MLB Considering Several Rule Changes

Rob Manfred and the MLB are looking to speed up the game. As such, they have several rule changes that they are considering.

The MLB has considered making some huge changes to the way the game is played. These changes would include the following: enforcing a stricter pitching clock, limiting defensive shifts, limited amount of pitching changes, and altering the strike zone.

All of these changes, outside of a pitch clock, would change the way the game is played. Players have been less than enthusiastic in their response to the proposed changes. That is completely understandable, considering how each change would make the game different and alter the strategy of the game itself.

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While a strict pitching clock, on the surface, may not seem to have a huge effect on the game, it would effect much more than fans realize. A pitch clock would put a pitcher with little time needed to recover between max-effort pitches. In an age where a new pitching injury seems to pop up each week, adding a timer to how quickly they must deliver a pitch seems like a very bad idea. Not only would it ensure max-effort pitches, possibly before the pitcher is ready, it would give the edge to any potential base thieves as well.

Stealing a base is all about timing and reading the pitcher. While it is somewhat based on pure speed, it is more important to be able to identify and read the pitchers body language then anything else. If a runner can do that, more often than not his steal attempt will be successful. Adding a pitching clock to the equation will give base runners a decided advantage. To know the limited time frame a pitcher has to deliver the ball to the plate will give runners the ability to steal bases more freely, unless the pitcher was given the ability to throw the ball to first without it effecting the timer. Even then, a new problem would be presented of whether or not to limit throws to first?

While, in theory, the idea of a pitch clock seems effective, there are issues that could prevent it from being as effective as hoped for. If fines are the only incentive to follow the timer, will players ignore it in favor of doing what is best for them and their team? Yes. the pitch clock has been used effectively in the minor leagues recently; however, established major league players did not come up in an era with a pitch clock. Enforcing it on them now would still have the consequences listed above.

Limiting defensive shifts may be the most laughable of the proposed changes by the MLB. There are still many major-league level hitters who cannot hit the ball the opposite way effectively enough. To limit the amount of times the defense can align against these hitters appropriately is ridiculous. Yes, the amount of shifts has dramatically increased over the past few seasons. They may take a bit of time but they have become more prevalent because of how effective they are.