Happy for Alonso, fun guy who really enjoys it. Is it just me or did Ohtani look wore out after the first go at it in the first round? Dude look winded
I could tolerate 7 inning doubleheaders much more than the ghost runner rule, which is legit one of the worst rule implementations in my life. Glad both are going away.
Again, I think runner on 2nd is fine after a certain point. 12th inning on? Or 13th inning? (Implying at least one full trip through the batting order). I don’t have the data but it does seem that the extra inning games end faster now than before the rule implementation (which was the ultimate goal). How much faster, and whether or not that’s statistically significant, I’m not sure. While I hate games being decided simply because a relief pitcher allowed a bunt and a fly ball… I also was never a huge fan of having to throw starters on short-rest/bullpen days or normal 1 inning relief pitchers extending themselves because there was no other options past the 15th inning, etc.
Pace of play fixes: Shorter Pitch clock. Time between pitches is the primary drag on game play. Only 2 in-inning pitching changes per team per game (1 added in extras). In-inning pitching changes are by far the biggest point at which attendees groan and wish they would just hurry up. Lower the mound or move the rubber back. This will increase balls in play and reduce pitch counts, thereby speeding up the game. Another one that would be harshly criticized but that I would go for would be a run rule. If one team is leading by 10+ runs at the end of 6 innings, the game ends.
They could start enforcing the pitch clock rule rather than shortening it. The in inning pitching changes shouldn't impact too many games. Generally in order to have 2 pitching changes at least 7 players have to bat. I don't think it happens often enough to warrant a change. I'd personally hate the 10 run rule even though it would only happen a few times a year. Imagine if Yordan had 3 HRS in the first 6 innings and denied a chance at a 4th. Imagine if a pitcher had a no hitter going. I think the mound and distance have worked just fine for 40+ years. I would like baseball to quit dicking around with the rules to satisfy people that don't generally care enough about baseball to appreciate it.
TTO baseball is decidedly less interesting to watch, but I really don't see how baseball can address it without a fundamental change to the sport. If they nerf pitchers it will just lead to more HR.
Shorten all games to 7 innings and require that all players play a certain number of innings each week. Just fully Little League the **** out of it.
