If you could change ONE rule...

[kehlis]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

^Only reason people hate replay is cause it takes awhile, over time I'm sure they'll get much quicker on this,and set up much more proper stuff like the NHL has.)

No it's not the only reason since I could care less about time it takes.

[Perfect Zero]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

In regards to replay: I would get rid of the challenge system and institute a fifth umpire. That umpire would rotate with the field umpires and would have communication with the umpires on the field. If the call is wrong, change it. If they need time the umpires can hold the play on the field until replay can confirm, stand, or overturn the call. I don't know why they didn't do it like this in the first place; it seems like a no brainer...

In regards to the rule I would change otherwise: Once the batter gets in the batter's box, he either needs to get a hit, be hit, draw a walk, be out on strikes, have catcher's interference, or some God awful injury to get out. Readjusting the batting gloves every single time and playing around in the dirt would draw an automatic strike.

In the same breath, pitchers would have to make a reasonable effort to throw a pitch in a timely manor to home plate. If there has to be a pitch clock so be it, but if the pitcher cannot pitch, he either needs to be removed from the game or have a ball issued to the batter. The manager or catcher can make only one mound visit per pitcher per inning before yanking the pitcher, and that meeting should not take more than twenty seconds from leaving the bench or position before penalties are issued.

I know this gives the umpires more power in arbitrary matters, but I think it's the only way to speed up the game. I love Baseball, but I loathe slow Baseball. This needs to be fixed now.

[PhilliesFan13]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I would get rid of instant replay all together other than reviewing homeruns.

I hate it.

100% with you on this.

[KMRblue1027]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

Expanded replay is the best rule change that baseball's ever had, even the kinda clumsy system in play is light-years ahead of last year. Just look at the statistics:

http://baseballsavant.com/apps/replays.php

410! Calls overturned only 2/3s of the way through the season even with the flawed challenge based system. Think about what that means in terms of runs scored or prevented, we're probably talking about 100+ here. Sure the system still needs work but give it a season or two and we'll have no desire to ever go back.

In the spirit of the thread besides the obvious DH removal that will never happen, I think I'd like to see ground rule doubles changed so the umpires can place runners at their discretion, most of the time a runner on first should have scored making it worse than a normal double.

[delotell12]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I would get rid of instant replay all together other than reviewing homeruns.

I hate it.

It's stupid. All they have done is eliminate manager-empire arguments

[ryan36]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I would add one more player per rosters. Of course it'd probably just mean 13 man pitching staffs, where I want an extra bench player

[BlueJayPower]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

It's stupid. All they have done is eliminate manager-empire arguments

Ok so sure those arguments were entertaining, but what did they actually accomplish???

[Jr.]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

Ok so sure those arguments were entertaining, but what did they actually accomplish???

Managers tend to argue calls in an attempt to get a call later in the game, or even in another game when that particular umpire/crew is working. It's rarely for the call at hand. I wouldn't say they don't accomplish anything (which I believe you are implying.. correct me if I'm wrong).

There is also a motivation factor with the players. Players tend to play harder for a manager they believe has their back and will support them when they disagree with a call.

[canes21]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I'd like to see warm-up pitches between innings removed or sped up, create a time limit between half inning transitions, and create a clock between pitches. The batter, catcher, and pitcher all must be ready for the next pitch within say 7 seconds for example. If the catcher/pitcher take too long, balk. If the hitter does, either a strike is added or automatic out. I believe an out is too much, but a strike is right and can also result in an automatic out.

I know the topic is one rule, so I would go with the pitch clock as my main submission. However, I think all 3 changes would increase the popularity of baseball and create a much better flow of the game. Sure there is less time for commercials, but for the sake of the sport I would love these changes. Imagine a 3rd out is made and the next half inning is already underway within 2 minutes max. That's a dream for me.

[Jr.]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I'd like to see warm-up pitches between innings removed or sped up, create a time limit between half inning transitions, and create a clock between pitches. The batter, catcher, and pitcher all must be ready for the next pitch within say 7 seconds for example. If the catcher/pitcher take too long, balk. If the hitter does, either a strike is added or automatic out. I believe an out is too much, but a strike is right and can also result in an automatic out.

I know the topic is one rule, so I would go with the pitch clock as my main submission. However, I think all 3 changes would increase the popularity of baseball and create a much better flow of the game. Sure there is less time for commercials, but for the sake of the sport I would love these changes. Imagine a 3rd out is made and the next half inning is already underway within 2 minutes max. That's a dream for me.

The pitch clock is in the rules (supposed to be 12 seconds).. just needs to be enforced

[canes21]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

The pitch clock is in the rules (supposed to be 12 seconds).. just needs to be enforced

Did not know that. Thanks! I think baseball could benefit tremendously with an improved pace. It will always be my favorite sport and one which I can handle the pace and watch all day every day, but I know that's not the norm with your average person. Speed the game up in a reasonable fashion that doesn't affect the quality like a pitch clock, half inning transitions, etc. and the game gains popularity.

EDIT: I think this topic just made me realize why Santana is my favorite Braves' pitcher to watch this season. Guy pitches the ball, gets the throwback, and his ready to throw the next pitch immediately and has a great fast pace.

[KMRblue1027]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

The pitch clock is in the rules (supposed to be 12 seconds).. just needs to be enforced

I don't think any pitcher actually comes close to that 12 second mark though. I know Lee's really fast and his Pace is 20.9 seconds for his career.

[TripleCrown9]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

When does that clock start? From the time the batter steps in the box?

[KMRblue1027]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I have no idea when the Pitch F/X clock starts, I think it's after the pitcher gets the ball.

Edit: If they base it on the Pitch F/X clock then no one would qualify. Mark Buehrle has the fastest Pace at 17.2 this year.

Edit2: I think if you rasied the clock to 21 seconds it'd be fine. It would force guys like Price and Papelbon to speed up.

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.asp...=0&sort=12%2ca

[Jr.]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

When does that clock start? From the time the batter steps in the box?

I believe it's supposed to be from the time the pitcher receives the ball from the catcher.

Like I said, it needs to be enforced. I don't know why umpires don't.. it's a very simple rule that would do wonders for the pace of the game.