your best defensive players out to play D in extra inning. I don't think there will be more than one extra inning this way.
I feel like the potential of this happening would keep asses in seats longer. For example when it's 5-2 after 7 innings and the home team looks like they can't do anything right... Boy, you leave early and the home team somehow team forces extra innings and the game ends 23-26 you're gonna be pissed...
This is how you get national, live TV coverage every time any game goes into extra innings. Putting a runner on second base for free has no imagination whatsoever. f*** you, Manfred.
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