Minor League Baseball rule changes

[King]

 

f*** you Manfred

[King]

[King]

[Daniel Labude]

The AAA rule will be the only one that may stick in there imo

[Orgfiller]

The reasonable ones here are the larger bases, the electronic strike zone and the on-field clocks to keep the game moving along. The pick-off rule is an absolute farce. Naturally I hate the anti-shift rule, which I might be able to live with if they at least only keep it to infielders must be in front of the outfield grass, but would loathe if they actually enforced two infielders on each side of second base. Edited March 11, 2021 by Orgfiller

[Deadpool]

I'm good with the larger bases and the step-off rule (if it doesn't apply to lefties throwing to first, that should still be allowed. It always bugs me when pitchers do that spin and fake out to second thing...). I'm THRILLED with the ABS rule.

 

The "can only try a pickoff twice" rule is dumb as all hell and will result in a truly absurd number of stolen bases, and the "no more shifting" rule can eat a bag of dicks.

[glory]

I have no issues with any of those to be honest. I think we are at a point where TTO baseball is universally hated by everyone; fans, media, and players alike. You can't stop teams from embracing analytics, so it's either make changes like this to add much needed action to the sport, or continue to watch the aesthetic value of the game decline.

 

Balls in play, stolen bases, and pace between pitches are significant issues, and at least MLB is trying to do something with this rather than the NBA model of watching the game evolve into 2.5 hour 3 point contests all game long and doing nothing about it. Of course, execution will be important, so I'd have to see these new rules before I judge completely, but on the surface they look fine to me.

[Dick_Pole]

Sounds like they are actively trying to increase SB attempts. I wonder if this is an attempt to increase the "excitement" of the game. I must admit I enjoyed every time Rajai Davis made it to first and kind of miss that.

[JaysAllMighty]

ABS can't come soon enough.

[Laika]

Some of this stuff seems dumb and I doubt most of it will stick or make it to MLB but at this point I actually do trust MLB's ability to use the minors to experiment and make sensible rule changes at the highest level.

 

The cognitive problem is that people notice the little rule changes they hate but nobody ever talks about the successful rule changes.

 

Think about how successful the intentional walk rule change has been.

I like the reliever matchup minimum they implemented as well.

I think the collision rules have been positive for the sport.

 

I think the base size change would have a bigger effect than they realize.

I have always thought first base should be bigger and extend into foul territory though. For safety.

[Brownie19]

I have no issues with any of those to be honest. I think we are at a point where TTO baseball is universally hated by everyone; fans, media, and players alike. You can't stop teams from embracing analytics, so it's either make changes like this to add much needed action to the sport, or continue to watch the aesthetic value of the game decline.

 

Balls in play, stolen bases, and pace between pitches are significant issues, and at least MLB is trying to do something with this rather than the NBA model of watching the game evolve into 2.5 hour 3 point contests all game long and doing nothing about it. Of course, execution will be important, so I'd have to see these new rules before I judge completely, but on the surface they look fine to me.

 

First time I've heard a serious complaint about the new NBA game. I like it. Up tempo and exciting.

[glory]

First time I've heard a serious complaint about the new NBA game. I like it. Up tempo and exciting.

 

I've been seeing more complaints about the excessive 3P shooting in the NBA lately. The 3P shooting in the NBA is basically what the three true outcomes is in baseball. It can still be fun and exciting, but overall a lot of the exciting parts of each sport have been taken away because of it (mid range game and post up/back to the basket game in the NBA, and stolen bases/balls in play in MLB). The difference is MLB realizes it needs to evolve the sport in order for it to become more visually pleasing, while the NBA is not seeing an issue. Granted, the NBA is more popular nationally, so it's likely less of a concern for them than MLB, but I can't imagine watching 100 3P shots a game is going to not be a more heated debate as the years go on (especially once Curry retires).

[Brownie19]

I've been seeing more complaints about the excessive 3P shooting in the NBA lately. The 3P shooting in the NBA is basically what the three true outcomes is in baseball. It can still be fun and exciting, but overall a lot of the exciting parts of each sport have been taken away because of it (mid range game and post up/back to the basket game in the NBA, and stolen bases/balls in play in MLB). The difference is MLB realizes it needs to evolve the sport in order for it to become more visually pleasing, while the NBA is not seeing an issue. Granted, the NBA is more popular nationally, so it's likely less of a concern for them than MLB, but I can't imagine watching 100 3P shots a game is going to not be a more heated debate as the years go on (especially once Curry retires).

 

Perhaps, but I believe ratings and popularity of basketball is through the roof....so they probably don't seem to need to solve that problem you believe exists (or may exist).

[G-Snarls]

Some of this stuff seems dumb and I doubt most of it will stick or make it to MLB but at this point I actually do trust MLB's ability to use the minors to experiment and make sensible rule changes at the highest level.

 

The cognitive problem is that people notice the little rule changes they hate but nobody ever talks about the successful rule changes.

 

Think about how successful the intentional walk rule change has been.

I like the reliever matchup minimum they implemented as well.

I think the collision rules have been positive for the sport.

 

I think the base size change would have a bigger effect than they realize.

I have always thought first base should be bigger and extend into foul territory though. For safety.

 

Agree on the 1B bag. Make it rectangular with half for the first baseman to step on and half for the runner to step on when running down the line. Ankle and foot injuries would drop.

[Jays24]

I've been seeing more complaints about the excessive 3P shooting in the NBA lately. The 3P shooting in the NBA is basically what the three true outcomes is in baseball. It can still be fun and exciting, but overall a lot of the exciting parts of each sport have been taken away because of it (mid range game and post up/back to the basket game in the NBA, and stolen bases/balls in play in MLB). The difference is MLB realizes it needs to evolve the sport in order for it to become more visually pleasing, while the NBA is not seeing an issue. Granted, the NBA is more popular nationally, so it's likely less of a concern for them than MLB, but I can't imagine watching 100 3P shots a game is going to not be a more heated debate as the years go on (especially once Curry retires).

 

Perhaps, but I believe ratings and popularity of basketball is through the roof....so they probably don't seem to need to solve that problem you believe exists (or may exist).

 

Basketball is my number 1 sport and I do agree that the constant 3 point jacking is becoming an issue to a lot of folks. It's one thing to watch Curry/Klay shoot 3s the way they do but seeing scrubs think they should shoot as much is excruciatingly bad.

 

I do like some of those rules baseball is trying to implement, especially bigger bags. No one likes seeing players being called out because they slide off the bag. They can also institute what softball has by having a bigger 1st base extended into foul territory. It should prevent almost all injuries you see there.

[glory]

Perhaps, but I believe ratings and popularity of basketball is through the roof....so they probably don't seem to need to solve that problem you believe exists (or may exist).

 

I believe the NBA's national ratings are down even pre-dating Covid, but popularity is definitely still there, so we will see. I watch Inside the NBA, and Barkley/Shaq basically take turns pissing on today's NBA, so maybe it's a generational thing. If younger people (18-34) like the excessive 3 point shooting, then it probably won't hurt them.

 

It's a bigger issue for MLB since their fanbase tends to lean on the older side, so they need to do more to attract a younger audience. More action (balls in play, stolen bases) plus some type of pitch clock so it doesn't take an eternity between each pitch would definitely be a noticeable change (for the better).

[Abomination]

I don't like the two step offs rule, but I think I like all the others.

[Laika]

I believe the NBA's national ratings are down even pre-dating Covid, but popularity is definitely still there, so we will see. I watch Inside the NBA, and Barkley/Shaq basically take turns pissing on today's NBA, so maybe it's a generational thing. If younger people (18-34) like the excessive 3 point shooting, then it probably won't hurt them.

 

It's a bigger issue for MLB since their fanbase tends to lean on the older side, so they need to do more to attract a younger audience. More action (balls in play, stolen bases) plus some type of pitch clock so it doesn't take an eternity between each pitch would definitely be a noticeable change (for the better).

 

I like basketball NOW but never liked it before. I like the lead swings in this style of game - even a 15 point lead in the fourth can feel a bit vulnerable. As far as I can tell most three point attempts now are just replacing what used to be inefficient and boring midrange shots anyway.

[Brownie19]

Pick offs and step offs blow and I do think making it easier to steal would add excitement to the game. A slo pitch 1st base would be cringeworthy, but it totally makes sense and we'd all get used to it. Eliminates injuries and the stupid setup how you have to run in the baseline and then cross over at the last second.

 

I'm not a fan of limiting where fielders stand - but whatever, I could probably get on board with it too.

[Brownie19]

I believe the NBA's national ratings are down even pre-dating Covid, but popularity is definitely still there, so we will see. I watch Inside the NBA, and Barkley/Shaq basically take turns pissing on today's NBA, so maybe it's a generational thing. If younger people (18-34) like the excessive 3 point shooting, then it probably won't hurt them.

 

Charles and Shaq want to see more post play? Shocker.

 

Uptempo, 'small ball' with a priority on athleticism, versatility and skill made the NBA great IMO.

[Abomination]

I'm not a fan of limiting where fielders stand - but whatever, I could probably get on board with it too.

 

I don't care so much about the dirt part, but I like the idea of having to have 2 on either side of second base when the pitcher releases the ball. It doesn't change shifts a lot, but it does limit a few of the really crazy ones. I do like what they're trying to accomplish with it.

[glory]

Charles and Shaq want to see more post play? Shocker.

 

Uptempo, 'small ball' with a priority on athleticism, versatility and skill made the NBA great IMO.

 

Charles and Shaq want to see basketball, not just 3 point shots. That’s the point. That’s a growing sentiment among fans who have watched for a while. The game has lost a lot of aesthetic value because everyone is jacking up 3’s, and if they miss or it’s not working, then just keep shooting it. I’m sure many people enjoy the current NBA, but there’s a fair bit of criticism about the way it has evolved due to analytics. Similar issue with baseball, only difference is baseball has more reason to change (not as popular with younger demo). When Steph retires and there’s bootleg versions of him jacking up 15 threes a game, I think the NBA will address it. Time will tell.

[Jimcanuck]

"Pull dat ball!" is coming back.

 

You hear that, Olerud?

[John Balkabella]

I was kind of hoping that MLB would institute the “ Robbie Ray Rule”, and make home plate a little wider on the days he pitches.