Expected MLB rule changes for 2023 include the pitch clock, shift restriction and larger bases
September 8, 2022
Expected MLB rule changes for 2023 include the pitch clock, shift restriction and larger bases
32 comments
Attending a couple of minor league games this year, I can say that the pitch clock is an absolute godsend. Hope it translates well in the majors as well.
Can’t wait to see the exact wording of the new shift rule. I imagine it’ll still allow some variation of it, just not to the point where you got the 2B/SS playing shallow outfield.
Long overdue MLB has needed to embrace change for years like the other 3 Big North American Sports Leagues have.
Personally, I’m iffy on the shift restriction
Gotta say I went to a High A game and that pitch clock made such a difference. Was such a breeze of a game, and not without action in the slightest. 5-3 game with around 15 hits total.
Not a huge fan of banning the shift tbh
I like all three of these quite a bit.
>Pitchers can step off the mound for a pickoff or any other reasons — a “disengagement” it’s called — twice per plate appearance if there is a runner on base. But, if a runner advances during the same plate appearance, i.e., by stealing a base, the pitcher gets another two step-offs. Stepping off resets the clock to its full time (20 or 15 seconds depending on whether a runner is on).
>If a pitcher steps off a third time or more, the penalty depends on what happens. If the runners are safe, the pitchers are charged with a balk. If an out is recorded, like on a successful pickoff, no balk is charged. No balk is charged if a runner advances, either.
So if you throw over to first twice then the runner knows you can’t pick him off. That seems problematic. This feels like a big change for something that’s not really much of a problem.
You know what, we’re just going to start shifting even harder
They need to have the little league 1st base. One giant long ass base that stretches into the actual running lane. So its safe for the runner and the fielder.
Pitch clock and larger bases sound good to me. Shift restriction = bad
What about God Bless America
Pitch clock? Yes, please!
Larger bases? Sure, it will reduce injuries.
Shift restriction? Dumb. Just bunt.
Man, fuck these shift restrictions.
Advertisers aren’t gonna love the pitch clock cutting game times down 🥴
How am I gonna live without my between pitch Spectrum ads?!?!
I’ve really warmed up to these ideas, especially the pitch clock.
No robot balls and strikes? Some umpires are so bad it’s unwatchable
I urge you all to read [this article by Joe Posnanski on the pitch clock and larger bases](https://joeposnanski.substack.com/p/i-have-seen-the-future-of-baseball) (and a ball/strike challenge system). I was *very* anti-pitch clock beforehand, now I’m very for it. And the challenge system, too, for that matter!
With no shift Belli might actually bat .210 next year
The year is 2032. Each infielder is tethered to a pizza box sized base by a bungee cord attached to their belt. Shortstops protecting against bunts look like jack russel terriers pulling against a giant leash. Behind the plate is a giant shot clock with a buzzer like the NBA. Fans frequently start a fake count down to throw the pitcher off.
Hear me out: you can shift, but you have to stay that way the whole inning.
I’m surprised to see so many people against the shift ban. I’m not really adamant for banning it or anything, but I’m definitely not a fan. This isn’t a unique to baseball thing either, there’s rules in every sport for positioning and where people can be, a lot of which are new and reiterated upon from time to time. Usually for the sake of more offense, as is the case here.
I’d like to see what baseball looks like again without 3 right fielders and 2 second basemen every time a lefty pull hitter bats. I guess that’s what watching a guy like Gallo will do to you. And playing in a division with the Rays.
Shift ban gonna cause major lefty TTO players to surge even more
Yay!
Ehhh.
Sure?
If I’m paying for tickets to go see a game in person I’d much rather it last closer to 4 hours than 2. Feels like I’m alone in this
I’m not opposed to the pitch clock, but I’m kinda surprised to see the number of people here who want games under 2 hours. That feels far too short to me, especially for attending games in person.
>The length of batter walk-up music cannot exceed 10 seconds. Music between pitches is to be limited so hitters aren’t encouraged to leave the box.
Savages.
Geez, they blame the pitcher, but what about the guys at bat who must adjust their gloves after every strike. Not everyone is like Bichette who comes to the plate and basically stays at the plate. The pitcher just has to pitch.
It’s not always the pitcher.
Am I the only one that enjoys going to baseball games and being there for 3 hours? I feel like I’m going crazy reading these comments. Do you guys like baseball?
I’m completely on-board with a pitch clock when the bases are empty, but I’m skeptical about how it’ll turn out with runners on base, especially when paired up with restrictions on pickoff attempts. I get that excessive pickoff attempts are dull, but awarding a runner an extra base after a violation just feels kinda cheap to me.
I’m also not the biggest fan of putting restrictions on the shift. Like with the three-batter minimum that was implemented a couple of seasons ago, I’m not a fan of rule changes that restrict strategy.
I like all of the rules but the shift restrictions. Players like Gallo are now going to be given a handicap for how 1 dimensional of a hitter they are. Hitting to all fields is not impossible, plenty of players do it. If you aren’t able to do it’s that’s fine, but it should be considered a weakness in your game. Changing rules to cater to 1 dimensional players seems anticompetitive to me.
I do not like shift restriction. Pitch clock is great, idk how to feel about larger bases.
32 comments
Attending a couple of minor league games this year, I can say that the pitch clock is an absolute godsend. Hope it translates well in the majors as well.
Can’t wait to see the exact wording of the new shift rule. I imagine it’ll still allow some variation of it, just not to the point where you got the 2B/SS playing shallow outfield.
Long overdue MLB has needed to embrace change for years like the other 3 Big North American Sports Leagues have.
Personally, I’m iffy on the shift restriction
Gotta say I went to a High A game and that pitch clock made such a difference. Was such a breeze of a game, and not without action in the slightest. 5-3 game with around 15 hits total.
Not a huge fan of banning the shift tbh
I like all three of these quite a bit.
>Pitchers can step off the mound for a pickoff or any other reasons — a “disengagement” it’s called — twice per plate appearance if there is a runner on base. But, if a runner advances during the same plate appearance, i.e., by stealing a base, the pitcher gets another two step-offs. Stepping off resets the clock to its full time (20 or 15 seconds depending on whether a runner is on).
>If a pitcher steps off a third time or more, the penalty depends on what happens. If the runners are safe, the pitchers are charged with a balk. If an out is recorded, like on a successful pickoff, no balk is charged. No balk is charged if a runner advances, either.
So if you throw over to first twice then the runner knows you can’t pick him off. That seems problematic. This feels like a big change for something that’s not really much of a problem.
You know what, we’re just going to start shifting even harder
They need to have the little league 1st base. One giant long ass base that stretches into the actual running lane. So its safe for the runner and the fielder.
Pitch clock and larger bases sound good to me. Shift restriction = bad
What about God Bless America
Pitch clock? Yes, please!
Larger bases? Sure, it will reduce injuries.
Shift restriction? Dumb. Just bunt.
Man, fuck these shift restrictions.
Advertisers aren’t gonna love the pitch clock cutting game times down 🥴
How am I gonna live without my between pitch Spectrum ads?!?!
I’ve really warmed up to these ideas, especially the pitch clock.
No robot balls and strikes? Some umpires are so bad it’s unwatchable
I urge you all to read [this article by Joe Posnanski on the pitch clock and larger bases](https://joeposnanski.substack.com/p/i-have-seen-the-future-of-baseball) (and a ball/strike challenge system). I was *very* anti-pitch clock beforehand, now I’m very for it. And the challenge system, too, for that matter!
With no shift Belli might actually bat .210 next year
The year is 2032. Each infielder is tethered to a pizza box sized base by a bungee cord attached to their belt. Shortstops protecting against bunts look like jack russel terriers pulling against a giant leash. Behind the plate is a giant shot clock with a buzzer like the NBA. Fans frequently start a fake count down to throw the pitcher off.
Hear me out: you can shift, but you have to stay that way the whole inning.
I’m surprised to see so many people against the shift ban. I’m not really adamant for banning it or anything, but I’m definitely not a fan. This isn’t a unique to baseball thing either, there’s rules in every sport for positioning and where people can be, a lot of which are new and reiterated upon from time to time. Usually for the sake of more offense, as is the case here.
I’d like to see what baseball looks like again without 3 right fielders and 2 second basemen every time a lefty pull hitter bats. I guess that’s what watching a guy like Gallo will do to you. And playing in a division with the Rays.
Shift ban gonna cause major lefty TTO players to surge even more
Yay!
Ehhh.
Sure?
If I’m paying for tickets to go see a game in person I’d much rather it last closer to 4 hours than 2. Feels like I’m alone in this
I’m not opposed to the pitch clock, but I’m kinda surprised to see the number of people here who want games under 2 hours. That feels far too short to me, especially for attending games in person.
>The length of batter walk-up music cannot exceed 10 seconds. Music between pitches is to be limited so hitters aren’t encouraged to leave the box.
Savages.
Geez, they blame the pitcher, but what about the guys at bat who must adjust their gloves after every strike. Not everyone is like Bichette who comes to the plate and basically stays at the plate. The pitcher just has to pitch.
It’s not always the pitcher.
Am I the only one that enjoys going to baseball games and being there for 3 hours? I feel like I’m going crazy reading these comments. Do you guys like baseball?
I’m completely on-board with a pitch clock when the bases are empty, but I’m skeptical about how it’ll turn out with runners on base, especially when paired up with restrictions on pickoff attempts. I get that excessive pickoff attempts are dull, but awarding a runner an extra base after a violation just feels kinda cheap to me.
I’m also not the biggest fan of putting restrictions on the shift. Like with the three-batter minimum that was implemented a couple of seasons ago, I’m not a fan of rule changes that restrict strategy.
I like all of the rules but the shift restrictions. Players like Gallo are now going to be given a handicap for how 1 dimensional of a hitter they are. Hitting to all fields is not impossible, plenty of players do it. If you aren’t able to do it’s that’s fine, but it should be considered a weakness in your game. Changing rules to cater to 1 dimensional players seems anticompetitive to me.
I do not like shift restriction. Pitch clock is great, idk how to feel about larger bases.