Ricky Bo’s Thoughts On the 3 Big MLB Rule Changes
Rule changes happening everywhere to try to modernize the game of baseball! Let’s take a look at each of the rule changes and see who and what can happen.
First, we check in with the larger bases
They have gone from 15 to 18 inches. This rule is intended to keep players safe at first base, but it also throws in a little something extra around the diamond. Take a player like Trea Turner, 27 of 30 stolen bases in 2022, maybe that 27 turns into 40. The base paths are actually 4.5 inches closer. Most people would say, “That’s not a big deal”….Think this way, how many bang-bang plays are at 2nd base on steals that go to replay? Those close plays now favor the runner…I’m sure J.T. doesn’t love it… I truly believe MLB could have just done the larger base at 1st if the true intention was for players to be safe.
Next, let’s check in on the pitching staff
The pitchers now have a pitch clock, 15 seconds once he gets the ball with empty bases and 20 seconds with a runner on. This rule falls simply on a player-to-player basis. I use to get the ball and go, some pitchers like to take their time and slow thing down. A guy like Aaron Nola is who I’ll be watching. He’s a guy who likes to be very deliberate in his routine and with his mechanics, slower than most. Also falling into this same rule is the pickoff attempts. You are allowed 3, but if on the 3rd attempt, you fail to get the runner, he is awarded 2nd base. This is just a bad rule, reaching to find a way to make the game quicker. Keeping runners close has always been important in the game…..Too much!!!!
Lastly, the NO SHIFT rule
Love this! Let’s see the defensive range of these great athletes. I was lucky enough to have an infield of Scott Rolen (who covered a ton of ground), Jimmy Rollins (we know how good he was), and Rico Brogna (human vacuum). These guys didn’t let anything through. I want to see Turner go side to side and turn a tough Double play with Bryson Stott! The players in the past few years have not had to show off their defensive skills. But now they can. For some teams, this is a bonus, for others could be a disaster! The rule will help a player like Kyle Schwarber, maybe picking up a good amount of hits to short right field, which last year would be a ground out or line out…
First look at the rule changes………………….. the Phillies played a 2-hour 34-minute game on Saturday….Who’s in?
