MLB Pitch Clock and other New Stuff: For those who have watched a few 2023 spring training games, what do you think of the changes?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

For those who have watched a few 2023 spring training games, what do you think of the changes?

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Linda From Maine wrote:

For those who have watched a few 2023 spring training games, what do you think of the changes?

I hate the universal DH, and even more the ghost runner in extra innings. The larger bases may prevent injuries, so I’ll live with that. Limiting disengagements and requiring a pitcher to face three hitters is an infringement on a manager's ability to create strategy. I don’t mind the banning of the shift.

What are your thoughts?

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I agree with everything you say except the banning of the shift. That’s more taking away strategy.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

jaymatt wrote:

I agree with everything you say except the banning of the shift. That’s more taking away strategy.

Yes, I have to admit to inconsistent, self-serving thinking there on my part.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Almost all the changes are designed to speed pace of play, i.e. more action for those who find the game slow and boring. I believe I read there has been a loss of attendance and tv viewership, so these changes are attempts to appeal to a wider audience.

I very much like the limitation on "disengagement" as relates to how many times a pitcher throws to first base. I very much like the limits on batter re stepping out of the box to adjust his gloves. I very much like the restraints on a pitcher's ability to step off the mound and wander around

I understand about strategy limits, and I enjoy hearing great analysts such as John Smoltz talk about pitching strategy, but so far I'm enjoying the faster pace.

Since the "ghost runner" is equal opportunity for both teams, I don't have any complaint. Re the DH, I've mostly watched the American League during my relatively short time following baseball (18 years), so all is good.

Thanks for commenting!

Rab-Eye wrote:

I hate the universal DH, and even more the ghost runner in extra innings. The larger bases may prevent injuries, so I’ll live with that. Limiting disengagements and requiring a pitcher to face three hitters is an infringement on a manager's ability to create strategy. I don’t mind the banning of the shift.

What are your thoughts?

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I haven't watched a baseball game in more than 50 years. Way too dull for my taste. (And I sometimes watch Golf so that says something). But, hey, that's just me.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Yeah Ken, I remember your sharing this sentiment in the thread from a week ago.

Why post in these chit chat topics about baseball at all? What did your comment add to the discussion? I know it's the UHH way to say whatever pops into one's head whether relevant, helpful or not, but geeze it's tedious.

kpmac wrote:

I haven't watched a baseball game in more than 50 years. Way too dull for my taste. (And I sometimes watch Golf so that says something). But, hey, that's just me.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

jaymatt wrote:

I agree with everything you say except the banning of the shift. That’s more taking away strategy.

I liked the observation, "Tired of hitting into a shift? Just learn how to hit the ball the other way."

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

kpmac wrote:

I haven't watched a baseball game in more than 50 years. Way too dull for my taste. (And I sometimes watch Golf so that says something). But, hey, that's just me.

If you can watch golf . . . .

What I can’t stand to watch is soccer. It’s like watching a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off.

Dannj

👎 on the DH, ghost runner, limiting pickoffs, eliminating the shift
👍 on the pitch/batter clock, base sizes

Like any rules changes, it’ll take time to get adjusted

Dannj

jaymatt wrote:

If you can watch golf . . . .

What I can’t stand to watch is soccer. It’s like watching a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off.

Why do you watch chickens with their heads cut off?😳

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Dannj wrote:

Why do you watch chickens with their heads cut off?😳

I haven’t for years, but I remember my mother killing them that way for Sunday dinner. It’s quite a sight to watch them flop around for a bit after the beheading--tasty eating! Freshly killed chicken has a different taste than those commercially killed and shipped to a store.

Sorry Linda, I know this is off topic.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

Linda, all great comments. The bottom line is speeding up the play of the game. I'm in.
I can live with the the ghost runner, but am not a fan. And banning the shift only lowers the bar for players who should have learned/or learn to hit where they are not. It was an opportunity for good hitters.
I think that we will see if defensive catchers will become more important. We should hear plenty of analysis if stolen bases are significantly up and impacting the scores. Baseball is back!

MWojton Loc: Yardley, PA

Linda From Maine wrote:

For those who have watched a few 2023 spring training games, what do you think of the changes?

I just read that so far this year, games are 20- 25 minutes faster on average than last year, which is great! Something had to be done- baseball has been unwatchable lately- exept for the Phillies Red October!

I love the idea of going to a 7:00 game and being out of the stadium by 9:30.

zonedoc

MWojton wrote:

I just read that so far this year, games are 20- 25 minutes faster on average than last year, which is great! Something had to be done- baseball has been unwatchable lately- exept for the Phillies Red October!

I love the idea of going to a 7:00 game and being out of the stadium by 9:30.

The biggest cause of four hour games is the three to five minute commercial break each half inning.