Proposed baseball rule change

[Salty]

I am watching the Yankees home game tonight.
At the end of the eighth the Royals lead 6-0.

I had a thought for a proposed rule.

If the home team is behind by 5 or more runs - at the end of the eighth inning - than they will bat first for the ninth inning.

Since it is very rare that 5 runs are scored in an inning - why have the visiting team bat in the ninth if they are that far ahead?


Thoughts?

 

[Alcott]

I assume you mean visiting team gets home team out in bottom of 8th, with lead of 5 runs or more, then clear the bases and begin 9th; or in essence get 6 outs with bases cleared in the mid-part. I don't think so-- keeping players out there for 6 outs, 30 pitches by one pitcher would be a 'fair' effort without rest when he would be tired, so any rally by home team would force pitching changes that would not be done by the rules now. Indeed, there might be 5 pitching changes (as a new pitcher must pitch to at least one batter), and the visiting team would stall to warm up new ones (as only 2 can warm up at a time), while the position players stand there sweating. You would have to anticipate more defensive errors, with the players in the field that long. I can't go along with this proposed change.

 

[TadQueasy]

No need to fix something that is not broken.

The baseball item that needs to be changed is the DH rule. Either it is in both leagues or neither league.

 

[InTheLight]

I am watching the Yankees home game tonight.
At the end of the eighth the Royals lead 6-0.

I had a thought for a proposed rule.

If the home team is behind by 5 or more runs - at the end of the eighth inning - than they will bat first for the ninth inning.

Since it is very rare that 5 runs are scored in an inning - why have the visiting team bat in the ninth if they are that far ahead?


Thoughts?

You are essentially ending the home field advantage of batting last at-bats.

So let's play this out a bit further. Let's say your rule is implemented and the Yankees batted in the top of the ninth. They score 6 runs and tie the score. Now it's the top of the tenth inning. Which team bats first?

I don't like the idea.

 

[InTheLight]

The baseball item that needs to be changed is the DH rule. Either it is in both leagues or neither league.

 

[InTheLight]

As long as we're on the subject of changing the rules of baseball, I'd like to see a limit on the number of times a pitcher can throw over to first base to hold a baserunner from stealing. I was at a Twins game last month and the pitcher threw over to first base 9 times during one guy's at-bat. Let's say if a pitcher throws over to first base five times during the same at-bat he can no longer throw over there again or else the baserunner is automatically awarded 2nd base.

I'd also like to see the 25 seconds between pitch rule enforced.

 

[Salty]

As long as we're on the subject of changing the rules of baseball, I'd like to see a limit on the number of times a pitcher can throw over to first base to hold a base runner from stealing. ...

Just one problem - if the base runner can get the pitcher to throw 5 times - then would the runner in effect be allowed to steal - Or only throw to second base.? Or after 5 throws - the base runner would be limited to stay within 3 steps of first base?

Salty

ps
No problem bringing up other rules (but only baseball rules - if you want other sports rule changes - start a new thread)

 

[Bobby Hamilton]

No need to fix something that is not broken.

The baseball item that needs to be changed is the DH rule. Either it is in both leagues or neither league.

This.

I would like to see them find a way to speed the game up a bit, but it is what it is.

 

[InTheLight]

Just one problem - if the base runner can get the pitcher to throw 5 times - then would the runner in effect be allowed to steal - Or only throw to second base.? Or after 5 throws - the base runner would be limited to stay within 3 steps of first base?

Salty

ps
No problem bringing up other rules (but only baseball rules - if you want other sports rule changes - start a new thread)

Let's say the pitcher has thrown over there 4 times. If he throws over there the 5th time and the runner returns to 1st base safely, the umpire calls time and awards the runner 2nd base. If during the throw over the runner vacates the base the play is live and the runner is in peril of being put out.

 

[InTheLight]

I would like to see them find a way to speed the game up a bit, but it is what it is.

Amen. Enforce the 25 second rule between pitches. If you've ever seen Rafael Betancourt (now on the Rockies) pitch you will totally understand my point. I've timed him at consistently in the 40 second range between pitches. There are many more examples.

Do not allow batters to step completely out of the batters box, require them to keep one foot in the box and step out with one foot to get the signs from the 3rd base coach. Pet peeve of mine is batters that step out of the box and readjust the straps on their batting gloves after every pitch.

On intentional walks, have the catcher call time and request that the umpire advance the batter to first base (similar to high school rules.)

 

[Bobby Hamilton]

Sidenote: As a Reds fan, no lead is safe going into the 9th inning. I've learned that over the last 3-4 years.

 

[Tom Butler]

Amen. Enforce the 25 second rule between pitches. If you've ever seen Rafael Betancourt (now on the Rockies) pitch you will totally understand my point. I've timed him at consistently in the 40 second range between pitches. There are many more examples.

Do not allow batters to step completely out of the batters box, require them to keep one foot in the box and step out with one foot to get the signs from the 3rd base coach. Pet peeve of mine is batters that step out of the box and readjust the straps on their batting gloves after every pitch.

On intentional walks, have the catcher call time and request that the umpire advance the batter to first base (similar to high school rules.)

Some good ideas.

The intentional walk idea is the best.

 

[robycop3]

I agree. The 25-second pitching rule should be enforced, and batters should be ready to hit 5 seconds after a pitch. They should hustle from the on-deck circle to the batter's box & be ready for the first pitch seven seconds after they reach the batter's box. That's where I see the most delay in ML games.

I disagree on mulligans for intentional walx. How many times have we seen a battery inn a ML game become too nonchalant during an IW and either throw the ball away with runners on the bases, or throw one over the plate & the batter hammer it? 'Tis different from a HS game or slo-pitch softball, which moves along faster anyway.

 

[ccrobinson]

How many times have we seen a battery inn a ML game become too nonchalant during an IW and either throw the ball away with runners on the bases, or throw one over the plate & the batter hammer it?

I've seen this exactly 0 times.