The competition committee is set to vote on various proposed rule changes for the 2023 season, report Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic. A pitch clock, limitations on defensive shifting, pickoff limits and enlarged bases are all set to be formally voted upon tomorrow at 11:00 am CST.
As Drellich and Rosenthal note, it seems a mere formality that all the proposed changes will pass. The competition committee was established by mutual agreement between the league and Players Association during the most recent round of collective bargaining. It’s an 11-person panel designed to vote upon potential changes to the on-field playing rules. That committee is comprised of six league appointees, four MLB players and an umpire. Andy Martino of SNY reported in June that the league would be represented by Dick Monfort, John Stanton, Greg Johnson, Tom Werner, Mark Shapiro and Bill DeWitt for this round of voting. The players on the panel are expected to be Jack Flaherty, Tyler Glasnow, Whit Merrifield and Austin Slater (with Ian Happ and Walker Buehler as alternates), while Bill Miller will represent the umpires.
With MLB appointing a majority of the committee, it’s generally expected the league will be able to push through its desired changes with relative ease. (MLB had a unilateral right to change playing rules under the prior CBA, although it had been required to wait a full year after formally proposing it to the MLBPA in the event the union refused to sign off on earlier implementation). Under the current CBA, the committee can implement rules changes 45 days after making a recommendation to the union. That grace period won’t be relevant for this set of proposals, all of which are focused on 2023 and beyond.
The timing of the vote had been unclear, but it has seemed a formality for months that each of the pitch clock, a shift limitation and larger bases would be implemented by the start of next season. MLB had pushed for all three of those provisions at one point during CBA negotiations this past offseason. The parties eventually agreed to temporarily shelve any changes to the on-field product and focus on larger economic issues, but it has seemed inevitable since March that these three factors would be on the agenda (and would very likely be approved) for the 2023 campaign.
Drellich and Rosenthal report the specifics on the proposed alterations. Pitchers would have 15 seconds to begin their delivery with no one on base, while they’d have 20 seconds to start their motion with runners aboard. The countdown begins when the pitcher has the ball, the batter and catcher are in the vicinity of home plate, and all baserunners are in an appropriate position. Catchers must be in position with no more than nine seconds remaining on the clock. If either the pitcher or catcher violates the provision, an automatic ball is called.
Batters also have a time limit. They’re required to be in the box and “alert to the pitcher” with no more than eight seconds remaining on the clock. If he’s not prepared, an automatic strike will be assessed. (The league also has the authority to impose additional discipline on players and/or staff circumventing the clock). There are 30 seconds allotted between batters and 135 seconds between innings and for pitching changes.
The pickoff limit is also a pace-of-play measure. Pitchers are freely allowed to disengage from the rubber twice per plate appearance — whether to throw a pickoff or for any other reason. Doing so resets the clock for that pitch. A pitcher can disengage for a third time, but an automatic balk is assessed if the baserunner is not thrown out. Essentially, the disengagement rule limits pitchers to two “free” pickoff attempts per batter. After two unsuccessful step-offs, the pitcher can again attempt a pickoff but the baserunner would be awarded an automatic base if he’s not thrown out. If the runner advances without a ball put in play — via balk, stolen base, wild pitch, etc. — the pitcher’s disengagement limit resets.
The pickoff limit figures to incentivize more aggressive baserunning, at least among faster runners. Particularly once a pitcher uses his first two step-offs, a baserunner can theoretically extend his lead. The third disengagement means the runner won’t have free rein, but there’ll be more flexibility to push the leadoff knowing that another unsuccessful pickoff attempt is treated as a balk.
Turning to the shift restrictions, teams would be required to deploy four players (not including the pitcher and catcher) on the infield. All infielders have to have both feet on the dirt, and two players must be completely on either side of the second base bag. A shift violation results in an automatic ball, unless it occurs on a ball in play or hit batsman. If the baserunner reaches anyway, the play stands. If there’s an out recorded, the batting team’s manager decides whether to let the play stand. In most instances, they obviously wouldn’t do so, although there are certain situations (i.e. a sacrifice fly) where teams may be content to accept the out for the advancement of other baserunners. Whether a team violated the shift ban is subject to replay review, while possible pitch clock offenses are not.
The league has experimented with the possibility of restricting shifts for quite some time in an effort to increase the batting average on balls in play. That has included some rather complex and extreme tests in the minor leagues. Jayson Stark of the Athletic reported in July that MLB was introducing a “pie-slice” restriction on shifting at the Low-A level. Not only did that require two infielders on either side of second base, it carved out a restricted area around the bag to prevent middle infielders from playing deep and just to their side of second base to take away would-be hits up the middle. That is not in the proposed rules changes for MLB in 2023, to be clear, but it illustrates the league might experiment with further defensive restrictions down the line if the initial shift ban doesn’t produce a desired uptick in base knocks.
The bases, meanwhile, would be enlarged from their current 15 inches square to 18 inches square. That’s a small change designed to facilitate more aggressive baserunning and minimize the chance of collisions on bang-bang plays at first.
Drellich and Rosenthal report a host of other timing restrictions (on mound visits, in-stadium music, defensive timeouts, etc.) that would also go into effect if approved. The Athletic’s post is worth a full read for those interested in all the changes that seem likely to come to the majors next season.
davidk1979
Wish they outright banned the shift
bucsfan0004
You know they were shifting Mickey Mantle 70 years ago, right?
Rexwood
Imagine how good Mantle would have been if he wasn’t hung over half the time.
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
I cannot wait for MLB to get destroyed even more. The runner on 2nd base in extra innings is ridiculous. Why let regular position players pitch at all if the games are shortened?
BlueSkies_LA
Another great baseball fan heard from.
Benjamin101677
Having been to many extra innings games where the food service had stopped and it was hot etc I love the ghost runner extra inning rule. It gets the game over
Otto371
It makes the game exciting, god forbid we try to speed up play in extras.
Jonny5
They should just play one inning, not nine long boring innings. Each team starts with the bases loaded. I want the game to get over with as quickly as possible, I’m a true baseball fan.
/s
frontdeskmike
I was skeptical about the extra runner rule at first but warmed up to it because it automatically puts the game in a high leverage situation. I am in favor of the pitch clock and the larger bases. Having seen a minor league game with a pitch clock in effect, it has significantly sped up the action. I don’t support banning the shift. I believe it adds a level of strategy. I enjoy seeing teams use five infielders or four outfielders when the game is on the line. Shifts can be beat if hitters change their approach.
.
Frontdeskmike,
We agree on some stuff…I would say that when extra inning games come to fruition that the game is already in a bonafide “high leverage situation” as you say…As far as the pitch clock, I am not keen on it at face value. I feel it is something that might have a steep learning curve/acceptance amongst pitchers. What are the penalties for exceeding the pitch clock? As far as the shift goes, I am of the belief that the CF or 2B or SS, can position themselves in the parking lot, hamburger joint down the street from the stadium, or inside of the little boys room if they oh so desire…Like you said STRATEGY!
PhiladelphiaCollins
Changes are one thing. It is a completely different game now. Deal with it lol
.
Who is this Manfred??
braves2
you could just leave
drasco036
I really think once a position player takes the mound the game should be over, that is the equivalent of teams raising the white flag.
As far as the shift, I’m fine with banning the shift but why prevent players from playing their position deeper, I.e. lining up on the outfield grass?
ManFred continues to ruin the game of baseball by taking a good idea and taking it too far.
YankeesBleacherCreature
@Trumbo You mean the little boys room inside the Green Monster where Manny Ramirez used to hang?
wkkortas
(Cue your favorite “Blinded By The Light” reference here)
.
YBC, my curiousity is peaked yet I don’t know if I should ask you to elaborate haha….Maybe I’ll just google it in an “incognito” tab haha
.
Them and Golden Earring…True 2 hit wonders!!
YankeesBleacherCreature
youtu.be/ZnYkqvvcw6U
.
Haha Thanks YBC I just saw the clip. Great stuff. He probably handled his business, had a quick snack, checked an email, retied his cleats, and then came back haha
iron
To get around having 2 players on each side of 2nd base, I can see teams putting a fielder in motion running towards the other side of second base during a pitch to put them in the “old” shift position.
raisinsss
You’re thinking of arena baseball.
PhiladelphiaCollins
Why waste a wish on that? Might as well wish for a time machine.
BaseballClassic1985
1979 – I don’t think the shift should be totally banned, but restricting 2 infielders to either side of the bag and making all of them remain on the infield dirt is a great step. Watching guys smoke a ball to an infielder in short RF and be thrown out at 1st was nauseating.
itsmeheyhi
What’s nauseating is watching them not tap the ball to a half empty baseball field.
BaseballClassic1985
Clearly a statement made by someone who never played a competitive inning of baseball.
bucsfan0004
What’s nauseating is changing the game for a handful of left-handed batters that make Adam Dunn look like Tony Gwynn.
BaseballClassic1985
Blah blah blah blah blah
dirkg
Guys, like it or not, the game needs to continually evolve as its losing the younger fan-base. I was at my son’s basketball game several weeks ago and there were two Dads behind me discussing how they’re sad Wimbeldon is over. They were talking about they can’t wait for the NBA and NFL to start. One of them mentioned MLB and the other scoffed that it was too slow and boring. The other agreed.
I know it was a small example, but MF Tennis was discussed as more exciting as MLB. I was ready to turn around with the biggest WTF look on my face when my son scored and pulled my attention away.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Totally agree. I used to take pride that baseball is the only major pro team sport which doesn’t utilize a clock. At least the defense still controls the ball. I hope that doesn’t change unless they implement tees for extra innings homerun shootouts. You need to keep the younger generation engaged somehow or the sport will slowly die. Every generation complains “Back in my days… You kids today…”. Change is tough to accept but we need to adapt for tomorrow or get left behind.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
There’s nothing wrong with the shift. If players can’t go the other way it’s not the defending teams fault.
Paula_Hub
❤️Hі) Мy nаme іs Pаula, Іm 24 yеars оld) Bеginning SЕХ mоdel 18+) І lоve bеing phоtographed іn thе nudе) Plеase ratе my phоtos аt ➤ Ja.cat/id399074
richdanna
After watching how the pitch clock affected the minor leagues this season, I am completely in favor of it.
Chad623
Pitch clock = yes
Everything else = no
In favor of robo umps, or they could just eliminate the horrible umpires/egomaniacs (Angel Hernandez, CB Buckner, Ron Kulpa, to name a few)
Rexwood
How about a clock on batters screwing around between pitches?
geg42
You get to put on your batting gloves once per at bat
John Bird
No more guys who adjust their batting gloves after taking a pitch.
geg42
You get to put on your batting gloves once per at bat. Undo the Velcro, you have to hit without them.
bulldog1891
Below is copied from the 6th paragraph.
Batters also have a time limit. They’re required to be in the box and “alert to the pitcher” with no more than eight seconds remaining on the clock. If he’s not prepared, an automatic strike will be assessed.
If you think more needs to be done to keep batters from slowing the game, I understand, but the batters are having restrictions placed as well.
Darthyen
Umpires were suppose to fix that AND increase the pace of play by forcing hitters to get in the box. I mean in a important moment give them their space but 10-0 ball game with 2 out in the 9th and the hitter is stepping out every second pitch…..no…. umpire should have done their job and then maybe we don’t get stupid pitch clock.
Arnold Ziffel
I can see the pitch clock when nobody on, but seems to really screw things up with runners on.
Drew Waters Bat
As well it seems that want to limit how many times you can throw over. To much micro management. I want to make sure the robo ump relays to the umpire and to the scoreboard simultaneously. I get the feeling you are gonna have umpires like Angel Hernandez disagree with the call they hear and saw. And they signal a call different from the pitch tracker. Can you challenge the umpire? Got to make sure it goes to the scoreboard from the office. Not the score keeper watching the umpires signal. And the runner on second. Atleast start the player on first. Can’t score on 3 deep flyouts from first but you can in 2 on 2nd. Silliness.
EasternLeagueVeteran
Mike Hargrove votes NO to tine limits for batters.
Rexwood
The human rain delay.
longines64
And Nomar Garciapara
stymeedone
How about choosing a single baseball and using it for consecutive seasons so stats are comparable from year to year. Tired of lively and dead ball seasons.
BigGiantHead
That one ball sure would get beat up after a while though.
Rsox
Bigger bases seems like a safety hazard. The pitch clock is almost certainly coming. If players could learn to hit to the opposite field the shift would become pointless. Not really sure why they want to limit pickoff throws since players don’t really steal bases anymore anyway
adamontheshore
I used to be completely against banning the shift, but I have come around to it recently. Pitching has become so good that it feels like something has to be done. I agree that players should learn to bat against the shift, but when seemingly every pitcher is throwing 97+ it becomes incredibly difficult. It was a lot easier to hit against a shift years ago when 97+ was a rarity. The only thing I really don’t like is limiting pickoff moves, but it isn’t a big deal for me at least.
Cooperdooper7
Yeah…. I got a problem with Teams (Toronto and Tampa) that put that move an infielder to play four Outfielders when Raffy Devers is hitting….. but I also have a problem with Raffy not just bunting or slashing when they do it so I am torn…
sufferforsnakes
Arizona currently has several players who run like crazy, attempting steals constantly. Exciting baseball, unlike the multitudes who go to bat trying only to hit home runs.
Rexwood
Dbacks actually make baseball fun to watch.
Joe says...
Players aren’t going to hit the other way unless they are incentivised to. Players are payed the big bucks to hit it over the shift.
64' Yanks
Actually hit it over the fence! I’m tired of all of nothing batting. K’s vs Hr
Rsox
Agreed and it makes for boring baseball.
A month ago the Angels hit 7 Home Runs in a game (all solo) and lost 8-7 to the A’s. The RBI per Home Run ratio is starting to look ridiculous when Mike Trout has 32 HR’s and 62 RBI’s and Byron Buxton has 28 HR’s and 51 RBI’s. Homers aren’t quite as meaningful with no one on base
Col_chestbridge
The pick off restriction is tied to the pitch clock. Without it, a pitcher would just throw a pickoff to reset the clock whenever they got too close to time.
astros_fan_84
The “beat” the shift by swinging for the fences. I love singles, stolen bases, and double plays.
coldgoldenfalstaff
Feet on the dirt is ridiculous, hope the players kill it.
BuddyBoy
Why is it ridiculous to have infielders on the infield dirt?
pohle
it isnt necessarily ridiculous, although i do think it is quite restricting and dont see it as a necessity. players play deep on guys who hit the ball hard. if they stick with to that rule, extending the dirt by maybe half a foot would probably make everyone happy
adkuchan
So more hard hit balls will be hits? Sounds boring. More groundouts, please.
Shoguneye
And does baseball have a standard dirt zone? If it doesnt there might be less grass next year.
Cartoon sized bases?
This game is turning into a government agency.
Joe says...
I think the pie slice alignment is very interesting. Has anyone seen that in use yet?
PaulR28
Not yet. Prince Fielder tried eating it.
Joe says...
He must have gotten there ahead of Panda.
Knownotsomuch
Yes. Lakeland Flying Tigers. Low A team for Detroit Tigers. Have gone to many games this year. 2 Chalk lines extend from 2nd base toward outfield. One extends to front of left field grass, the other extends to front of right field grass.(a pie shaped slice). 2 infielders must be on each side as pitch is delivered. I LOVE IT.HARD HIT BALLS NOW HAVE MORE CHANCE To GET THROUGH. More spectacular diving plays by SS and 2nd basemen. I have noticed more offense. You may be able to find videos on You Tube
geg42
Thanks for providing actual value to the discussion.
geg42
It will be too hot to go outside anyway
kcmark
Not if you listen to Bob Uecker and go ……. “Just a bit outside”.
never woke
Just large bases please
Ted
The pick off rule seems like the one most likely to have unintended and unpredictable consequences
abc123baseball
I love it. Nothing more tiresome than a pitcher throwing over to first ten times between each pitch.
astros_fan_84
The game needs more stolen bases. I wish they would change the rule about popping off the bag for a microsecond.
Speaking of unintended consequences, that was always safe until replay. Now, it’s an out. It’s physics, not skill. I’d love for that little pop to not be an out.
Shoguneye
Good point should be like 1st base. If theres no intent to keep going and its continuation of play, no call
sufferforsnakes
Sucking more enjoyment from the game.
thomasg1951
Don’t call it baseball.
Make them play in shorts.
No call strike three calls. It’s mean.
PaulR28
All these changes and not one mandating Angel Hernandez and Rob Manfred live together on a deserted island.
Manfred’s playing with the balls
Best rule ever
thomasg1951
Make them play in shorts or a skirt.
WARrior
Banning the shift is penalizing innovation. Sucks for the Rays who figured it out as well as other small market teams who will no longer be able to defend effectively against expensive free agent hitters.
Speaking of innovation, WHERE ARE THE ROBO UMPS?!?
64' Yanks
Yeah Robby the Robot for home plate and Gort to handle all issues on the field!
Joe says...
And HAL to oversee everything.
PhiladelphiaCollins
…what do you think are you doing Dave?
whyhayzee
Watching Gort vaporizing that clown Josh Donaldson would be worth the price of admission.
Rexwood
Umpires who have their own version of the strike zone should be ticketed by cops who have their own version of the speed limit.
BigGiantHead
Maybe just put the ball on a tee for the players that aren’t smart enough tp hit it the other way.
gbs42
It’s less about being smart enough and more about pitchers getting better and better.
gbs42
Throwing harder, with more break = better
Not good for most pitchers’ long-term health, but it’s effective in the moment.
WillieMaysHayes24
Throwing harder ≠ better
creacher
Love the shift. Absolutely adore it. This pick off crap looks confusing as hell and limiting. Pitchers can only make two pickoffs?
Rexwood
Ban Velcro. Stop batters from wasting time unfastening and fastening batting gloves. Get in the batter’s box and stay there. Enough with all the quirks and jerks, stepping out and going through unnecessary drivel. Play ball for heaven’s sakes.
BlueSkies_LA
But wouldn’t their pants fall down?
Rsox
You’re rules would have caused Nomar Garciaparra to have a nervous breakdown back when he played
Knownotsomuch
Largest delay of the games are the TV commercials between innings. Easy fix. Do like golf, split the TV screen in half after end of inning. Commercial plays on the right, the game continues on the left half. Go back to full screen when commercial ends.
YankeesBleacherCreature
@Knownotsomuch Perhaps they can eliminate commercials all together on streaming services and allow home audiences to watch what goes on in the field in-between innings – like soft-tossing, spitting of sunflower seeds, cup readjustments, glove tightening, etc. Oh wait… that’s another service tier they can sell!
NickTheDev
Will you please run for president. I want that so bad. And no making the commercial audio louder.
miltpappas
How about cutting out 25% of the commercials and letting starting pitchers go 9 innings? And get rid of that idiotic “ghost runner” and the DH.
phantomofdb
Commercials aren’t nearly as much to blame for the length of game as batters adjusting their crotch after every pitch and pitchers staring at the catcher for 30 seconds for no reason. Look it up there was a study done on it with 2 games 40 years apart or so and commercials added like 9 minutes, standing around added 40
Pitch clock is fantastic and baseball desperately needs it
Fever Pitch Guy
phantom – It’s a fact commercials are longer between innings during the postseason because of the additional revenue.
Speeding up the game is a priority for MLB only when it doesn’t interfere with making money.
Skeptical
Cut one sixty minute commercial between each half inning and you reduce game time by a minimum of eighteen minutes.
NickTheDev
There are no sixty minute commercials you dolt.
YankeesBleacherCreature
@Nick The other day, I was watching a replay of Game 1 of the 1998 WS. After the first inning, a commercial for the Shake Weight aired. I fell asleep with my Snuggie and then woke up on my recliner an hour later and the second inning didn’t even start yet. How do you explain that??? Then I heard my door knock while my mailman was delivering my new Thighmaster.
thomasg1951
If you are negative to these it won’t post.
Just like twitter.
BlueSkies_LA
Woah, I guess I’m the first to notice that “15 square inches” is 3.9 x 3.9 inches and 18 square inches is a mere 4.2 x 4.2 inches. Even the larger ones are some really tiny bases!
oatbak
I was going to say the same thing, lol
Old York
How about bases loaded each at-bat? This should make for more offense.
kcmark
Better yet only 3 foul balls allowed after the hitter has two strikes. 3 fouls, you’re out.
panj341
Here is an idea they should try first in the minors. How about 3 balls equal a walk and 2 strikes equal an out. Batters would not be waiting till the pitcher throws a strike and the pitchers would nibble less on the corners. This would bring back the long forgotten complete game like back in the 70s and reduce the need for all those relief pitchers. Teams could then carry most position players. More pinch hitters should result in more offense,
riffraff
I’m not a fan of the shift but I don’t want it banned – maybe modified. I totally hate the 2 feet on the dirt rule so hows this for a compromise…You can play your infielders as deep or shallow as you like unless there are 3 of them on 1 side of second base in which case all 3 infielders have to have both feet on the dirt. Can still shift but may not be as effective with 3 guys all on the dirt.
whyhayzee
Clown show. Nobody’s watching any more so let’s make the game even more stupid. Humbug.
Rexwood
Leave the rules alone. Just speed up play.
BlueSkies_LA
Yeah. Require the batters to run from the on deck circle to the batter’s box, and don’t allow pitchers to use the restroom for an hour before or during games. Want more urgency in the game? You got it.
tiger9
This is all well and good. Can we get rid of the runner at second base rule. A joke.
RazorRamonie
Exactly I was looking for this one to be gone all the others are expected except the pick off one that’s weird if they keep this free guy on second at least don’t let it start until the 12th 2 regular extra innings then you can add that
mils100
Likely permanent. What incentive do they have to get rid of it? They dont care about the fans.
Luckybrew
I agree with you that rule is terrible and ruined the game in my opinion.
NickTheDev
You do realize that rule doesn’t exist yet for next year… it was extended to this year,… its not permanent (yet) so they wouldn’t have to “get rid of it”.
notnamed
ban the shift,
ban bat flipping,
ban chest beating,
have a no taunting rule,
any thrown equipment is an automatic ejection,
any player leaving dugout or bullpen is automatically suspended for three games,
if any players are involved in a confrontation
any other player that gets involved is suspended three games,
umpires cannot touch players,
if you hit a home run, run the bases, no shenanigans.
fire manfred
kcmark
Call the @#$& strike zone. Knees to the armpit.
notnamed
yep
Cooperdooper7
So if I read this correctly, guys with speed are going to become more valuable assets and the pick off rules are going to increase stolen bases.
mils100
Maybe. They want to incentivize steals. Still, mlb isnt milb. Pitchers can shut down a running game mostly by varying their timing and mlb catchers are so much better than milb catchers. If over the course of a weeks gsmes, maybe 2 more sb attempts which is pretty neglible.
Personally, I think its a pointless rule and unnecessarily complicated.
sjwil1
how many of the 11 voters are white dudes?
just wondering… and I’m white and unwoke
Rsox
What does that have to do with anything?
None of the issues up for vote are even remotely racial
sjwil1
haha, northing actually. just weird to see a group made up of all our mostly white guys these days.
Ella B
You really didn’t need the second sentence, the first said all anybody needs to know. And “unwoke”? Go back to Fox, this is a baseball site.
WillieMaysHayes24
And somehow your comments add anything of substance to the discussion, other than your political bias? Right.
.
Just looking at your profile pic makes me wanna watch “Bloodsport” and “The Last King Of Scotland” tonight.
WillieMaysHayes24
Two of my favorite movies. He really blew me away with his performance in The Last King of Scotland.
.
Yes indeed. Everyone always “knew OF him” up until then but that movie really gave him his proper due. Best Actor to boot…
.
Best Actor as in “he won the oscar” that year.
YankeesBleacherCreature
@Trumbo I’m dusting off my VHS copy of Ghost Dog as I type.
YankeesBleacherCreature
He was also really good in Black Panther but I guess his role was limited to not take the shine away from the lead actors.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
“Unwoke” is a favorite terminology for 4 inch white guys.
JoeJackson4HOF
Just let baseball be. The more changes made, the less interesting the game becomes. Watching way more soccer these days because the powers that be are wrecking the game I’ve loved for 60 years.
.
I sure hope Shoeless Joe gets in the hall one day. Ty Cobb said he was the best hitter he ever saw. I think he said the same about Hornsby as well. How could you argue with either..
Dr Leaf
Bases aren’t 15 square inches. That would make them just under 4 inches along each side. They are 15 inches a side for 225 square inches.
Sabermetric Acolyte
At this point baseball in 15 years will just be simulations.
Rsox
Like in 2020 when networks were televising MLB players playing MLB: the Show
notagain27
How about making first base the only large base like they have in softball? That would allow the batter/runner to run inside the 45 foot lane like it was intended. Fewer collisions at first base and less judgement calls by the umpires.
yetipro
Been decades since I’ve played but I’m guessing that the bigger bag will make it a little easier to steal &/or beat a throw. Harder to just block the entire bag, easier to hook around the bag on the slide, easier to hold onto the bag as you’re sliding through, etc.
Oldman58
Skewing baseball statistics
casorgreener
I support every one of these changes. Good for baseball
Oldman58
If you support the changes you don’t like baseball. Probably more concerned about your fantasy baseball team than any real team
compassrose
What you are really saying if you disagree with me you are wrong because I am right. People have a different idea that is alright differing ideas don’t have to be wrong just different.
casorgreener
Never played fantasy baseball. Go to 10-15 Astros games a year. Just tired of seeing folks grabbing their crotch, adjusting there cup and gloves after every pitch and pitchers taking 30 seconds to throw the damn ball. YMMV
Steinbrenner2728
“Go to 10-15 Astros games a year”… Who woulda figured?
Emilia
I may as well enjoy what is left of this season. Ruining the game in this fashion is a complete turn off . I will definitely end my MLB subscription and find a new hobby/sport.
.
Anyone here against allowing “ties” after a certain inning, perhaps 10th or 11th? Maybe just give each team 1/2 a win and if the #’s are befuddled at the end do a game 163?
Old York
@TrumboJumbo
They do ties in Japan. After the 12th, if it remains a tie, they just assign a tie to the record column. Doesn’t hurt your winning percentage. I’ve got no problem with that and you are still getting a full game. I’d prefer it over the runner on 2nd little league style baseball.
.
Old York, that is pretty cool I did not know that.
Nevrfolow
Austin Slater will also be representing the broadcasters.
Oldman58
Leave the game alone
Let’s not change the game for the ADHD generation. It’s not like the owners are losing money here. Listen if the kids want to play their video games and stare at their phone all day fine but don’t ruin baseball to appease people who probably won’t be watching anyway
braves2
what a confusing mess of a joke of ridiculously unwarranted rules
MarlinsFanBase
So, with the pickoff attempt limits, shift limitations, bigger bases, Jon Berti is going to bat .320 and break Rickey Henderson’s single-season SBs record.
Old York
And hopefully the career record too!
dcahen
The biggest problem in baseball is the lack of a salary cap. Harlem Globetrotters vs Washington Generals. One team’s payroll is $250 million, another’s is 25 million. The competitive balance adjustment or fine is ineffective. The $25 million team (& 28 other teams) get $10 million, so they can a average veteran middle reliever or a utility infielder. Big deal! The NFL rules the sports landscape because they have a real salary cap. Baseball doesn’t get it.
MarlinsFanBase
Agreed. MLB needs a Cap&Floor system. This thing continues to become more ridiculous every year. And it’s solely because both sides are too greedy to do what’s for the good of the game. The players don’t want to have a cap and the owners don’t want a floor.
nottinghamforest13
Flaherty will also push for various woke measures such as each batter kneeling prior to entering the batter’s box.
VegasSDfan
People like you have turn everything into a politics issue. You probably want the players to storm the MLB front offices
nottinghamforest13
Is what I said political? Sociological certainly, but I don’t see a direct political correlation.
.
Politics is inherently sociological.
nottinghamforest13
And yet sociology is not inherently political.
.
Sure it is. Don’t be dumb.
.
Actually, I think I better mute you…For your sake.
TwinCities
Absolutely destroying the greatest game in the world. It’s one of my few true loves, and my choices seem to be leave her or watch her turn sour.
goob
Well, let’s hope you’re using protection – for “her” sake at least.
FarhanFan22
I love great pitching but the strikeouts are getting ridiculous. Maybe MLB should lower the mound again. Or move it back
.
Come on Farhan, why penalize pitchers because hitters are going for the fence more frequently instead of learning/trying to go the other way? 60 ft 6inches ain’t no stones throw as it is my friend. Hitting a fastball has and will always be hard. I could tell you for sure that moving the mound back would make some pitchers even filthier…More break and more movement guaranteed man!
mils100
That is partially a goal of a pitch clock and shifting. Maybe relievers cant max out and maybe no shift leads to guys ok aiming for a single. Doubt it though. Teams/players dont care if they strikeout, the goal is driving the ball…high k rates are unlikely to really change much.
VegasSDfan
Love these changes, the pitch clock is needed, the larger and shorter bases are needed. Yes less pick off attempts, and get rid of the shift.
I would vote yes on all
MannyPineappleExpress9
I’m not a fan of the current shift, at least what the Brewers do since we seem to allow hits to the vacated areas on a regular basis. However, if MLB wants to increase BABIP so bad, they should provide instructors to every team whose only job is to teach batters to at least TRY going the other way.
How is it that there are basically 3 or 4 players in all of baseball who, when they see 70 feet of open real estate from the 3B line toward 2B, will actually make an effort to take advantage of it?
Poster formerly known as . . .
The problem with bases isn’t their size, it’s their construction.
Back in the day, bases were soft. But the manufacturer currently contracted by MLB makes a base that’s a hard rubber shell over more rubber; a base that’s high enough to trip runners, hard enough to injure runners sliding into them (especially, but not only, those sliding hands-first), slick enough (especially when wet) to cause runners to slide off and injure themselves, and anchored to the ground so there’s no give. As Buck Showalter said when he was managing the O’s:
“They’re called Hollywood bases, but they’re from hell as far as I’m concerned. They’re slippery and hard, and they cause all sorts of injuries. We’d be better off going back to burlap bags.”
.
You are on to something Fink..Think you hit the nail on the head with the burlap bags..
goob
TwinCities would prefer them in a nice crisp gingham.
.
I noticed Curly (The Smart Stooge) was nowhere to be found on this never ending thread….Curly, we wouldn’t mind getting your take on all this sir…
mils100
I think these changes are meh. Pitch clocks I am ok w but I dont want to see a countdown clock on tv but I get the need for it.The pickoff thing seems convoluted, wont do anything and not needed but I get the desire to force more steals.
Honestly, the only rule I really dislike is the ghost runner as that is a fundamental change I hate. And truly once you institute something as bad as that, all this other stuff really doesnt matter.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
Read an article on the Athletic about Joe Maddon and it also included quotes from Theo Epstein…
At least the people who helped ruin baseball now realize what they have done.
But, the best part is the comments….kids who have basically never seen a good version of baseball in their life regarding any criticism of the current game as “old man yells at cloud” instead of “person who has actually seen good baseball in their lifetime warns you not to eat a s*** sandwich but since it’s the only thing you’ve ever eaten you think it’s yummy”.
Bon appetite.
infractor
Never mind in-stadium music – just ban that asinine strikeout whistle at Yankee Stadium.
Renotribefan
I’m fine with most of these (except the ghost runner…ugh), but I am 1000% opposed to the limit on pickoffs. It’s going to have so many unintended consequences which are going to be bad for the game.
Here’s just one I can think of off the top of my head. Runners at the corners. Pitching team is up by 1 run. A fast runner is on at first. The pitcher throws over to first twice. Now he can’t step off anymore or else it’s a balk. So, the runner at first just starts walking to second base. The pitcher steps off and gets the runner from first in a rundown. At that point, the runner from third takes off towards home.
Does the pitching team throw home to get the tying run out? If they do, and the runner from first either reaches second or goes back to first, then by rule it’s an automatic balk, right?. So that runner would go to second and the runner at third would score even if he was tagged out? That’s stupid. And because of that, the pitching team would almost be forced to go after the runner from first allowing the runner from third to score uncontested.
Teams are going to have employees whose sole purpose is going to be to figure out ways to take advantage of these rules. I’m fine with some advancements like a pitch clock, but baseball is played without a clock and there are times where you have to embrace that and not fear it. If someone is not going to watch a game because a pitcher throws over to first 3 times, then they’re probably not going to watch much baseball anyway.
mils100
I think in your example, the runner would be out at home, guy at 2nd doesnt matter.
I think teams wont even pickoff multiple times at all. As a pitcher, you dont evwr want to get to the 2nd pickoff. It really isnt that common now. Maybe teams pitch out more, snap throw behind runners, etc.
Overall, seems like a rule that exists to avoid pitchers working around the pitch clock.
Old York
Either way, we know that the Rays are already finding new loopholes in these rules that will make MLB have to change the rules again in 2024.
beyou02215
God willing.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
I may be in the minority, but I’m against banning or restricting the shift. Learn to go the opposite way. I know, I know, pitchers are throwing faster than ever. You can counter that by choking up and shortening your swing. It’s the hitters’ fault for selling out for power, which means trying to pull the ball so much. Hitting into the shift is a logical offshoot of that approach. I see no reason to punish defenses for decisions made by the offense.
GarryHarris
I read a Paul Warner interview that batters had to be always ready to hit and couldn’t leave the batters box because pitchers would try to get a strike on you if you weren’t ready.
The batters always calling time and leaving the batters box is the real issue. Pitchers already have a time limit.
Don’t ban the shift. That’s stupid.
Fans should be allowed to go in the Yankee broadcast booth and beat the shot out of John Sterling after he makes his infantile home run calls. I mean beat him senseless and throw him off the 10th floor .
Luckybrew
As long as you changing the game please get rid of the ridiculous extra innings rule. That is a terrible rule real fans go to see a complete game and if they are concerned about the time don’t go to the game or if time goes to long leave. You are ruining the game.
Jacksson13
ALSO
1). Suspend any pitcher whose pitched ball hits and injures a batter and remain suspended for the same amount of time that the injured batter is unable to compete at the MLB level.
2). Eliminate the ability to score on a sacrifice fly. Runners only score on a ball in play via either a hit, ground out, or sacrifice bunt. Also by walk, balk, hit by pitch, or steal .
3). Unless they actually swing at a pitch, either missing or fouling off, batters are prohibited from leaving the batters box.
4). Increase the 40 man roster to 45.
5). Increase the 26 man roster permanently to 28. And make it 30 every 9/01.
TheMan 3
Sacrifice flies have been around since Baseball’s founding
Teams’ owners would never agree to expansion of the roster, at least not without negotiations
Expanding the roster would increase salaries and count earlier for service time and arbitration
Otherwise. lay off the sauce
degrominator34
Can we send manfred to the moon
prov356
Manfred is ruining baseball. He’s trying to attract the short attention span generation and it won’t work. No one will suddenly become a true baseball fan just because the game is a few minutes shorter. And all the changes he has implemented will cause other fans to get disgusted and walk away from the game. The ghost runner is ridiculous little league level crap.
prov356
…and it’s disgusting to listen to all of the goof balls on MLB channel talk about how much they love the changes. They can’t dissent because they work for MLB.
TheMan 3
They should hold a vote to force small market teams to use their share of the luxury tax to put competitive players on the field
Owners like Bob Nutting of the Pirates uses his share as profit.
Salaries and expenses are paid for by ticket sales, percentage of memorabilia and stadium concessions