MLB Will Implement Three New Rule Changes To Speed Up Games

[tmwiese55]

"My problem with pregame shows is that in a 162 game season, there is no need for a half hour pre-game show before each and every game. A half hour pre-game before the first game in a series would be fine, or even the first game of the week, but a half hour before every game is wholly unnecessary."

 

I totally agree. I used to think was just related to the Brewers getting good as to why this type of stuff has increased but have since realized that its just the general boom in sports and tv revenue and it's happened to everyone. Go back like 12 years and for a TV broadcast you had the guys in the booth (Rock and BA) and maybe one sideline person (Coshun or Sophia). Now you have the booth, one sideline, two guys at a table in the outfield. And at least one, maybe two guys in the studio. Do we need up to 7 people for a baseball tv broadcast? 3 people tops.

 

I'm still fine with cracking down on the hitters walking around and their antics in spite of the thing about preparing for a pitch. They only need to do that because they've been allowed, it's all in their head. Yes there might be an adjustment period but they'll get over it.

[MadScientist]

Ortiz had an interesting comment today. He mentioned that stepping out of the box isnt about wasting time, but trying to prepare for the next pitch. He said he uses that time to think about what pitch the pitcher throw. To me that does make some sense and certainly makes me want to look at this rule closer.

 

Lucroy said basically the same thing. There needs to be some balance between letting the player get mentally prepared and having a whole production as elaborate as a touchdown dance. Not sure how to make a rule that works for both, but the batters are still allowed to call time out, so they go that route if needed.

[lcbj68c]

 

• When players violate one of the new rules -- by not being ready to pitch or hit when the clock counts down or when a hitter leaves the batter's box between pitches -- they are subject to fines up to $500 per violation. However, umpires are expected to be instructed not to go out of their way to indicate that a player has committed a violation. Instead, they would be told just to mark down the infraction on their card, much the way they would if there was an equipment violation.

 

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12375199/mlb-explains-changes-pace-game-policy

 

Per Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal

 

First violation results in a warning, next four triggers a series of progressive fines. Length of possible suspension is not specified.

 

· 1h 1 hour ago According to sources, a player can be suspended for just cause on his sixth offense if he displays “willful disregard” of the rule…

[jerichoholicninja]

Ortiz had an interesting comment today. He mentioned that stepping out of the box isnt about wasting time, but trying to prepare for the next pitch. He said he uses that time to think about what pitch the pitcher throw. To me that does make some sense and certainly makes me want to look at this rule closer.

Yeah, I don't want anything to do with a 'shot clock' or anything for batters or pitchers. If re-adjusting his batting gloves puts Braun's mind/body at ease in the batter's box, so be it. Same goes for anyone else, honestly. I know I always used to fidget & pull up the sleeve on my back arm as I was getting set in the box. The sleeve wouldn't prevent me from hitting the ball (my lack of talent took care of that), but it was something that just made me feel comfortable once I got the sleeve positioned in a way that felt like it wasn't impeding my swing.

It's habit, probably something similar to what free throw shooters go through before taking the foul shot.

 

Except free throw shooters are on the clock.

 

In the amount of time it takes the catcher to throw the ball back to the pitcher and both agree on a pitch a hitter should have plenty of time to mentally do whatever he has to do. Another thing the players can change is that catchers need to start putting down signs as soon as the pitcher is on the rubber. MLB catchers wait until the batter is in the box and ready before they even start putting signs down.

[DuWayne Steurer]

I understand that the time out of the batters box is not "just" for adjusting batters gloves. But there are guys (Braun, again, I'm looking at you), that take massive amounts of time, far more than is necessary to "mentally prepare" for whatever the next pitch might be, or whatever. Braun adjusts his gloves, tugs multiple times on his jersey, does 3 practice swings, picks up random stones or dirt...... and this is happening between every pitch.

 

This is no longer "mental preparation", it's a neurosis.

[pete]

Again, I don't mind if I'm wrong, someone tell me, but didn't Braun not do the glove thing every time last season?

 

If its a neurosis, have you noticed how wide spread it is? How do you feel about Josh Harrison's need to tap each toe with his bat while he walks away, then take practice swings? How about Tulo? He takes more time than anyone I've ever seen and he just meanders around.

[Ennder]

I don't know if its true, but according to a Chicago radio person, there is 11 minutes of actual football in an NFL game.

 

 

When they rerun games on NFL networks with just the snaps and plays they fit the game into a 30 minute window including commercials. They usually do cut out a few non important plays though. It wouldn't surprise me if an actual NFL game is under 20 minutes of time.

 

They replay baseball games on the MLB Network just showing the final pitch of each AB and those are about 30 minutes long too.

[monty57]

I'm sure a lot of the antics are done to control the pace of the at-bat, taking that advantage away from the pitcher. I'm sure pitchers get a little annoyed waiting for the batter to get back in the box, and that could give the batter an advantage. Of course, some pitchers do this too, walking behind the mound, playing with the rosin bag, etc. If baseball thinks fans are getting annoyed with it, then make a rule, but it could definitely have an effect on the "mental part" of the game.

 

I know the world is changing and attention spans are dwindling, but I kind of like watching baseball because it does slow life down for a while. Life is hectic enough. I like to be able to kick back and relax with a baseball game on. I like to be able to talk with friends and family while the game is going on. I like baseball as it is, and don't think it needs to be changed. Maybe I'm getting old :-)

[Pugger]

It will be interesting to see how they implement this. For example, what's the penalty if a batter takes both feet out of the box? Is it a called strike? I remember several years ago (15? 20?..more?) where they decided to tighten up the rules on the definition of a balk. If I remember correctly they decided to be more strict on the enforcement of having to come to a noticeable set position before beginning your motion. There were an insane amount of balk calls on opening day that year. I want to say there were 4 or 5 balks called during the Brewer's opening game.

 

the penalty is going to be with fines, not balls/strikes, and the fines will be minimal.

 

If the fines are minimal that isn't going to stop guys like Braun from stepping out and readjusting their gloves between each pitch. It would be like fining one of us a dollar for speeding.

[645]

1. Managers must challenge replays from dugout.

 

Does this make much deference? Managers challenging plays are not a daily thing. Sure it happens but not enough to notice how offen it does happen.

 

 

2. Batters must keep one foot in box unless an established exception occurs.

 

Alright, The batter must stay in the box. You know how many times they added this rule over the years? You know how many times the Umpire has called it on a hitter? Like Never, They been there and done that and I'll be shocked if they call it this time.

 

 

3. Play to resume promptly once broadcast returns from commercial break.

 

The Commercial break has always been there and it has always been 2 to 2 and half minutes. The commercial are not the problem even though everyone loves to complain about them. and in fact it don't mather for the inning don't start tell the umpire says he's ready.

 

 

The fact is they all are silly rules that overlook what is making the games longer and that would be that Money game bull. You got to take that walk. You can't try to steel that base on the chance your thrown out and swing at that first pitch that's a sin you don't do that.

 

If a batter goes up there swinging the bat there is a good chance that atbat will take a minute but if they are being selected and trying to get a walk it can be 2 or even 3 minutes. I tell you you watch for that. The Brewers are the only team in the league where the players will swing at the first pitch.

[MadScientist]

The changes won't make a huge difference in actual game time, but they will make a difference in perceived game time. That is reducing the needless delays where you just want to scream 'Oh just get on with it' at the players or manager. Taking extra pitches in an at bat may make the game longer, but does not interrupt the drama and the flow of the game. Anything can happen on any pitch. Nothing can happen when the manager is having a long chat with the ump until the guy upstairs buzzes, or a player does his dance after every pitch.

 

The days of games lasting less than 2:30 may be over, but reducing the wasted time will make the game feel like it hasn't slowed down so much.

[Ennder]

This is the first round of changes. If this reduces even 5 minutes per game it is a success and is a move in the right direction. You can't change a players approach at the plate, just the timing of said approach.

[lcbj68c]

Where's the Fire?

[FVBrewerFan]

This is the first round of changes.

 

And that's what concerns me, the slippery slope. Look at the NFL, they have been on a mission to extend games (to fit in more commercials) and increase scoring. In order to accomplish this, defensive backs can't touch a WR (unless they get away with it) you can't hit a QB, you can't hit or tackle certain ways. Some of that is good for player safety, but it is a rough game, and that's the way it was intended to be played.

 

Now MLB is trying to speed up the game and score more runs. Mutually exclusive to some degree. But these rules will have little impact, other than possibly messing up a batter's routine. And what are unintended consequences? You haven important game down the stretch, or playoff game. Braun is at the plate 3-2, 2 outs, bottom of the 9th. Tying and winning runs on base. Braun steps all the way out of the batter's box, not thinking about the new stupid rule. Strike 3, game over. Is that really the way you want to see a game end in MLB?

 

Worse, they will keep tinkering with the rules. How about limiting throws to 1B? No visits to the mound. 7.4 second pitch clock. Then who's guilty , pitcher or batter? Let's go to instant replay to find out. Sound crazy? That's where we're headed. I wouldn't even be shocked anymore to see them go to 7 inning games.

 

All for what? If you really love baseball, who cares how long it is? And for the casual fans, they're not there to watch the game anyhow.

 

I do agree with starting at 7:00, even 6:35 more often. Because I do think that feeds into the perception the game is a little longer than it is. Start earlier! I don't believe the pre-game has anything to do with it. It is the PRE game. I never watch that drivel, so I have no idea how long that is or what they banter about.

[BarneyStinston]

I think deciding to take a fine in order to maintain a routine that works for a player is probably a no-brainer. How many times have you seen Braun do his routine and the pitcher is still not ready to deliver the ball anyway?

Take away the ceremonial first pitch, national anthem, god-bless america (ugh, the worst!), roll out the barrel, guessing the attendance, guessing which hat has the ball, seventh inning stretch, sausage races, infield dirt sweepers, warm up catching in the outfield and infield, and the car that circles the field during pitching changes. These are things between innings that clearly are purely done to waste time and slow the game down.

[Ennder]

All for what? If you really love baseball, who cares how long it is? And for the casual fans, they're not there to watch the game anyhow.

 

Baseball is by far my favorite sport and it is the thing I spend more time than anything else on. I want the games to be shorter. I don't think I'm outside the norm here. I have a lot of different things pulling my time away from me, this one can easily be shorter with some small changes that won't hurt the quality of the product. I applaud them for doing this. I hope the new guy has the balls to push the DH into the NL too since that is so long overdue. "That is how the game is supposed to be" is just a weak argument for anything and that argument seems to be holding the game back more and more. Lets go back to no pads in the NFL, gee that would be a great idea since that is how it is supposed to be.

[stoutdude04]

 

Baseball is by far my favorite sport and it is the thing I spend more time than anything else on. I want the games to be shorter. I don't think I'm outside the norm here. I have a lot of different things pulling my time away from me, this one can easily be shorter with some small changes that won't hurt the quality of the product. I applaud them for doing this. I hope the new guy has the balls to push the DH into the NL too since that is so long overdue. "That is how the game is supposed to be" is just a weak argument for anything and that argument seems to be holding the game back more and more. Lets go back to no pads in the NFL, gee that would be a great idea since that is how it is supposed to be.

 

I love the long game personally. I see why others want it shorter but I love being at the ballpark for hours, or sitting on my couch or porch for hours just relaxing with food and drinks. Maybe that will change, but for right now I enjoy the length.

[FVBrewerFan]

Take away the ceremonial first pitch, national anthem, god-bless america (ugh, the worst!), roll out the barrel, guessing the attendance, guessing which hat has the ball, seventh inning stretch, sausage races, infield dirt sweepers, warm up catching in the outfield and infield, and the car that circles the field during pitching changes. These are things between innings that clearly are purely done to waste time and slow the game down.

 

You do realize not a single thing you mentioned slows the game down? These are all done before the game and in between innings. You don't think the relief pitcher is waiting on the mound for the bullpen car to clear the field??

[AZBrewCrew]

" 9/11 was 14 years ago, time to ditch GBA on Sunday and holiday games."

 

I would disagree about getting rid of "God Bless America". I think it's one of those things that makes baseball great. Kind of spanning the generations.

 

I like the rule changes. Don't see a lot of downside to any of them.

Save it for the NYM/NYY and do it on 9/11 MLB wide. Its gotten a little tiresome on every Sunday game.

[MadScientist]

Take away the ceremonial first pitch, national anthem, god-bless america (ugh, the worst!), roll out the barrel, guessing the attendance, guessing which hat has the ball, seventh inning stretch, sausage races, infield dirt sweepers, warm up catching in the outfield and infield, and the car that circles the field during pitching changes. These are things between innings that clearly are purely done to waste time and slow the game down.

 

You do realize not a single thing you mentioned slows the game down? These are all done before the game and in between innings. You don't think the relief pitcher is waiting on the mound for the bullpen car to clear the field??

 

Actually the GBA does slow things down because they televise it and don't do warmups during it.

[MrTPlush]

I think deciding to take a fine in order to maintain a routine that works for a player is probably a no-brainer. How many times have you seen Braun do his routine and the pitcher is still not ready to deliver the ball anyway?

Take away the ceremonial first pitch, national anthem, god-bless america (ugh, the worst!), roll out the barrel, guessing the attendance, guessing which hat has the ball, seventh inning stretch, sausage races, infield dirt sweepers, warm up catching in the outfield and infield, and the car that circles the field during pitching changes. These are things between innings that clearly are purely done to waste time and slow the game down.

 

All of those things(except GBA) happen during commercials and do not effect game time. Getting rid of those things just alter the ballpark experience and would make it as boring as pre 2015 Wrigley.

[DuWayne Steurer]

The changes won't make a huge difference in actual game time, but they will make a difference in perceived game time. That is reducing the needless delays where you just want to scream 'Oh just get on with it' at the players or manager. Taking extra pitches in an at bat may make the game longer, but does not interrupt the drama and the flow of the game. Anything can happen on any pitch. Nothing can happen when the manager is having a long chat with the ump until the guy upstairs buzzes, or a player does his dance after every pitch.

 

The days of games lasting less than 2:30 may be over, but reducing the wasted time will make the game feel like it hasn't slowed down so much.

 

 

I think this is a great point. It wouldn't matter *as much* how long the game was if there wasn't such a slow pace to the game. Obviously, baseball isn't the only sport guilty of this. All of the major sports are, to a degree, but lots of casual fans argue that the amount of action between inaction has grown less and less.

[BarneyStinston]

So, you are saying that you've never seen the ceremonial first pitch get thrown out on TV? I know that I have seen a few national anthems and heard them on the radio many times. How this can this be considered commercial time if I am seeing it live? There is obviously also a ton of time being wasted between innings, and enough to even interview fans, players, coaches, and others, which we have all seen, and even show replays. That is really not commercial time when they do that. Regular-season commercial breaks during games that are not nationally televised are supposed to last just 2 minutes, 5 seconds. The rest is pure delay.

 

The point should be trying to reduce the non-playing time delays between innings rather than in game time which we pay to see. i am sure the replacement of extra innings will be next.