Baseball fans: Rule changes coming in 2023

[Diamond_Dog]

Pitch clock
Defensive shift restrictions
Bigger bases

Explained here

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-2023-rule-changes-pitch-timer-larger-bases-shifts?partnerId=zh-20220910-699084-mlb-1-A&qid=1026&utm_id=zh-20220910-699084-mlb-1-A&bt_ee=LKTGhJkJX%2FFBVv9W198BqcRetZBsAtmrM3VE%2FajwH6rIhmYRD6r8N0FJUZnERKH%2F&bt_ts=1662819321602

Like ‘em or hate ‘em? Or wait and see?

[aeromanKC]

1. I usually like the changes.

I like the pitch clock. Pitch the ball already!! Always have hated the shift. Can't believe teams and hitters didn't take advantage of the single and even double they were practically gifting you. Bigger bases..?? No preference. I'll go with the powers that be on this one.

[brush]

3. Yes on the pitch clock. No on the shift. I'll wait and see on the bigger bases.

That doesn't seem to be a pressing need.

[rurallib]

4. Baseball is way too slow and that is one of the reasons I quit watching a while back

but I think a pitch clock is s band-aid. The real problem is commercials. The amount of commercials really needs to be cut down, but of course they won't. So games will continue to be 4 hours in time with about 20 minutes of actual play.

As for the shift - geez batters learn to spray the ball. It is part of the game.
As for bigger bases seems more cosmetic than anything.

So I don't see anything there that will lure me back.

[Ferrets are Cool]

5. I am NOT a baseball fan, however, I still think the defensive shift restrictions is so wrong.

Hitters should just learn to hit the other way. Hitting seems to be a lost art in today's game.
Pete Rose would have a heyday in the game now, but would be one of the most underappreciated players.

[Auggie]

6. Marketing ploy in attempt to attract whining millennials reared on video games

It needs to be said

MLB thinks the road to more fans and better ratings is through scoring. The subtleties that make baseball great are being stripped away for a group of people that don't really understand the game or will ever care to. It's being dumbed-down just for them.

Bigger bases?



As I've posted before the way to truly engage fans is to level the playing field for smaller market teams through true revenue sharing and a finite salary cap. There's less incentive to invest in games when the deck is stacked against you. Screw the players' union if it squawks.

Oh yeah ... lower salaries could mean lower ticket prices, cheaper beer, fewer television commercials, and more affordable streaming options. You want fans? That's a no-brainer.

[Diamond_Dog]

8. Auggie, you have spoken for me.

I am so GD sick and tired of baseball rules being changed or dumbed down to attract the occasional fan or millennial with the attention span of a flea.

And yeah, the ticket prices are insane. I don’t know how a family affords a day at the ballpark any more.

I’ll stick to my local minor league team if I want to attend a live game.

Why do players think they have to dive headfirst into first base? Will larger bases cure that,I wonder. Or maybe lessen turned ankles?

[Auggie]

10. Larger bases should help increase scoring ...

fewer double-plays, more doubles, more stolen bases.

The NFL keeps it fair and competitive. Look no further than the Bengals -- favored to go deep into the playoffs. The Bills, Packers and Chiefs as well. Small market teams. All powerhouses.

[Beakybird]

7. What is the shift?

[Diamond_Dog]

9. It's when all 4 infielders move as to

stand to the left or the right of second base, depending on whether the batter is a left or righty pull hitter. Supposedly increases the chances of getting the batter out, because there are more fielders standing where he usually hits.