MLB Considering allowing automatic intentional walks

[fatcowxlive]

i'm sure theres a counter argument behind closed doors that longer games = more beer sales + more advert $$

 

I thought there's a beer cutoff after the 7th or am I mistaken?

[Spanky99]

I thought there's a beer cutoff after the 7th or am I mistaken?

 

Only at the dome, as far as I know.

[TholesWeirdEye]

Only at the dome, as far as I know.

 

Savages!

[AdamGreenwood]

I'd rather robot umps controlled the strike zone than the safe/out calls.

A bad strike zone can get into the head of a hitter causing them to flail at garbage. A bad safe call at first base doesn't make you adapt your game at all.

And a little human error gives us something to talk about. What would baseball be without a chance to yell and boo the umps?

[TheHurl]

i'm sure theres a counter argument behind closed doors that longer games = more beer sales + more advert $$

 

Team money on beer sales is miniscule. Faster games is good for local economy..and remember not every team owns their TV rights. 80% of the team's care more about ending games sooner and getting the fans back.

[FrozenRopes]

Seriously. You'll save more time buy cutting out any questionable calls that will lead to a manager storming on the field and getting tossed than automating intentional walks.

 

Also on a side note, how come he still hasn't implemented the idea that managers have like a 5 second window from dead ball to call for a review? Managers these days take 30-60 seconds interacting with the clubhouse to decide whether or not to review a call

 

How this isn't already a rule is baffling. Letting the team spend time watching the replay. If you don't like the call, or it's crucial, review it. Too much time is given. The coaches on the bench should decide, not wait for someone upstairs watching the replay to decide. 10 seconds from the end of the play.

[Molitor]

I'm all for speeding up the game but this is stupid. Just stupid, Manfred.

 

Usually when the a team issues an IBB:

1) There are already runners on base

2) The score is close

3) It's late in the game

 

This is the game situation that I'd least want to see sped up. Let me savour the excitement!

 

 

Also give the play-by-play and colour guys the opportunity to hype up the next pitcher/batter matchup. Are they setting up a double-play? Will they go to the bullpen? Will there be a pinch hitter? What is Ryan Goins batting average with the bases loaded? These things must be discussed!

[TholesWeirdEye]

I'm all for speeding up the game but this is stupid. Just stupid, Manfred.

 

Usually when the a team issues an IBB:

1) There are already runners on base

2) The score is close

3) It's late in the game

 

This is the game situation that I'd least want to see sped up. Let me savour the excitement!

 

 

Also give the play-by-play and colour guys the opportunity to hype up the next pitcher/batter matchup. Are they setting up a double-play? Will they go to the bullpen? Will there be a pinch hitter? What is Ryan Goins batting average with the bases loaded? These things must be discussed!

 

http://www.benettonplay.com/toys/flipbookdeluxe/flipbooks_gif/2008/03/29/173439.gif

[fatcowxlive]

I'm all for speeding up the game but this is stupid. Just stupid, Manfred.

 

Usually when the a team issues an IBB:

1) There are already runners on base

2) The score is close

3) It's late in the game

 

This is the game situation that I'd least want to see sped up. Let me savour the excitement!

 

 

Also give the play-by-play and colour guys the opportunity to hype up the next pitcher/batter matchup. Are they setting up a double-play? Will they go to the bullpen? Will there be a pinch hitter? What is Ryan Goins batting average with the bases loaded? These things must be discussed!

 

Dude, one of my favourite Jays advertisements growing up was the one that goes "It's not about how important every pitch is, it's about the time between pitches" and that's so true. I feel like any other sporting event I can't turn and have a conversation about what i just saw or will see or anything because the ball is constantly in play, this is the only sport where it's possible to do this. Obviously the changes Manfried will make won't effect that but it's just to further highlight that the length of a baseball game isn't an issue but should be a positive

[closetjaysfan]

Wont this mean more IBB? These changes entirely favor the fielders. No risk of someone running, wildpitch, accidental meatball...

 

My moment of glory in little league would never have happened: Power hitter up (he already hit 1 HR earlier in the game that landed on a basketball court well past the fence), one strike on him when he absolutely crushed one of my pitches foul (easily the farthest ball anyone had hit off me at that point). My catcher came out and after a huddle he indicated an intentional walk. Next pitch was right down the middle and he didnt even budge for it.

 

Years later the same play went tragically wrong for a college team. I cant seem to find the video.

[intrigid]

Am I the only one who thinks baseball games are already as short as they need to be, and could actually stand to be a few minutes longer?

[Brownie19]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/goodbye-to-the-least-enforced-rule-in-the-rule-book/

 

interesting article (IMO). I'm using this to promote my comparison of the NFL changing the extra point rule as well. I'm so smrt.