Major League makes first rules changes in 11 years

Reuters ^ | Fri Feb 16, 2007 | Anon

[Alberta's Child]

Thanks for the ping, Pharmboy. I've always found the various rules regarding a suspended game a bit convoluted, so this change in particular is a bit interesting.

[Alberta's Child]

I suspect this may be a way to discourage players from leaping into places that could cause injuries. Also, there is the potential for a "lack of consistency" in the results of a play in two respects: 1) depending on whether a player chasing a ball into the stands is from the home team or visitor's team; and 2) depending on whether a player chases a ball into his own team's dugout or the opposing team's dugout.

[barker]

These catches are some of the most exciting in baseball. And if one of these is the final out to end the game it's even better for the fans. Looks like now the players will have to play paper-rock-scissors to see if he should go after the ball.

[04-Bravo]

I'm pretty old-fashioned.

I think MLB should require all players to regularly be tested for steroids and HGH, with strict penalties for those who get caught.

They should get rid of the Designated Hitter.

They should raise the pitcher's mound to the pre-1969 height of 15".

And for my pet peeve, that probably doesn't bother most other fans: Get rid of the advertisements behind home plate, that show up on TV when viewed from the centerfield camera. I'd rather put up with the silly "Spiderman 2" ad inside the on-deck circle, that be forced to look at TV ads visible from centerfield.

[AGreatPer]

"automatic 10-game suspension levied on any player found to have defaced the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin,"

A pitcher rubs his fingers with rosin.
He picks up the ball.
Rosin gets on the ball.
Automatic suspension?

[TravisBickle]

I'm not sure I understand the wording of this change. Does it mean the baserunner is AWARDED one base- or that he is only allowed to advance one base and no more. In other words, if a player falls into the stands catching a call, a runner would not be able to score from second base, even though the fielder was unable to make a play.He would only be allowed one base.

[carolinalivin]

They are carrying the ball out of play and it is assumed the runner may have tagged and advanced. Assumption in favor of the "non-offending" team.

[SpringheelJack]

I suspect this may be a way to discourage players from leaping into places that could cause injuries.

You're probably right. Owners invest millions of dollars in these players now, and while we're thrilled when somebody makes one of those plays, they have to cringe as they watch one of their commodities risk a faceplant on the dugout steps.

[carolinalivin]

I don't think the last line of the chnage is new. It is to be read in conjunction with the new wording of the dugout rule.

The one base award has been around at least since I started umpiring in 1967.

[Pharmboy]

My pleasure...I remember a long baseball discussion you led on these boards a few years ago.