Baseball 2017

[easysurfer]

Boo for baseball!!

A stupid rule change! .

As if baseball games weren't aren't already stagnant enough, nothing's worse than seeing four straight pitches to the plate that the pitcher has absolutely no intention of getting near the batter.

Then again, there's always some drama during the year on an intentional walk or two, whether that's a passed ball or a player reaching over the plate and hitting the throw.


Either way, Major League Baseball has made a massive change that will make the intentional walk obsolete at the big-league level.

REPORT: MLB Approves Massive Change to Intentional Walk Rule | 12up

The powers that be should stop messing with the game. Now we can't even enjoy a leisurely game of America's [-]former[/-] pastime .

 

[AlbaCrush]

I do think baseball games go on forever sometimes and would love for the game to see the games speed up. According to the report, eliminating the intentional walk pitches only reduces the game by 14.3 seconds. Woohoo....now find a way to knock another half hour off the game.

 

[easysurfer]

I just really really hope baseball won't do that start runner on 2B each extra inning. I heard of that proposal on "The Tonight Show" and almost that the proposal was a joke and had to look it up and make sure my leg wasn't pulled.

 

[ERD50]

I do think baseball games go on forever sometimes and would love for the game to see the games speed up. According to the report, eliminating the intentional walk pitches only reduces the game by 14.3 seconds. Woohoo....now find a way to knock another half hour off the game.

It's not about time, it's about strategy. And history. Baseball is supposed to be slow and boring!

I'm not a sports fan, but baseball does interest me from time to time, and I did watch every... single .... pitch... of the final games of the series last year with the Cubbies. And I mean every pitch. And I found a link on youtube, where the guy edits the time between pitches, and you can watch every... single... pitch... in about 1/8th the time.

It's oddly exciting when a pitcher intentionally walks a batter. Maybe the batter will jump out and hit the ball! Or maybe it backfires, and the next hitter drives the walk home? It's fun, I don't think they should mess with it.

EDIT - OK, just read the link - so they still allow an intentional walk, but just call it, no 'play acting'. I dunno, it's one of those weird things that makes baseball different from other sports, I say leave it in. There really is no rhyme or reason for sports, so nostalgia should play a part I guess.

-ERD50

 

[easysurfer]

When the pitcher is forced to throw the four pitches for an intentional walk, there's a tendency for the pitcher to have a little less control for the next batter up. Plus, adds to his pitch count. On a hot day, if the team wants to walk the batter, make the pitcher wear himself out more. That is (well was) part of the human factor and beauty of the game.

 

[GrayHare]

There are too few intentional walks for this change to make much time difference.

The main reasons games took less time to finish 40+ years ago are 1) there had been fewer ads between half innings, and 2) batters usually stayed in the batters' box between pitches. It's obvious why MLB does not want to return to #1, but why there is lax enforcement of #2 is a mystery to me.

In particular MLB is concerned with the long duration of extra inning games and this year will be testing (in rookie leagues) starting each extra half inning with a man on 2B. That's too radical a change for my taste. Instead I'd consider limiting the number of foul balls per at bat: after X (pick a number) foul balls, the batter is out. Right now X is infinite.

 

[RunningBum]

I think more pitching changes is another big reason. Used to be that Fergie Jenkins or Bob Gibson would finish what they started more times than not. Now you rarely see a CG. Pitching changes take a lot of time.


Time isn't the only factor in that extra inning rule being considered. At least one manager complained about a long extra inning game depleting his staff. Going back to my previous point, maybe don't bring a pitcher in to get one out against a righty and then bring in a different pitcher to throw to a lefty and you won't run out so easily.

 

[ERD50]

When the pitcher is forced to throw the four pitches for an intentional walk, there's a tendency for the pitcher to have a little less control for the next batter up. Plus, adds to his pitch count. On a hot day, if the team wants to walk the batter, make the pitcher wear himself out more. That is (well was) part of the human factor and beauty of the game.

There you go. It's the subtle little things like that that make baseball different from other sports, IMO.

I'm thinking those 4 lobs across the plate won't do much to wear the pitcher out, but I can see it breaking his momentum, breaking his stride, or concentration. And it's tradition - that counts in some things.

-ERD50

 

[Texas Proud]

I wish I could remember when it happened.... but cannot..

I remember a game where the home plate umpire was retiring after the game... it was the last game of the season and the Astros were playing some other team that was not in contention (nor were the Astros)...

Well, the ump was known for short games, but he sped up the game... would not allow batters to call time out, make the pitcher pitch etc. etc.... the game was just a few minutes over 2 hours!!!

 

[easysurfer]

A big time delay is when the pitcher throws again and again to 1st base to hold the runner on. But, that's part of the game and when some of the boos get loudest...can't beat fun at the old ballpark.

 

[harley]

Well, it's not a total BS move like the designated hitter rule, but still. Baseball used to be the perfect game, but rule changes have devalued it. Football too. As much as I like it when my team wins out on an instant replay situation, I think it would be better to just play the game. I'm a purist.

 

[eytonxav]

Instead I'd consider limiting the number of foul balls per at bat: after X (pick a number) foul balls, the batter is out. Right now X is infinite.

Thats what happens in our softball league, not a bad idea. One other way to speed the game up would be to return to a higher pitching mound.

 

[easysurfer]

I bet there will a time, 2 outs in the ninth inning, bases loaded, tied game, you get the idea. Pitcher comes to the stretch, delivers the ball.... wait..."Did the pitch clock expire before or after the ball came out of his hand?"

Let baseball be a kids game like the timeless summers of the past.

 

[Ronstar]

The game has survived quite well for more than 100 years. Don't change the rules. Except get rid of the designated hitter and go back to the old rules. Part of the popularity of baseball is the history. I don't think that rule changes will draw more young people to watch the games.

 

[easysurfer]

The game has survived quite well for more than 100 years. Don't change the rules. Except get rid of the designated hitter and go back to the old rules. Part of the popularity of baseball is the history. I don't think that rule changes will draw more young people to watch the games.

IMO, the only thing good about the DH is that allows players who aren't 100% healthy to play. Take Schwaber for the Cubbies during the World Series, for example. The DH actually helped the NL team this time around. Or someone like Big Papi or Jim Thome who had their careers extended. That said, I much prefer the NL rule of of no DH.

 

[easysurfer]

I think Manfred is trying to compete with Goodell as most disliked commish in sports .

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred insists he’s simply trying to be proactive, thinking that new rules to speed up his sport will provide more action and keep Millennials engaged.

Among those who play the game, however, Manfred has provoked only disgust.

Manfred wants the 20-second pitch clock that exists in the minor leagues to be implemented in the big leagues. He wants limited visits to the pitcher’s mound by catchers and infielders. He wants to eliminate the low strike in the strike zone. And if he doesn’t get cooperation from the players union, he’ll implement them himself in time for the 2018 season.

The players think these new rules will cause so much collateral damage to the sport that the game will become unrecognizable.

MLB veterans chafe at Rob Manfred's vision: Always 'some stupid new rule'

 

[Texas Proud]

I think Manfred is trying to compete with Goodell as most disliked commish in sports .

MLB veterans chafe at Rob Manfred's vision: Always 'some stupid new rule'

I do not think a clock is a bad thing... some pitchers take forever to get ready and throw a pitch.... however, I would also want to have a rule about how many times you can get out of the batters box... there are guys who take 30 seconds to get ready.... a pitch, out of the box... 30 more seconds... just one batter can take many minutes...

 

[easysurfer]

I do not think a clock is a bad thing... some pitchers take forever to get ready and throw a pitch.... however, I would also want to have a rule about how many times you can get out of the batters box... there are guys who take 30 seconds to get ready.... a pitch, out of the box... 30 more seconds... just one batter can take many minutes...

My disappointment is baseball is (at least mostly for now) really the only sport without a clock. Unlike other sports where there is a game clock a game can theoretically go on and on. I know, for some, that's a negative. I see that as a positive bringing back memories of childhood watching an long extra inning game til the wee hours of the morning. Felt, like I was playing hooky.

Seems to me like baseball under to new commish is trying to be football.

 

[ERD50]

I do not think a clock is a bad thing... some pitchers take forever to get ready and throw a pitch.... however, I would also want to have a rule about how many times you can get out of the batters box... there are guys who take 30 seconds to get ready.... a pitch, out of the box... 30 more seconds... just one batter can take many minutes...

Yes, this stood out for me when I watched the playoffs and WS last year. It seems mostly to just be messing with the pitcher - throwing their timing off? It did seem excessive, and boring.

edit - just saw easysurfer post - I was going to add that I didn't think there was any clock in baseball, but I wasn't sure. Would it be up to a ref to make a subjective call on a pitcher if they purposefully and obviously delayed the game (waiting for a rain-out call or?)?


-ERD50

 

[JoeWras]

My disappointment is baseball is (at least mostly for now) really the only sport without a clock. Unlike other sports where there is a game clock a game can theoretically go on and on. I know, for some, that's a negative. I see that as a positive bringing back memories of childhood watching an long extra inning game til the wee hours of the morning. Felt, like I was playing hooky.

Seems to me like baseball under to new commish is trying to be football.

Two others come to mind right away: volleyball and tennis. Both used to have rules that could result in matches lasting FOREVER. Both modified their "overtime" rules to limit it. The games survived.

A few posts up somebody quoted something like "the game will be unrecognizable". Uh, to me it already is. Watching MLB as a kid, in the pre-velcro days, guys didn't mess with their glove or shin guard every pitch. BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THEM. To me, this auxiliary batters' equipment has cost at least 10 minutes per game. And then there are the 10 pitchers per contest, etc. Complete games anyone? Another 20 minutes.

 

[easysurfer]

Two others come to mind right away: volleyball and tennis. Both used to have rules that could result in matches lasting FOREVER. Both modified their "overtime" rules to limit it. The games survived.

A few posts up somebody quoted something like "the game will be unrecognizable". Uh, to me it already is. Watching MLB as a kid, in the pre-velcro days, guys didn't mess with their glove or shin guard every pitch. BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THEM. To me, this auxiliary batters' equipment has cost at least 10 minutes per game. And then there are the 10 pitchers per contest, etc. Complete games anyone? Another 20 minutes.

Another thing gone from the games of yesteryear are players with a lot of stolen bases. Used the be at that start of the season were, "Do you think Lou Brock could steal 100 bases this year?" Plus, games of old had the brush back pitch as a normal pitch. Not anymore.

 

[Texas Proud]

My disappointment is baseball is (at least mostly for now) really the only sport without a clock. Unlike other sports where there is a game clock a game can theoretically go on and on. I know, for some, that's a negative. I see that as a positive bringing back memories of childhood watching an long extra inning game til the wee hours of the morning. Felt, like I was playing hooky.

Seems to me like baseball under to new commish is trying to be football.

But a clock would not change the ability of the game going on forever... that is based on the game being tied at the end of an inning.... none of these proposals change that...

Also, as mentioned... almost all other sports have gone to a clock to prevent slow play... even golf has it... but it does take some doing to get put on a clock there...

Now, I used to bowl a lot and also used to watch the pros on TV... I rarely do now, but even they were put on a clock.... I would not know it since I never saw the clock... and it does not appear to have changed the game from a viewership prospective... it is just now they are pretty sure to get it done in the allotted time...

 

[easysurfer]

The purist in me says the clock in baseball is silly. I'm waiting (not looking forward) for the day when the umps take 5 minutes to review whether the picture let go of the pitch before or after the pitch clock goes off. For the sake of progress.

 

[GrayHare]

A few posts up somebody quoted something like "the game will be unrecognizable". Uh, to me it already is. Watching MLB as a kid, in the pre-velcro days, guys didn't mess with their glove or shin guard every pitch. BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THEM. To me, this auxiliary batters' equipment has cost at least 10 minutes per game.

+1 All the extra equipment gives the batter more excuses to step out of the box.

On youtube I watched a pre-1970 game, and wow did it move along! Batters walked briskly to the plate, pitchers threw soon, and batters generally stayed in the box to complete the at-bat. Progress was downright zippy!

 

[Texas Proud]

The purist in me says the clock in baseball is silly. I'm waiting (not looking forward) for the day when the umps take 5 minutes to review whether the picture let go of the pitch before or after the pitch clock goes off. For the sake of progress.

Well, that will not happen if the rule for review comes in... plus, it really does not take that long to see if the pitch is out or not...


But, I would also say that is not up for review.... like in football, the clock is not something that can be reviewed...

Also, at least in college basketball they can only look in the last 2 minutes...


As to my beef about the batter.... it looks like in the minors that they are required to keep a foot in the box... so they better be ready to accept a pitch....