2022 Rules

[The Mad King]

What are your thoughts on the Ohtani rule (pitcher can stay in as dh) and the ghost runner?

 

Not sure I like the first one. It only applies to one guy. I'm ok with the ghost runner to keep games from going into 15-18 innings, but maybe they should not start it until after one inning, or maybe the 12...

[tony&rodney]

A ghost runner is total b.s. Just let the game end in a tie, flip a coin, have a home run hitting context, or a pizza/hot dog eating contest. If fans don't want to watch, fine. The players have dates, I get that ... oh and it might force a manager to actually manage how to use a bullpen instead of using everyone and sending several pitchers back to the minors for reinforcements. The best ground ball pitchers in history get eliminated with a ghost runner. It completely changes the dynamics of the pitcher-batter struggle. I have heard every iteration possible of why this is tenable. It is a farce that is acceptable because players prefer a set work time and tv never wants to be inconvenienced. If it is a reasonable idea, why wouldn't it be used in the playoffs? Oh, well ..... that's different because we care about the integrity of the game then. That is, in fact, the verbatim response for the last few years. I do not consider myself a purist or person who opposes change but baseball faces some real existential challenges which will certainly make the adoption of the DH look simple. Circles for every fielder, time clocks with bullhorns, the elimination of umpires in favor of electronics and unlimited pinch runners, etc, Ok, plenty to disagree with here, for sure. Zero percent chance it hasn't already been lamely argued. I'm very disappointed in the PA, although not surprised by their convenient, limp position. Oh well, so it goes. Sizzle.

[a-wan]

The Ohtani rule is awesome. If it increases the number of pitchers hitting, who don't suck as hitters, then it will be good for baseball.

[wsnydes]

I'm kind of torn on the Ohtani Rule, but it won't be used enough for me to really mind either way.

I'm completely against ghost runners.  I'd rather a game end in a tie if that's the alternative.

[Dave The Dastardly]

11 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

A ghost runner is total b.s. Just let the game end in a tie, flip a coin, have a home run hitting context, or a pizza/hot dog eating contest. If fans don't want to watch, fine. The players have dates, I get that ... oh and it might force a manager to actually manage how to use a bullpen instead of using everyone and sending several pitchers back to the minors for reinforcements. The best ground ball pitchers in history get eliminated with a ghost runner. It completely changes the dynamics of the pitcher-batter struggle. I have heard every iteration possible of why this is tenable. It is a farce that is acceptable because players prefer a set work time and tv never wants to be inconvenienced. If it is a reasonable idea, why wouldn't it be used in the playoffs? Oh, well ..... that's different because we care about the integrity of the game then. That is, in fact, the verbatim response for the last few years. I do not consider myself a purist or person who opposes change but baseball faces some real existential challenges which will certainly make the adoption of the DH look simple. Circles for every fielder, time clocks with bullhorns, the elimination of umpires in favor of electronics and unlimited pinch runners, etc, Ok, plenty to disagree with here, for sure. Zero percent chance it hasn't already been lamely argued. I'm very disappointed in the PA, although not surprised by their convenient, limp position. Oh well, so it goes. Sizzle.

Glad you got that off your chest. I harbor many of the same feelings but I'd go for the home run hitting contest to end tie games instead of a pizza eating contest. Something about a player with pizza sauce smeared all over his face mugging for the TV camera that removes "professional" from professional baseball. Probably be entertaining for the weak-minded and pizza peddlers but I don't think it would do much for baseball; except maybe add another "skill" to look for when analyzing a player's draft prospects. Of course the Twins do have Sano...