MLB looking at runner on 2nd in extra innings rule(to be implemented in lower minors)

[King]

Saw it during an American Association (independent baseball) game and I didn't hate it. I know people won't like this though.

 

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/mlb-plans-to-test-new-extra-innings-rules-in-rookie-ball-with-joe-torres-approval-224914115.html

 

Major League Baseball plans on testing a rule change in the lowest levels of the minor leagues this season that automatically would place a runner on second base at the start of extra innings, a distinct break from the game’s orthodoxy that nonetheless has wide-ranging support at the highest levels of the league, sources familiar with the plan told Yahoo Sports.

 

A derivation of the rule has been used in international baseball for nearly a decade and will be implemented in the World Baseball Classic this spring. MLB’s desire to test it in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League and Arizona League this summer is part of an effort to understand its wide in-game consequences – and whether its implementation at higher levels, and even the major leagues, may be warranted.

 

“Let’s see what it looks like,” said Joe Torre, the longtime major league manager who’s now MLB’s Chief Baseball Officer and a strong proponent of the testing. “It’s not fun to watch when you go through your whole pitching staff and wind up bringing a utility infielder in to pitch. As much as it’s nice to talk about being at an 18-inning game, it takes time.

 

“It’s baseball. I’m just trying to get back to that, where this is the game that people come to watch. It doesn’t mean you’re going to score. You’re just trying to play baseball.”

 

While the specifics of the rule are not final, the current plan is to start with a runner on second base in the 10th and every inning thereafter. As baseball grapples with ways to increase action in a game with a record-low rate of balls in play, changing its extra-innings rules emerged as a solution with multiple potential benefits.

 

In addition to the increase in action a forced runner would create, so too would a philosophical element enter the game: to bunt or not to bunt. The other advantages are not quite as Shakespearean but certainly pragmatic. Amid concern about fatigue and travel, the presumption of shorter games with the new rules could save players from the rigors of extra-innings affairs that slog into the night. Further, the taxation on young arms – especially those in the minor leagues – would be mitigated.

 

“What really initiated it is sitting in the dugout in the 15th inning and realizing everybody is going to the plate trying to hit a home run and everyone is trying to end the game themselves,” Torre said. “I don’t know what inning is the right inning. Maybe the 11th or 12th inning. But there are a number of reasons.”

 

[Related: Rob Manfred having ongoing talks with Indians about Chief Wahoo]

 

The minor leagues are typically MLB’s testing ground for potential rule changes, and as commissioner Rob Manfred focuses on pace-of-play issues, the prospect of extra innings with more action is appealing. The possibility of playing under different rules in extra innings – both the NFL and NHL do so in their overtime periods – is real enough that MLB sought feedback from both its playing rules and competition committees this offseason, according to sources.

 

Even if it is a success, it would likely take years for the major leagues to adopt the changes. The strategy of implementing rules in the minor leagues, which MLB can do without the players’ approval, is canny: Once those players graduate to the major leagues, their familiarity with them – such as a pitch clock, which currently is in place in the minors – would allow easier adoption.

[King]

[L54]

That is f***ing stupid. This is what college teams do in fall ball scrimmages, not what the best players in the world should be subject to. Kindly f*** off Manfred.

[Dr Negative]

Bring back Bud Selig.

[L54]

Leave the game alone! There is nothing wrong with it. Like many have said stop letting managers review every questionable play for 3 minutes before deciding whether or not to challenge it if you wanna speed the game up. This guy is a legitimate clown.

[TholesWeirdEye]

I'll kill someone if this ever makes it to the MLB.

[fatcowxlive]

f*** this nutcase what the f***, this guy is the commissioner of the wrong sport THIS GAME ISNT TIMED STOP f***ING WITH THE TIMING its what makes it UNIQUE holy s***

[Abomination]

Oh hell no. Starting a runner on second is probably worse than other nonsense like making teams play with 7 fielders, or get 4 or 5 outs in extra innings.

[L54]

Make hitters stay in the box. Actually enforce it! Limit relief pitchers to 5 warm up pitches. Use a 20 second clock between pitches. There are so many other ways to increase pace of play without taking away from the purity of baseball.

[fatcowxlive]

“Let’s see what it looks like,” said Joe Torre, the longtime major league manager who’s now MLB’s Chief Baseball Officer and a strong proponent of the testing. “It’s not fun to watch when you go through your whole pitching staff and wind up bringing a utility infielder in to pitch. As much as it’s nice to talk about being at an 18-inning game, it takes time.

 

f*** Joe Torre what a tool, the Canada Day game was a blast to watch, seeing Goins and Barney pitch was hilarious

[King]

f*** Joe Torre what a tool, the Canada Day game was a blast to watch, seeing Goins and Barney pitch was hilarious

Is there a baseball fan that doesn't enjoy watching a position player come into pitch?

[L54]

It almost feel like baseball fans everywhere are being trolled with these hilariously bad ideas.

[fatcowxlive]

Is there a baseball fan that doesn't enjoy watching a position player come into pitch?

 

I don't think this commissioner consults fans, because I doubt most of the ideas that he's throwing out would be appreciated by many fans. Sure, there are lots of cases where fans are resilient to change but this isn't one of them

 

What's next, maximum 2 extra innings before having a draw? A 3rd win column for extra innings wins like hockey? I don't get why he's trying to remove things unique to this game and add the same s*** present in many other sports

[Spanky99]

They're doing this in the WBC I heard too.

 

This can't happen in the MLB when every game matters.

[King]

They're doing this in the WBC I heard too.

 

This can't happen in the MLB when every game matters.

It's an international baseball rule already.

[L54]

Next in line: MLB considering moving to two out innings in an attempt to cut down on length of games.

[FrozenRopes]

After 18 innings, have a home run derby

[Spanky99]

It's an international baseball rule already.

 

Yes, but it's being implemented this year, right?

 

NVM... it's in your OP.

[Governator]

Lol, softball tournament rules for MLB baseball.

 

Wonder what Gibby thinks about this?

 

"Maybe we'll come out and wear dresses tomorrow. Maybe that's what everybody's looking for."

[Jimcanuck]

I don't mind 4 outs instead of 3 in extras - you still have to earn the win, but arbitrarily put a man on 2nd, that's dumb as f***. Good for the speedy guys and Pompey though.

[glory]

Manfred making Bud Selig look like the greatest commish of all time.

[Pendleton]

I've played with this rule, first batter is squaring to bunt almost every time.

[AdamGreenwood]

Only a matter of time before the commissioner decides to break ties by having a home run derby.

[Nabru]

One of the reasons the NHL doesn't interest me anymore is the gimmick points they give away with 3-on-3 and shootout games. If these changes happen I will not spend any more money on MLB.

 

Maybe Manfred will remove the CF and SS after 9 innings too.

 

I wonder whose knob Rob had to gob to get where he is today.

[leaffie]

MLB seems to think that if they shorten the game, it will attract new fans. That it will get those fans that have the attention span of a gnat and cant possibly spend two or three hours enjoying something. But cutting 8-10minutes from a game wont make a bit of difference.

 

What will keep fans flocking to the game is to invest their time and money into youth baseball. Make it so reasonable that every kid can afford it. Build little league parks everywhere. Help families with the price of the equipmant. If kids play they will become fans.

[Daniel Labude]

Next rule: Any ball that doesn't get hit over the fence is an out....and we need pitching machines to save these players arms

[burlingtonbandit]

After 18 innings, have a home run derby

 

I'd prefer that to this proposed rule...

 

Not sure why they care about extra inning games anyway. All it is is more revenue to the game.

[43211234]

#NotMyCommissioner

[Orgfiller]

Manfred should just kindly f*** off.

[Jonn]

Can they get rid of Manfred. I never thought I'd miss Selig.