If you could change ONE rule...

[kehlis]

What would it be?

I was asked this a couple weeks ago and couldn't come up with an answer until tonight.

His idea was to limit the amount of pitching changes that could be made in an inning. I completely disagreed and don't really see any other reason to do that than to attempt to shorten the game. That takes too much away from a manager.


If I could change one rule, it would be that a ground rule double with two outs would allow a runner on first to score. They are already on the move and I can't think of too many guys who wouldn't score with any other double.

This is one of those things that when it hurts your team you are pissed, but when it helps you, you know you caught a break...

[Watson]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

The DH.

It's understandable in High School and College (hell, even the Minors) but not the majors.

edit: being less general, if you hit a batter above the shoulders it's an automatic ejection

[dodgerblue]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

Not a rule change per se, but have umpires call the true strikezone up and down as well as not so much off the corners. It drives me crazy that most won't call the high strike and will ring a guy up when a pitch is a foot off the plate!

[kehlis]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

The DH.

It's understandable in High School and College (hell, even the Minors) but not the majors.

This brings up another idea that was brought up in our discussion.

I'm not a fan of getting rid of the DH. I'm a fan of an AL team but I love watching NL games because of the different strategy and enjoy the contrast between the two.

What if the NL was permitted one extra roster spot? It might counteract the advantage the AL has for being able to get away with carrying one less bench player if they choose. (For this to happen there would have to be some sort of consensus made for the WS which I don't know if it would be possible).

[Watson]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

This brings up another idea that was brought up in our discussion.

I'm not a fan of getting rid of the DH. I'm a fan of an AL team but I love watching NL games because of the different strategy and enjoy the contrast between the two.

What if the NL was permitted one extra roster spot? It might counteract the advantage the AL has for being able to get away with carrying one less bench player if they choose. (For this to happen there would have to be some sort of consensus made for the WS which I don't know if it would be possible).

i'll buy that idea.

[SPTO]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

Not a rule change per se, but have umpires call the true strikezone up and down as well as not so much off the corners. It drives me crazy that most won't call the high strike and will ring a guy up when a pitch is a foot off the plate!

I'm sure you know this but remember the strike zone isn't where the ball lands in the catcher's glove but as it travels to the plate.

Anyways my one rule change would be that hitters are NOT allowed to fully leave the batters box. They can take a foot out and get set then put the foot back in but no more of this walking around and doing a damn ritual before each pitch.

If you go out of the box it's an automatic strike against you.

[55]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I'd make it an automatic ejection for any player besides the pitcher for stepping on the mound.

[BurghFan]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

They should make the DH so that either both leagues use it or neither league uses it. It just seems silly to me that only the AL uses it and not the NL.

[Blzer]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I'm ranking these seven in terms of their importance to me:


1) 28 players per major league roster.

2) For the ground rule double, we can keep the "double" aspect in, but if a runner on first is going to score and it's just that evident, the umpires use their discretion to send him home instead of holding him on third.

3) Base coaches are not required to wear helmets (you can see my stand on this matter in this old thread and this other thread for further justification).

4) Batter does not have to make an attempt to avoid a hit-by-pitch (however it's different if they lean into one).

5) Infielders must start each pitch on their respective sides of the field (where the line up the middle divides it into two).

6) Not really an in-game rule, but as far as stadium restrictions go, bullpens should not be placed on the field in foul territory anymore (for newly built stadiums).

7) For statistical purposes... on base percentage should take speed a little more into account by considering fielding errors and fielder's choices as positives for the statistic. This one is arguable for many reasons including the two obvious ones that they should only earn theirs by reaching successfully as well as there being some discretion on which times they actually beat out something because of an error, but on-base percentage is exactly that... the percentage of the time they reach base (maybe even reaching on drop-third strikes should be considered).

[Bellsprout]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

Managers and coaching staff having to wear uniforms. Always struck me as weird. Are they eligible to play? Like, could Francona put himself in if it was a 50 inning game and he had nobody else? If they aren't, I see no reason for them to have to wear unis.

[Gibbz]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

I agree that the DH shouldn't be a part of Major League Baseball.

[TheLetterZ]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

Easy. I'd get rid of interleague play.

[Sandman42]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

DH in both leagues. Pitchers aren't paid to hit.

[Blzer]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

DH in both leagues. Pitchers aren't paid to hit.

But now you're paying a player to not field. Many people discredit designated hitters for their ability to hit because they need no attention to fielding. That's how I felt with converting Pujols and Cabrera over to first base (I remember getting tarred and feathered for that one), though Pujols is still a great fielder.

I'm content with the rule for now, makes for two unique leagues and different styles of play. Instituting the DH in both leagues now would mean a lot of adjustments needed to be made over the course of four years or so if the NL wants to be serious about utilizing a DH-lineup correctly. Same goes for an AL team if the DH rule was dropped completely.

[JBH3]

Re: If you could change ONE rule...

3) Infielders must start each pitch on their respective sides of the field (where the line up the middle divides it into two).

Ryan Howard loves you.

DH in both leagues. Pitchers aren't paid to hit.

Ok Stienbrenner...