Controversial baseball take

[Brushy Bill]

1. Get rid of the exaggerated shifts. The Second baseman and Shortstop can come within one step of second base on their designated side of the bag and that's it. Third basemen have to stay on their side of the shortstop, and infielders must have both feet on the dirt.

2. It's time to take balls and strikes from the umpires. I believe that they do a good job overall but the computers are obviously more consistant.

Otherwise I enjoy the game, I don't mind the pace of play issues. I view it as something to have on the TV while I'm doing other things so I can keep up with the score and when there is action I love to sit and watch the matchups.

Yay or Nay? What have you got?

 

[Glenn's Take]

1. Get rid of the exaggerated shifts. The Second baseman and Shortstop can come within one step of second base on their designated side of the bag and that's it. Third basemen have to stay on their side of the shortstop, and infielders must have both feet on the dirt.

2. It's time to take balls and strikes from the umpires. I believe that they do a good job overall but the computers are obviously more consistant.

Otherwise I enjoy the game, I don't mind the pace of play issues. I view it as something to have on the TV while I'm doing other things so I can keep up with the score and when there is action I love to sit and watch the matchups.

Yay or Nay? What have you got?

If you want to take the shift out you should make the batter hit the ball to certain areas of the field based on a percentage. One idea is as ridiculous as the other.

 

[buckethead1978]

Baseball should be unregulated

-Ludwig Von Mises

 

[3 fan_rivals214492]

No problem with shifts. Make the hitters work for it

Make the DH the rule in NL. Th casual fan wants offense. Not pitchers missing or getting hurt. Wainright hasn't been same since running bases

Let players show some individualism. Harper is right on that

 

[Altro Cat]

The number one thing baseball needs is to be sped up. Put a clock up between pitches and if the pitcher isn't in his delivery by the time it hits zero it is a ball. Also quit giving the hitter "time" and allowing them to step out of the box two or three times per at bat.

After the pitch is delivered the batter only needs a second to glance at the coach for a sign and that is it. Pitchers only need to catch the ball and toe the rubber. It's ridiculous watching a ten minute eight pitch at bat with the pitcher stepping off the mound two or three times and the batter adjusting his entire wardrobe as well as being granted time three times by the home plate umpire is stupid.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

Less Sox/Yanks on Nat. TV. Jesus, it's worse than Duke/UNC.

 

[KingOfBBN]

Agree on the DH rule in the NL. I also agree with speeding the game up. Pitchers don't need 20 minutes from the bullpen to the mound. They have been warming up forever.

I enjoy more frequent interleague. With 162 games, it gets old when you play the same three or four teams for over half of them.

 

[Brushy Bill]

No problem with shifts. Make the hitters work for it

Make the DH the rule in NL. Th casual fan wants offense. Not pitchers missing or getting hurt. Wainright hasn't been same since running bases

Let players show some individualism. Harper is right on that

With the DH rule we wouldn't have the awesomness that is a Bartolo Colon home run.

Now if you want to increase offense the get rid of the exaggerated shifts. They take away what would be sure hits probably 2 times a game.

 

[UKserialkiller]

Great take, Glen

 

[funKYcat75]

I'm reluctantly with you on the shift. I REALIZE IT IS NOT THE SAME THING but if the NBA can have a three second in the lane rule on defense, then I don't see why baseball couldn't have a rule about the shift. Bring an outfielder up if you want to take the chance.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

GEt rid of the sport entirely.

 

[TruBluCatFan]

Not too controversial. There is actually some serious discussions going on about the shift and limiting where players can position themselves defensively.

Disagree on the balls and strikes. Umps are pretty good and you can't remove all the human element. Plus you are going to have to have a home plate umpire anyway so might as well make him work.

I hate the DH more than Crash Davis but I accept the inevitability that it will happen. Too many lower leagues use it so today's MLB pitchers are even less experienced at the plate than the previous generations before them.

 

[Glenn's Take]

So teams should be required to position players on the field where they know the ball isn't going to be hit? Reason number 1,038,344 that baseball is practically dead to me. Just play with 3 infielders, 2 outfielders and move the fences in 100 feet and you'll have the game you want I guess.

 

[Brushy Bill]

So teams should be required to position players on the field where they know the ball isn't going to be hit? Reason number 1,038,344 that baseball is practically dead to me. Just play with 3 infielders, 2 outfielders and move the fences in 100 feet and you'll have the game you want I guess.

Then why are you participating in the thread. If you don't like watching a baseball game on TV, JUST DO SOMETHING ELSE.
Pretty simple solution to your obvious problem.

 

[UKserialkiller]

Then why are you participating in the thread. If you don't like watching a baseball game on TV, JUST DO SOMETHING ELSE.
Pretty simple solution to your obvious problem.

Stable, Glen is a leftist Hillary supporter. Glen supports Bengazi and socialism.

 

[Glenn's Take]

Then why are you participating in the thread. If you don't like watching a baseball game on TV, JUST DO SOMETHING ELSE.
Pretty simple solution to your obvious problem.

Because 25 years ago it was far and away my favorite sport until it was destroyed by this type of thinking.

 

[Glenn's Take]

Stable, Glen is a leftist Hillary supporter. Glen supports Bengazi and socialism.

The spelling was correct in this post except for my name. Other than that not so much.

 

[Brushy Bill]

What type of thinking are you talking about. I'm for getting the call right (which is why I think that replay has been a success) and could work with balls and strikes. And playing positions without these exaggerated shifts has worked for over 100 years. So what is your issue exactly.

 

[Glenn's Take]

What type of thinking are you talking about. I'm for getting the call right (which is why I think that replay has been a success) and could work with balls and strikes. And playing positions without these exaggerated shifts has worked for over 100 years. So what is your issue exactly.

To make a long story short, when it was just Earl Weaver playing the sit back and wait for the 3 run homer style of baseball it wasn't so bad. Now that it is the complete game, all strategy has been taken out of the game. If I wanted to sit back and just watch guys swing for the fences I would watch slow pitch softball.

 

[UKserialkiller]

The spelling was correct in this post except for my name. Other than that not so much.

Great take Glen

 

[Brushy Bill]

To make a long story short, when it was just Earl Weaver playing the sit back and wait for the 3 run homer style of baseball it wasn't so bad. Now that it is the complete game, all strategy has been taken out of the game. If I wanted to sit back and just watch guys swing for the fences I would watch slow pitch softball.

I grew up with the Cardinals playing Whitey ball on the turf in Busch. I also enjoy watching a game that is more well rounded and where strategy is used. I'm not a fan of the DH and I like the moves required to play the National League game. So, I don't see what the problem is with doing away with exaggerated shifts and getting balls and strikes right 100% of the time.

 

[Glenn's Take]

I grew up with the Cardinals playing Whitey ball on the turf in Busch. I also enjoy watching a game that is more well rounded and where strategy is used. I'm not a fan of the DH and I like the moves required to play the National League game. So, I don't see what the problem is with doing away with exaggerated shifts and getting balls and strikes right 100% of the time.

The balls and strikes I agree with. As soon as they get an accurate way to do it with and instant call do it. I just don't see why when some guy is up there just trying to jerk the ball over the right field wall why you should be required to position a player to where that guy hits the ball 3 times a year.

 

[MegaBlue05]

1. Shorten the damn season. It's hard to get excited about a team that plays 6 days a week for six months.

2. Agree with some sort of shot clock for pitchers. I remember watching Ken Hill take about 9 hours to throw 4 innings. Tom Browning was my favorite. Pitch. Catch. Pitch. No BS.

3. Either DH or don't. Just make it the same in both leagues.

4. Purists need to stop getting butthurt if anyone demonstrates the slightest sign of showmanship. Oh noez, an inappropriate bat flip.

 

[UKserialkiller]

Goddamn do I wish I could be a ringer in softball again. Last time I played a filled in. 3/4 home goddamn run. Played in Lex Shillito Park (Sp?). I tore that **** up. That was last organized game that I played.

 

[Ukbrassowtipin]

Loved playing baseball...couldn't care less about watching it. I don't think I can even name 10 players in the league now.

 

[hock15]

I'm surprised that a professional baseball player cannot take advantage of the shift and hit a single down the first or third baseline everytime. It is about as baffling as a guy like Andre Drummond or Briscoe shooting 38% from the freethrow line.

 

[Brushy Bill]

I'm surprised that a professional baseball player cannot take advantage of the shift and hit a single down the first or third baseline everytime. It is about as baffling as a guy like Andre Drummond or Briscoe shooting 38% from the freethrow line.

Not sure if you're serious, but the two are nothing alike...at all.

 

[mashburned]

More spitting in the face of umpires. Baseball was at it's peak when Roberto Alomar spit on John Hershbeck's face.

 

[dgtatu01]

1. Get rid of the exaggerated shifts. The Second baseman and Shortstop can come within one step of second base on their designated side of the bag and that's it. Third basemen have to stay on their side of the shortstop, and infielders must have both feet on the dirt.

2. It's time to take balls and strikes from the umpires. I believe that they do a good job overall but the computers are obviously more consistant.

Otherwise I enjoy the game, I don't mind the pace of play issues. I view it as something to have on the TV while I'm doing other things so I can keep up with the score and when there is action I love to sit and watch the matchups.

Yay or Nay? What have you got?

And when my football team lines up in the Power I formation their opponent should be forced to play nickel coverage so we can more easily run it up the middle.....

 

[Catman100]

Shift is here to stay and should not be taken away. If players start beating the shift on a regular basis it will go away on its own.
Definitely think there should be a DH in the NL. Nobody wants to see pitchers bat and/or get injured. I do not like pitchers batting in the World Series. It takes a season long weapon away from the AL team and forces pitchers who haven't swung a bat all season to have to hit. I bet if you asked the NL team if they would want to add a DH in the series they would gladly do so.

 

[Violent Cuts]

Shorten the games so that they're 2-2.5 hours long
Shorten the season to 120 games - start 2 weeks later and start the playoffs 2 weeks earlier.

 

[bthaunert]

I'm still waiting for the OP's controversial take.

I agree with everyone who talks about speeding up the game. If you want to watch a fast paced game, watch college softball (I know, I know, girls playing sports)...no messing around between pitches.

 

[funKYcat75]

Not sure why people who don't really watch/like baseball care how long the season is.

 

[cole854]

Eliminating the shift is one of the dumber things ever. There has been enough taken away from pitchers/defense now as it is.....lower mounds, ability to brush back hitters consistently, shrinking zone, etc. If hitters can't adjust and learn to go opposite field then that is their fault. Do you take away a sagging zone in hoops when a team can't hit from outside or a nickel/six DB defense in football in a passing situation?

And a computer calling balls and strikes...lol. No comment worthy.

 

[wildcat1973_rivals160373]

Fewer games = higher ticket prices. No thanks. Already too high as it is. I guess we should just shorten the NBA/NHL/Golf/Soccer/NASCAR seasons as well. Makes sense for revenue generating sports. TV should be all about fewer games.

 

[Violent Cuts]

It doesn't necessarily mean higher ticket prices. And yes, all sports' seasons are too long.

 

[funKYcat75]

And yes, all sports' seasons are too long.

How do you determine how long is the correct length of a season?

 

[ganner918_rivals60369]

It doesn't necessarily mean higher ticket prices. And yes, all sports' seasons are too long.

16-game NFL season is a perfect length.

 

[Tskware]

Biggest problem I have with the modern game is the advent of power pitching especially out of the bullpen. Now, the good teams hope to get 6 innings or so out of their starter, then bring in a succession of flame throwing relievers that either walk or strike out 75% of the batters, meaning a lot more pitches are thrown, lengthening the game by 20 minutes or more on average, while the ball is not in play nearly as often as it was 30 or 40 years ago. Every batter swings for the fence, leading to a hell of a lot of Ks as well. In short, we now watch a lot of pitch and catch instead of hit and field, which is infinitely more enjoyable.

Made me appreciate the Royals offense last couple of years, had relatively few walks, but put the ball in play up and down the lineup, they are a joy to watch.

 

[vhcat70]

Switch to Finnish baseball.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesäpallo