New Rules for 2023 - Pitch clock, shift banning and larger bases

[Spanky99]

I wonder how many times teams have used 4 OFers this year? I know that in addition to creating more outs, it also helps to prevent extra base hits. I agree that more extreme shift bans would have more extreme results, but I suspect they'll start here, see how it goes and then adjust if they feel it's still necessary.

 

I think removing the infielder from short RF will also help as it feels like you see a decent amount of outs made by that player each week.

 

It will help plenty in RF, no doubt, but RHB's seem still f***ed, not bad changes regardless.

[John_Havok]

If it's called mid motion it wouldn't be a problem, if it isn't called like in that game until after the play, that's a problem. Lots of grey area there me thinks.

 

They cant call it mid motion, per the rules the pitcher has to have started their motion before the pitch clok ends, not release the ball before it ends.

[Brownie19]

It will help plenty in RF, no doubt, but RHB's seem still f***ed, not bad changes regardless.

 

I'd argue that RHB simply had it easier than LHB...this just levels the playing field.

[Spanky99]

I'd argue that RHB simply had it easier than LHB...this just levels the playing field.

 

In saying that, I agree. It's certainly better.

[Spanky99]

They cant call it mid motion, per the rules the pitcher has to have started their motion before the pitch clok ends, not release the ball before it ends.

 

Thanks tips, lol. The problem still lies. A HR was called back in an MILB game, that can't happen.

[Grant77]

I like the bigger bases, even if they just increase the efficiency of steals by a bit. There isn't any downside to that change.

 

I don't think the shift ban is going to have that big of an effect. Teams are still going to place their infielders right on the boundaries. I hope it doesn't lead to a bunch of nitpicky challenges, which would be bad for the game.

 

The pitch clock is going to be a nightmare to enforce and lead to a bunch of controversial calls, as we saw at times in the minor leagues. I'm not convinced that this is a positive change, but I'm willing to give it a chance.

 

The worst part of this announcement in my opinion is what it does not include. Mainly, changes to the Posey rule and an automated strike zone.

 

I'm hopeful that it's exclusion from the list means that extra innings will go back to normal. It's almost universally seen as a negative amongst fans and media, according to polls.

[Spanky99]

I've seen Biggio get f***ed out of a s*** ton of hits from the extreme shift on LHB's, he'll play up no doubt on this ruling. JP Morosi had said this morning that Whit would be a big upgrade in this situation for next year, but I fail to see that. Whit, just has to be better, like how he hit prior to the trade.

[Jays333]

Good its about time and robo umps will be here 2024 really can't get here soon enough.

[G-Snarls]

I've seen Biggio get f***ed out of a s*** ton of hits from the extreme shift on LHB's, he'll play up no doubt on this ruling. JP Morosi had said this morning that Whit would be a big upgrade in this situation for next year, but I fail to see that. Whit, just has to be better, like how he hit prior to the trade.

 

MLB radio was discussing shifts this morning vs LHB

 

Ohtani has "lost" more hits than anyone this year to the shift. They quoted an analysis saying it has resulted in enough missed hits to drop his batting average by 20 points this year.

 

(FTR I'm not against shifting or even in favour of truly banning it, just presenting an interesting fact.)

[Spanky99]

MLB radio was discussing shifts this morning vs LHB

 

Ohtani has "lost" more hits than anyone this year to the shift. They quoted an analysis saying it has resulted in enough missed hits to drop his batting average by 20 points this year.

 

(FTR I'm not against shifting or even in favour of truly banning it, just presenting an interesting fact.)

 

That might be 5 hits, change is needed.

[Grant77]

I've seen Biggio get f***ed out of a s*** ton of hits from the extreme shift on LHB's, he'll play up no doubt on this ruling. JP Morosi had said this morning that Whit would be a big upgrade in this situation for next year, but I fail to see that. Whit, just has to be better, like how he hit prior to the trade.

 

Whit Merrifield and Mark Shapiro were on the committee of 4 players and 6 executives who decided on these rules. Just an interesting tidbit.

[DigitalRock]

Unit a fan of banning the shift, league is full of one dimensional hitters. Ok with the pitch clocks

[G-Snarls]

That might be 5 hits, change is needed.

 

And several of those were lost to the Jays. I remember Bo taking at least a couple hits away from Ohtani playing while in shallow RF against him...

[Stangstag]

We had a bit of discussion about of this earlier this week, a pitcher hadn't pitched in time on the clock, dude hit a HR, and they called it a ball, that s*** can't happen, ever. It should be an option, like taking or denying a penalty in the NFL.

 

I agree, but you just KNOW that s*** will happen at least a few times in April next year

[Brownie19]

I like the bigger bases, even if they just increase the efficiency of steals by a bit. There isn't any downside to that change.

 

I don't think the shift ban is going to have that big of an effect. Teams are still going to place their infielders right on the boundaries. I hope it doesn't lead to a bunch of nitpicky challenges, which would be bad for the game.

 

The pitch clock is going to be a nightmare to enforce and lead to a bunch of controversial calls, as we saw at times in the minor leagues. I'm not convinced that this is a positive change, but I'm willing to give it a chance.

 

The worst part of this announcement in my opinion is what it does not include. Mainly, changes to the Posey rule and an automated strike zone.

 

I'd be curious to see how this changed from one year to the next (I think they've had the pitch clock in the minors for a few years now haven't they?). I would expect it may start out as an issue, but quickly evaporate as players adjust to it. No different than the issues with the take out slides at 2nd base when that new rule came into place.

[Grant77]

I'd be curious to see how this changed from one year to the next (I think they've had the pitch clock in the minors for a few years now haven't they?). I would expect it may start out as an issue, but quickly evaporate as players adjust to it. No different than the issues with the take out slides at 2nd base when that new rule came into place.

 

I decided to read a bunch of articles on how the clock is working and came up with some interesting, albeit mostly anecdotal information.

 

Pros:

- The clock speeds up games by approximately 20 minutes.

- Stolen bases increased due to the 2 pickoff attempt rule.

- Offensive output increases with a pitch clock.

 

Cons:

- Umpires have become less strict and less consistent over time, leading to confusion and controversy.

- The number of controversial calls have not been reduced as players and umpires adapt, according to some players.

- A couple of studies show an increase in UCL (Tommy John) injuries for pitchers due to fatigue.

- Many players have noted that the clock operators favour home teams.

[Brownie19]

I decided to read a bunch of articles on how the clock is working and came up with some interesting, albeit mostly anecdotal information.

 

Pros:

- The clock speeds up games by approximately 20 minutes.

- Stolen bases increased due to the 2 pickoff attempt rule.

- Offensive output increases with a pitch clock.

 

Cons:

- Umpires have become less strict and less consistent over time, leading to confusion and controversy.

- The number of controversial calls have not been reduced as players and umpires adapt, according to some players.

- A couple of studies show an increase in UCL (Tommy John) injuries for pitchers due to fatigue.

- Many players have noted that the clock operators favour home teams.

 

I hate this s***. If there's a rule, then it's the umpires job to implement it. End of story. No more cherry picking ********. Be better or find another job Blue.

[Omar]

The team must designate two infielders for each side of second base and they cannot switch (for example, a team can't have a stud defender move back and forth based upon the handedness of the hitter).

Why do they give a flying fadoo which infielder is on what side of second base? As long as two two on each side that should be it. Stop trying to make to make the game "better".

[Grant77]

The team must designate two infielders for each side of second base and they cannot switch (for example, a team can't have a stud defender move back and forth based upon the handedness of the hitter).

Why do they give a flying fadoo which infielder is on what side of second base? As long as two two on each side that should be it. Stop trying to make to make the game "better".

 

I would imagine it's mostly to do with the dead time during which two fielders would change places.

[Jonn]

I don’t like any of these changes. But looking forward to the creativity of working within the limitations of the shift. I still think it’s absolutely stupid this has to happen. You should be able to put players wherever you want on the field.

[Deadpool]

The team must designate two infielders for each side of second base and they cannot switch (for example, a team can't have a stud defender move back and forth based upon the handedness of the hitter).

Why do they give a flying fadoo which infielder is on what side of second base? As long as two two on each side that should be it. Stop trying to make to make the game "better".

 

It's to prevent teams with one excellent MIF and one crappy MIF from swapping depending on the handedness of the batter.

 

That'd doesn't happen currently, but I feel like this part was added in because they figured some Raysesque team would work out that there was a 0.02% better chance of recording an out if they swapped players around depending on the batter.

[Grant77]

I hate this s***. If there's a rule, then it's the umpires job to implement it. End of story. No more cherry picking ********. Be better or find another job Blue.

 

I saw that particular point a minimum of 3 times in my readings so I expect it's a reality that we will have to prepare for. Umpires can't even call balls and strikes correctly so I don't expect them to enforce time violations correctly either.

 

Even if an individual umpire is consistent, I think players will experience inconsistency and confusion between games.

[Grant77]

I don’t like any of these changes. But looking forward to the creativity of working within the limitations of the shift. I still think it’s absolutely stupid this has to happen. You should be able to put players wherever you want on the field.

 

What do you see as a negative regarding the increased base size?

[Jonn]

What do you see as a negative regarding the increased base size?

 

Oh I don’t care about that one. That one is fine. Barely a change.

[Omar]

I would imagine it's mostly to do with the dead time during which two fielders would change places.

 

It's to prevent teams with one excellent MIF and one crappy MIF from swapping depending on the handedness of the batter.

 

That'd doesn't happen currently, but I feel like this part was added in because they figured some Raysesque team would work out that there was a 0.02% better chance of recording an out if they swapped players around depending on the batter.

 

The manager should be able to deploy his players how he sees fit. MLB is going to micromanage the s*** out of these games.

[JaysAllMighty]

More rules more controversy. The only one rule needed was having roboumps for strikes/balls. This will be more of a s*** show for the sake of speeding up the great game we had. Idiots.

[Stangstag]

The manager should be able to deploy his players how he sees fit. MLB is going to micromanage the s*** out of these games.

 

They’re basically just trying to revert the game back to what it was 50 years ago. I don’t think it’s going to work, there are too many smart front offices and they will continue to find new ways to optimize their rosters and strategies in order to squeeze out the most wins.

[Spanky99]

And several of those were lost to the Jays. I remember Bo taking at least a couple hits away from Ohtani playing while in shallow RF against him...

 

Numbers would certainly regress in LHB's favour, no doubt. They should be happy.

[Stangstag]

More rules more controversy. The only one rule needed was having roboumps for strikes/balls. This will be more of a s*** show for the sake of speeding up the great game we had. Idiots.

 

Speeding up the game won’t do s*** for popularity. I’ve always said the reason baseball is less popular is because there are too many games. Its also the reason football is most popular in America. Its obvious people prefer less time commitment for the sports teams they follow. Less time commitment = more casuals = more fans overall

 

Its the reason Soccer is the most popular sport in the world

[Spanky99]

Speeding up the game won’t do s*** for popularity. I’ve always said the reason baseball is less popular is because there are too many games. Its also the reason football is most popular in America. Its obvious people prefer less time commitment for the sports teams they follow. Less time commitment = more casuals = more fans overall

 

Its the reason Soccer is the most popular sport in the world

 

So weekends only?