Saw where the owners and players are considering at least two major changes:
First is a pitch clock (20 seconds) which is LONG overdue, IMO. I would also like to see it continue even when there are men on base, either throw it home or throw it to first base, one or the other, within 20 seconds. Maybe that would make it too easy to steal, if the runner knows the pitcher has to cut loose with the ball as time winds down . . . but the pitcher could put an end to that by not taking the full 20 seconds, i.e., pitch or throw to first within 15 seconds, so the runner can't be sure what the pitcher will do. As an aside, I read where David Price and another starter (can't remember which one) were taking 45 seconds or more between pitches in a playoff game. I can't think of a better way to kill fan interest than watching a guy stand motionless with the ball for almost a minute between pitches.
Second, the other major change would be to have a 3 batter minimum between pitching changes, meaning once you put a relief pitcher in the game, he has to face 3 batters, or end the inning, one or the other, before another change could be made. That would save a LOT of time as well, together with a limit on mound visits.
Finally, they are also talking about standardizing the DH rule for both leagues, I never liked the DH, but at this point, don't think that is a big issue in baseball, nearly as much as the need to speed up the games.
First is a pitch clock (20 seconds) which is LONG overdue, IMO. I would also like to see it continue even when there are men on base, either throw it home or throw it to first base, one or the other, within 20 seconds. Maybe that would make it too easy to steal, if the runner knows the pitcher has to cut loose with the ball as time winds down . . . but the pitcher could put an end to that by not taking the full 20 seconds, i.e., pitch or throw to first within 15 seconds, so the runner can't be sure what the pitcher will do. As an aside, I read where David Price and another starter (can't remember which one) were taking 45 seconds or more between pitches in a playoff game. I can't think of a better way to kill fan interest than watching a guy stand motionless with the ball for almost a minute between pitches.
Second, the other major change would be to have a 3 batter minimum between pitching changes, meaning once you put a relief pitcher in the game, he has to face 3 batters, or end the inning, one or the other, before another change could be made. That would save a LOT of time as well, together with a limit on mound visits.
Finally, they are also talking about standardizing the DH rule for both leagues, I never liked the DH, but at this point, don't think that is a big issue in baseball, nearly as much as the need to speed up the games.
