I understand some of the safety changes, but these alterations are clearly designed to speed the game and give advantage to the hitter.
As if the DH and lowering the mound has not done enough.
The very best ball games are those decided 2-1. Or 1-0.
Why eliminate the intentional walk? Four balls gets the batter to first base via unintentional or intentional. Leave the rule alone you morons.
I quit following baseball back in ‘94 after the strike. Even then, however, the strike zone to me was from the belt to the knees, and anything called a strike that was higher was argued.
As for an inconsistent strike zone, I remember, when I was watching, the Braves playing the Marlins in the playoffs. The Marlin pitcher struck out 15, but many, MANY of those balls were clearly 6” to a foot outside, yet were called strikes.
As to the intentional walk, leave it. It doesn’t happen often, but there have been times when a wild pitch is let loose and it does change the game.
And get rid of the damn designated hitter. And get rid of the damn playoffs. Top two teams should go to the series. My 25 best against everyone elses 25 best. Top dog goes.
And get rid of divisions.
Baseball does this, and they might, MIGHT get me back.
The way baseball is going, their playoffs will look like the NHL or NBA.
But low scoring games don’t get or keep the TV audience.
The public wants home run derbies between steroid monsters.
Just follow the money.
Tv is ruining professional sports.
Not just baseball, *all* pro sports are being ruined by television money.
The NFL sold its soul to the television demons long ago.
I just wonder how long it will be before MLB celebrates its first transgender player?
Because they can.
Any governmental body that can, will.
I’m trying to think of any sport that makes changes to help the defense. It’s because to casual mouth breathing fans scoring/points/runs = excitement. I don’t get it either, but that’s the way it seems to go. Everything they do seems to hurt pitching in MLB, I hate this crap.
But the nature of baseball is different, because helping the offense by raising the bottom strike zone or whatever is going to just make games longer. But I doubt the umps that have a lot of time in are even going to pay attention to this, so it might not be a big deal besides lip flapping anyhow.
Freegards
Well, yeah, if your team wins. ;)
Umpires will just ignore new strike zone like always
If you’re going to do away with intentional walks, then you should also get rid of the infield fly rule (make them play everything). Or, you could just leave the game alone.
Clay Dalrymple used to play for the Phillies in the 60s. There was one time he was being intentionally walked. The pitcher threw a ball too close to the plate, Clay swung at it and hit into a double play, which I think is the only time that has ever happened. But the 1-2 minutes spent on an intentional walk is part of the game, adding to the tension that builds up with the next batter.
Part of ‘speeding up the game’. With added time for TV commercials and replay reviews that stretch to five minutes, MLB and sponsors have to try and shift blame.
I stopped watching a long time ago, mostly because of time issues. However I always loved baseball because it was a game of inches and subtle strategy (or not so subtle lol). I do not think that “real” ball fans necessarily want a home run derby. It’s far more exciting when there are less. Just look at hockey (or even soccer which I dislike).
I watch a lot of baseball and think there are too many low pitches that are called strikes. It forces the batter to become a golfer which I don’t think is what most fans want to see.
From the umpire’s perspective, a ball right over the plate might be only 5” to 6” off the ground but chances are he’ll call it a strike, especially with a good catcher adept at framing the pitch.
The pitcher still has a large border to work around, and this space is expanded because the ball doesn’t have to be completely inside the rectangular box or pass through it before exiting outside the box. Not to mention the fact that the pitcher can change speed, location, and alter the movement of the ball. The pitcher still has plenty of advantages.
Just my 2 cents. Its still a great game.
If you want to change something, take calling the balls and strikes away from the home plate umpire and use that technology you see in the corner of your screen.
I think that would minimize arguements.
Judging from the imbeciles in the stands in Miami, they go to the ballpark to stare at their phones and take a siesta.
Home runs have been hit during intentional walks.
MLB needs to stop monkeying with the game.
I agree.
The team at bat should at least have the option of forcing the pitcher to throw the pitches.
As for changing the strike zone, I don't think that's necessary, other than to remind the umpires of what its boundaries are. Umpires who don't obey the guidelines can always be disciplined, if necessary...
I used to play baseball as a kid in school. And I liked watching the game as a player. But I never got into it outside of that. Kinda like golf.
You’re in the game if you’re a part of it, otherwise, it’s like watching paint dry.
What they need to do to the strike zone is fire every ump that has ever uttered the words “my strike zone”, make it consistent THEN MAYBE change it. I agree with the walk though. I’ve long thought the idea of making the pitcher throw 4 times because there’s a infinitesimal chance of a wild pitch is a waste of time.