No-pitch IBB, time limits on replays among changes

MLB ^ | March 2, 2017

[pgkdan]

We can only hope. If they stopped the preening between pitches it would be far more effective.

The only rule change I'd like to see is a 20 second clock for the pitcher. And make the batters stay in the box unless time is called.

The extra innings rule that is being implemented in the low minors this year is ridiculous. It changes the nature of the game and I'm 100% opposed. The new rule is that in extra inning you start play with a man on second. That's NOT baseball!

[pgkdan]

If MLB is really serious about speeding up the game they should take back that extra minute of commercial time for every commercial break!

LEAVE THE GAME ALONE!

[pgkdan]

Someone on an NYC sports radio show pointed out that MLB averages one intentional walk every three games, and this particular move will reduce the length of a game by less than one minute.

Bryce Harper gets walked nearly every game. Unless they're playing the Cubs...then he gets walked every at bat. LOL.

But you're right. This is nonsense. This rule will do nothing to speed up the game.

[upchuck]

Speaking of speeding up the game... IMHO, repeat, IMHO, baseball needs a shot clock like basketball. The pitcher has a certain amount of time to deliver the next pitch, the time starting when the pitcher takes possession of the ball.

[usconservative]

speeding the game up...

Personally I'm against "speeding the game up" with the exception of getting rid of replay. That in and of itself has done more damage to sports overall than anything else.

Bring back the spontaneity of the game!

[Sans-Culotte]

What a stupid rule. Wild pitches, opportunities to steal, a batter who may want to swing anyway....

And there is always the issue that sometimes a pitcher loses his rhythm after throwing 4 straight balls and sometimes unintentionally walks the next batter. Stupid rule change. And it takes almost no time to intentionally walk a a batter.

[JimRed]

The teams still have to line up and take a knee in the waning moments of the game.

Which leave an opening for the ol' "fake-a-knee" play. Which could mean a win instead of overtime.

[Graybeard58]

there’s really no “need” for the batter, or anyone on base at the time for that matter, to go through the time consuming ritual of ‘touching’ all the bases...just all head for the dugout.

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That’s one I could agree with.

[Chode]

after the seventh inning, they set he ball on fire...