Baseball rule changes for 2023

[Rainger99]

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season.

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season (https://www.audacy.com/theteam980/sports/nationals/mlb-officially-passes-major-rules-changes-for-2023-season?fbclid=IwAR1037ada3fiYUnSNcZpTCKeBrRIfitS4c ov8078dkPuNdVTugSlGSdWG1Y)

[Stu from NYC]

Happy if this will speed up the game

[retiredguy123]

Happy if this will speed up the game
I would rather they put me to sleep faster.

[Babubhat]

Half the player roster and half the games would make the regular season more meaningful. Most teams out it by July 4

[blueash]

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season.

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season (https://www.audacy.com/theteam980/sports/nationals/mlb-officially-passes-major-rules-changes-for-2023-season?fbclid=IwAR1037ada3fiYUnSNcZpTCKeBrRIfitS4c ov8078dkPuNdVTugSlGSdWG1Y)

Sadly it does not include the change I think would most improve the game.. Use technology to call balls and strikes. Every single game has myriad wrong guesses by the home plate ump. There is the lovely box on the screen that tells me where the strike zone is and it would so nice if a ball was called a ball and vice versa.

[fdpaq0580]

Sadly it does not include the change I think would most improve the game.. Use technology to call balls and strikes. Every single game has myriad wrong guesses by the home plate ump. There is the lovely box on the screen that tells me where the strike zone is and it would so nice if a ball was called a ball and vice versa.

And robot pitching machines and drones with nets to snag the long fly ball headed for the center field fence, and...... Or, forget the tech. It is a game, not an arms race.....??? Or is it?

[Stu from NYC]

Half the player roster and half the games would make the regular season more meaningful. Most teams out it by July 4

Too many dollars would be lost to do that. Besides once upon a time only two teams were in playoff.

[Davonu]

Sadly it does not include the change I think would most improve the game.. Use technology to call balls and strikes. Every single game has myriad wrong guesses by the home plate ump. There is the lovely box on the screen that tells me where the strike zone is and it would so nice if a ball was called a ball and vice versa.
You sure trust that box. Read the official MLB definition of the strike zone. Often the box isn’t even right according to that definition. Plus, the strike zone is 3 dimensional…due to home plate having depth. That really matters on breaking pitches. The box doesn’t reflect that at all.

I think balls and strikes will be automated someday, but I don’t think the tech is quite ready…at least the way it’s shown on the screen today.

[Worldseries27]

half the player roster and half the games would make the regular season more meaningful. Most teams out it by july 4
july 4th yankees up by 15 games on tampa bay rays
today 3 and a half.

[La lamy]

I love it when people try to make things better! I'm all for a faster game that's for sure. :BigApplause:

[djplong]

Robo-umps will be here in 2024. I can't find a link at the moment but that "rule change" can't happen until a year after a meeting where it's decided and that meeting is scheduled in 2023.

Unfortunately, they won't be doing it right. As I understand it, instead of the system that basically signals the ump as to whether a pitch is a ball or strike, umps will still call the pitches and there will be another "challenge system" that players or the managers will have to instigate.

The system in question is a true 3-dimensional system, unlike the "2D" boxes you see on regular telecasts. That means that a breaking ball could be in the dirt by the time it gets to the catcher's mitt but still have "nicked the strike zone" on it's way there.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I would rather they put me to sleep faster.

I'm with you. I'll be watching my grass grow. Much more exciting.

[RICH1]

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season.

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season (https://www.audacy.com/theteam980/sports/nationals/mlb-officially-passes-major-rules-changes-for-2023-season?fbclid=IwAR1037ada3fiYUnSNcZpTCKeBrRIfitS4c ov8078dkPuNdVTugSlGSdWG1Y)
An Excellent Post ! Thank you for the great read… some of my best memories were at the ballpark

[Travelhunter123]

You sure trust that box. Read the official MLB definition of the strike zone. Often the box isn’t even right according to that definition. Plus, the strike zone is 3 dimensional…due to home plate having depth. That really matters on breaking pitches. The box doesn’t reflect that at all.

I think balls and strikes will be automated someday, but I don’t think the tech is quite ready…at least the way it’s shown on the screen today.

The technology is more than ready. The state of the art is way beyond this

[garykoca427@gmail.com]

I am for the changes that are being implemented. I remember watching a Dodger pitcher - Baez - taking about two minutes to throw each pitch. I don't understand why the players could not have solved the problem of stacking the infield all to one side by bunting or hitting the ball to the vacated side, but I guess they can't. And I would not put in an automatic ball and strike robot. Having umpires is part of the charm of the game.

[BlueHeronFan]

You sure trust that box. Read the official MLB definition of the strike zone. Often the box isn’t even right according to that definition. Plus, the strike zone is 3 dimensional…due to home plate having depth. That really matters on breaking pitches. The box doesn’t reflect that at all.

I think balls and strikes will be automated someday, but I don’t think the tech is quite ready…at least the way it’s shown on the screen today.

They do have 3D coverage for pitches but it's currently for replay to show how the pitcher's throws are working. It's will be used in the near future because they have tried it in the minor leagues already. I look forward to it. The umpire's can call one pitch a strike and the next same pitch a ball. Saw a bad call the other day that cost the Ray's a game with runners in scoring position.

[maistocars]

I don't understand the elimination of defensive shifts. Heck, these are highly paid pros and if a pro player can't learn to hit where the fielders ain't they shouldn't be in pro ball or hit into more outs because of their deficiencies.

[Stu from NYC]

I don't understand the elimination of defensive shifts. Heck, these are highly paid pros and if a pro player can't learn to hit where the fielders ain't they shouldn't be in pro ball or hit into more outs because of their deficiencies.

I agree. Everything has to be pulled and home runs rule. Unfortunately it takes the excitement out of the game.

Too many strikeouts and not enough balls in play

[Petersweeney]

Every other inning should be “kickball” where pitcher rolls a soccer ball and the “batter” has to kick it…..I’d watch that…

[Mrfriendly]

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season.

MLB officially passes major rules changes for 2023 season (https://www.audacy.com/theteam980/sports/nationals/mlb-officially-passes-major-rules-changes-for-2023-season?fbclid=IwAR1037ada3fiYUnSNcZpTCKeBrRIfitS4c ov8078dkPuNdVTugSlGSdWG1Y)

Bigger baseballs will be good for NJ, economy. Bigger baseballs will require more “Jersey Mud” to rub them down before each game creating more jobs. NJ loves Big Balls!

[Davonu]

They do have 3D coverage for pitches but it's currently for replay to show how the pitcher's throws are working…
I’m aware of that, but that is not the same as the actual 3D strike zone. The box shown for the strike zone is just 2D, with the 3D pitch graphic simply showing where that pitch crossed the 2D strike zone box.

[Stu from NYC]

Every other inning should be “kickball” where pitcher rolls a soccer ball and the “batter” has to kick it…..I’d watch that…

Would be a rather empty parking lot.

[ccrider]

I am for the changes that are being implemented. I remember watching a Dodger pitcher - Baez - taking about two minutes to throw each pitch. I don't understand why the players could not have solved the problem of stacking the infield all to one side by bunting or hitting the ball to the vacated side, but I guess they can't. And I would not put in an automatic ball and strike robot. Having umpires is part of the charm of the game.

The rule about 2 infielders on each side of second base is like telling a football team they can't blitz the QB because they would have more rushers than the defense has blockers. I remember a long time ago a reporter asked Ted Willaims why he didn't hit the ball to left field when they put the shift on. His reply was that they paid him to hit home runs, not singles. Rulemakers should have left that one alone.

[ThirdOfFive]

Robo-umps will be here in 2024. I can't find a link at the moment but that "rule change" can't happen until a year after a meeting where it's decided and that meeting is scheduled in 2023.

Unfortunately, they won't be doing it right. As I understand it, instead of the system that basically signals the ump as to whether a pitch is a ball or strike, umps will still call the pitches and there will be another "challenge system" that players or the managers will have to instigate.

The system in question is a true 3-dimensional system, unlike the "2D" boxes you see on regular telecasts. That means that a breaking ball could be in the dirt by the time it gets to the catcher's mitt but still have "nicked the strike zone" on it's way there.
C'mon! Players disputing calls and the crowds booing the umpires is part of the game!

[Tom M]

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[Tom M]

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[Twsells]

I don’t like the new rules sounds going woke to me where everyone gets on base, gets to steal easier, bigger bags maybe ok pitcher only gets two pickoffs, easy to count that and then steal. It is my favorite sport looks like that may change
Sad!

[Rainger99]

I don’t like the new rules sounds going woke to me where everyone gets on base, gets to steal easier, bigger bags maybe ok pitcher only gets two pickoffs, easy to count that and then steal. It is my favorite sport looks like that may change
Sad!

I can't see how the two pickoff rule will work. If he throws over a second time, I would imagine the lead would be about 30 feet on the next pitch. I expect that pitchers will only make one pick-off move.

[OhioBuckeye]

I wish they would make some changes with NCAA football bowl games too. Way to many teams get to play with to many losses. Who wants to watch some school that you never heard of play in a Bowl game that sounds like it was made up. They got to get back to a 11 to 15 bowl game & quit inventing bowls to make money, because no one wants to see some tiny little school play! Yea, I know it’s all about money but come on!

[Babubhat]

Not going to matter. The number of games is too many to have the players care every day. Much like basketball

[Stu from NYC]

I don’t like the new rules sounds going woke to me where everyone gets on base, gets to steal easier, bigger bags maybe ok pitcher only gets two pickoffs, easy to count that and then steal. It is my favorite sport looks like that may change
Sad!

Good baserunners know that and will take a longer lead after the first pickoff try and than steal

[Stu from NYC]

I wish they would make some changes with NCAA football bowl games too. Way to many teams get to play with to many losses. Who wants to watch some school that you never heard of play in a Bowl game that sounds like it was made up. They got to get back to a 11 to 15 bowl game & quit inventing bowls to make money, because no one wants to see some tiny little school play! Yea, I know it’s all about money but come on!

As long as bowl games make money will have more and more. Do wish they would speed up the game to no more than 3 hours. These 4 hour games take too long

[Pinball wizard]

Sadly it does not include the change I think would most improve the game.. Use technology to call balls and strikes. Every single game has myriad wrong guesses by the home plate ump. There is the lovely box on the screen that tells me where the strike zone is and it would so nice if a ball was called a ball and vice versa.

Agreed!

Judge gets more than his share of low balls called strikes. His average would go up 20 points with electronic balls and strikes.

[Pinball wizard]

You sure trust that box. Read the official MLB definition of the strike zone. Often the box isn’t even right according to that definition. Plus, the strike zone is 3 dimensional…due to home plate having depth. That really matters on breaking pitches. The box doesn’t reflect that at all.

I think balls and strikes will be automated someday, but I don’t think the tech is quite ready…at least the way it’s shown on the screen today.

I've see quite a few broadcasts replay the pitch call with a 3D home plate. When you are using a center field camera, fairly straight on, the only thing you can display is 2D.

[Davonu]

I've see quite a few broadcasts replay the pitch call with a 3D home plate. When you are using a center field camera, fairly straight on, the only thing you can display is 2D.
I've seen the replay cameras that show the pitch crossing the plate from an angle such that the pitch crosses (or not) the full length of the plate. But the ones I've seen are not a representation of the strike zone 'box'. Just the ball passing the plate.

[Vikingjunior]

Wait until a playoff game is decided by someone violating the timer. lol.

[WingedFoot78]

Excitement in the game? It's like watching paint dry.

[Bay Kid]

I haven't watched baseball since they went on strike during the playoffs in the late '80s.

[Stu from NYC]

Wait until a playoff game is decided by someone violating the timer. lol.

They all know the rules

[P A Paul]

The “problem” is the box on the screen. Wish it were optional to watch a game without it. Attention is focused on whether a pitch is called correctly. Extremely distracting on borderline calls. It “IS” what the ump says it “IS”.

[OhioBuckeye]

I guess you’re right but like some people tell me, don’t watch them! But to have 30 to 40 Bowl games is rediculous!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The technology is more than ready. The state of the art is way beyond this

I agree. Some networks have shown a 3 dimensional strike zone albeit after a call has been made. It can be done on replay, I don't know if it can be done in real time.

And I would have no problem making the strike zone the same for everyone. The difference between someone that is 6'4" and someone that is 5'8" seems like a lot but the difference from their armpits to the top of their knees is not that much different. Most of the difference in height in humans is in their legs.

I'm not saying that there is no difference but it is small. Why should shorter people be given an advantage> Make it X inches from the plate to whatever height they determine to be fair.

[OhioBuckeye]

What I mean by to many Bowl games I mean Colleges are coming up with Bowl games that schools are developing Bowls for schools that lose 6 or 7 games out of 12 or 13 total games & only have a couple thousand students. Not picking on small schools but playing in a Bowl game with only winning half their games. Guess I don’t have to watch them! Can’t amagine Baseball having playoffs for every team. I don’t care much for baseball but it’s short enough that I do watch it.

[Davonu]

…I would have no problem making the strike zone the same for everyone…

…Why should shorter people be given an advantage…
A same-for-everyone strike zone would take care of that, because then shorter players would have a disadvantage.

[Stu from NYC]

What I mean by to many Bowl games I mean Colleges are coming up with Bowl games that schools are developing Bowls for schools that lose 6 or 7 games out of 12 or 13 total games & only have a couple thousand students. Not picking on small schools but playing in a Bowl game with only winning half their games. Guess I don’t have to watch them! Can’t amagine Baseball having playoffs for every team. I don’t care much for baseball but it’s short enough that I do watch it.

I agree with you but as long as people watch the game either on TV or in person and they find sponsors for the games we will only get more and more of them.

[RUCdaze]

Sorry folks, but I disagree with all of you. I think MLB is doing everything they can to kill the sport. Give me the baseball I watched as a kid in the 1950's when baseball was real baseball.

[Rainger99]

I wish they would have a rule for playoff games to start before 8 pm on the east coast. Really hard for kids and seniors to stay up for the finish. Kind of like having tennis finish after 2 am!!

[Stu from NYC]

I wish they would have a rule for playoff games to start before 8 pm on the east coast. Really hard for kids and seniors to stay up for the finish. Kind of like having tennis finish after 2 am!!

Wish they would start by 7 to make it easier to watch the whole game

[OhioBuckeye]

Well I guess I just thought all the money schools make (millions) & then they raise school tuition, pay coaches hundreds of thousands of dollars. Who’s profiting from this, the school or the kids? To much going to schools for the same education they got 20 yrs. ago. Yea, maybe I didn’t know that sports was more important than the kids education. Just my opinion!

[tophcfa]

If they want to speed up the games why not simply make it against the rules to adjust one’s batting gloves, spit chewing tobacco, and scratch one’s balls?

[Rainger99]

Wish they would start by 7 to make it easier to watch the whole game

I was in Hawaii during the baseball playoffs one year. It was great! The games start in the afternoon and I could watch the end of the game - even though it went into extra innings!

[murinace@aol.com]

I liked the longer games! I took my wife and two kids to citifield. We sat in left field party deck (food good and beer cold) game lasted only 2 hours. $500+parking. Haven’t been back

[Stu from NYC]

I liked the longer games! I took my wife and two kids to citifield. We sat in left field party deck (food good and beer cold) game lasted only 2 hours. $500+parking. Haven’t been back

Apparently the vast majority of us think the games are running much too long. Way back when we were kids ran about 2 1/2 hours nowadays 4 hours is hard to sit for

[ElDiabloJoe]

I am apparently in the minority, I am saddened by the new rules that intend to "speed up" the game. Baseball is a mental, strategic battle between the pitcher and the batters. It is the last great sport (pastime!) that doesn't have time limits. No shot clocks, play clocks, time clocks. The last great unrushed past time that is wholly American. The event and its intricacies are all that matter - not the time. MLB is capitulating to the networks and broadcasters who all want to be able schedule more profitable programming as the innings wane on and people turn off the TV to go to bed.

I hope the new rules are quickly scrapped.

[Garywt]

They need to get rid of the stupid ghost runner in extra innings.

[Stu from NYC]

They need to get rid of the stupid ghost runner in extra innings.

Agree totally

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I attended what was the time, the longest game in MLB history. Red Sox and Yankees at Fenway. The Yankees pitcher got injured in the first inning. The relief pitcher was allowed full warm up time. Then both teams changed pitches quite often. Add in a rain delay, extra innings and we left the park at about 1:30 am.

[Rainger99]

In 2019, Stephen Strasburg was the World Series MVP. He then signed a seven-year, $245 million contract extension. He has only made eight starts in the last three seasons and just one this season.

[Davonu]

They need to get rid of the stupid ghost runner in extra innings.
I can respect what you say, but it does get rid of those ridiculously long extra inning games. A necessary evil imo.