New MLB Rule

[isucy86]

We are seeing MLB managers use position players to pitch in the late innings of blowouts. Obviously by pitching a position player the Manager is saying the game is over. Why not just end the game?

The new extra inning rule has reduced the number of games that extend 13+ innings. But has this been a good change?

 

[IASTATE07]

I voted to end the shift. I don't know which I hate more, the defense aligning in a shift or the batter not making them pay for it.

 

[CYdTracked]

I hate the shift but also am the type of fan that doesn't understand how guys getting paid millions to hit a ball can't work on poking a hit opposite of the shift to keep the defenses honest. If they pull the SS to load up the right side is it really that hard for a guy to learn how to slap a pitch to the left side of the infield? Hell even laying down a bunt has become a lost art. Just a few times hitting away from the shift would prevent shifts for some of these guys.

 

[ISUKyro]

Eliminate the Shift: I say keep it. I love data and strategy. The fact you need more strategy and skill to counter the shift makes it more of a thinking game. (Which I know if tough for much of America)

Allow for 8 or 10 Rule After 7 Innings: Nope. Something to be said for finishing what you start. If you are concerned about the health of players, to that I would say lower the number of regular season games. That number is way too high to hold my interest.

Change the Extra Inning Rule of Putting Runner on 2nd: I like the idea of speeding up overtime. I'm all for this one.

All of my opinions should be of low value. I don't think I've actually watched an inning of baseball for a least a couple of years now.

 

[isucy86]

I hate the shift but also am the type of fan that doesn't understand how guys getting paid millions to hit a ball can't work on poking a hit opposite of the shift to keep the defenses honest. If they pull the SS to load up the right side is it really that hard for a guy to learn how to slap a pitch to the left side of the infield? Hell even laying down a bunt has become a lost art. Just a few times hitting away from the shift would prevent shifts for some of these guys.

For me the shift is nothing more than exploiting a hitters tendency by adjusting defenders. No different than pitchers throwing a type of pitch or to a location that is a hitters weakness. They can eliminate the shift, but will that just result in 2nd or SS basically straddling the middle of the infield?

I would like to see the extra inning rule of putting runner on 2nd modified. Instead put the runner on 1st. At least make the offense get a hit to score a run. Seen to many games where a ground-out & sac fly win games.

I would also add a mercy rule. Maybe they could call it the Rickett's Rule. A heck of a legacy!

 

[isucy86]

Eliminate the Shift: I say keep it. I love data and strategy. The fact you need more strategy and skill to counter the shift makes it more of a thinking game. (Which I know if tough for much of America)

Allow for 8 or 10 Rule After 7 Innings: Nope. Something to be said for finishing what you start. If you are concerned about the health of players, to that I would say lower the number of regular season games. That number is way too high to hold my interest.

Change the Extra Inning Rule of Putting Runner on 2nd: I like the idea of speeding up overtime. I'm all for this one.

All of my opinions should be of low value. I don't think I've actually watched an inning of baseball for a least a couple of years now.

The logic for the mercy rule has more to do with pitching position players. Last night's game was Swindell's 3rd as a pitcher this season. Obviously, managers have admitted defeat. Just end it.

 

[mj4cy]

I voted to end the shift. I don't know which I hate more, the defense aligning in a shift or the batter not making them pay for it.

Is there a rule that you have to have 3 outfielders and 4 infielders? Or is that just what people over time saw was the best defense?

I don't really hate the switch. To me it's like going from a 2:3 zone to a 1:3:1 zone in basketball or changing up defensive coverages based on the offensive personnel in football.

 

[Urbandale2013]

The logic for the mercy rule has more to do with pitching position players. Last night's game was Swindell's 3rd as a pitcher this season. Obviously, managers have admitted defeat. Just end it.

It’s fun to watch position players pitch though.

The shift needs limited. You should be able to shift but there needs to be general areas people have to stay in.

 

[Rabbuk]

Is there a rule that you have to have 3 outfielders and 4 infielders? Or is that just what people over time saw was the best defense?

I don't really hate the switch. To me it's like going from a 2:3 zone to a 1:3:1 zone in basketball or changing up defensive coverages based on the offensive personnel in football.

I think it's just the most commonly accepted efficient distribution of players not a rule per se. There's instances where a 5 infielder is used in late game anything out-of the infield is a loss situation

 

[VeloClone]

Eliminate the Shift: I say keep it. I love data and strategy. The fact you need more strategy and skill to counter the shift makes it more of a thinking game. (Which I know if tough for much of America)

Allow for 8 or 10 Rule After 7 Innings: Nope. Something to be said for finishing what you start. If you are concerned about the health of players, to that I would say lower the number of regular season games. That number is way too high to hold my interest.

For me the shift is nothing more than exploiting a hitters tendency by adjusting defenders. No different than pitchers throwing a type of pitch or to a location that is a hitters weakness. They can eliminate the shift, but will that just result in 2nd or SS basically straddling the middle of the infield?

I would like to see the extra inning rule of putting runner on 2nd modified. Instead put the runner on 1st. At least make the offense get a hit to score a run. Seen to many games where a ground-out & sac fly win games.

These guys said what I think about the whole thing. I have removed what I don't agree with.

 

[Clonefan32]

Eliminating the shift is dumb. Every other team sport is predicated on identifying your opponents weaknesses and tendencies. Why should this be different?

The ending the game part gets a little tricky with fans having bought tickets, gambling, etc. It's silly to have to trot out a position player, but I'm not sure you'll ever see them say a game can be called.

 

[Rabbuk]

Eliminating the shift is dumb. Every other team sport is predicated on identifying your opponents weaknesses and tendencies. Why should this be different?

The ending the game part gets a little tricky with fans having bought tickets, gambling, etc. It's silly to have to trot out a position player, but I'm not sure you'll ever see them say a game can be called.

I think if you're allowing shifts you need to liven up the ball. People ***** about players hitting only for power and not contact but using analytics based shifts has pretty much killed ground ball base hits and a lot of line drive hits too.

 

[cytor]

I hate the extra inning rule of putting someone on 2nd base. Play the game like the other 9 innings.

I will say this.... play at least 3 more extra innings (10,11, and 12). IF the score is still tied at that point, then do the guy starting out at 2nd base.

 

[DeereClone]

Pace of play, access to watching the games, and reaching younger fans are much bigger issues that baseball has.

Keep the shift, no mercy rule, OT rule is meh for me….don’t mind it during the regular season but would want the traditional set up for post-season.

 

[VeloClone]

I hate the extra inning rule of putting someone on 2nd base. Play the game like the other 9 innings.

I will say this.... play at least 3 more extra innings (10,11, and 12). IF the score is still tied at that point, then do the guy starting out at 2nd base.

I would go for your extra innings rule with even more modification. Play 10-12 as normal. Then for 13-15 put a runner at first. After that put him at second.

 

[pourcyne]

How about a time limit to the inning?

For instance, after 45 days, the other team gets to bat.

 

[VeloClone]

How about a time limit to the inning?

For instance, after 45 days, the other team gets to bat.

What is this, cricket?

 

[Drew0311]

I dont' know why anyone would end the shift. It's the offensive players job to make them pay for it. Just keep bunting down the third base line. I don't care if every defensive player plays in the outfield if that is what the team wants.

 

[IASTATE07]

Is there a rule that you have to have 3 outfielders and 4 infielders? Or is that just what people over time saw was the best defense?

I don't really hate the switch. To me it's like going from a 2:3 zone to a 1:3:1 zone in basketball or changing up defensive coverages based on the offensive personnel in football.

My gripe has more to do with batters abiding by unwritten rules and not making defenses pay. I think there should be four infielders with two to a side. If they want to shift within those parameters that's fine.

 

[VeloClone]

I dont' know why anyone would end the shift. It's the offensive players job to make them pay for it. Just keep bunting down the third base line. I don't care if every defensive player plays in the outfield if that is what the team wants.

Limiting shifts, designated hitter, no blocking the plate...

Let's just take all the baseball out of baseball!