How Baseball Saved Itself

[Squirrel]

That was the title of the print version. The online version has a different title. And I'm not sure baseball saved itself entirely yet (get rid of blackouts!), but I am a huge fan of the pitch clock and what it has done for the game. Imo, it seems to meander a bit to other issues, but it circles back. Hopefully one gets one grace article before the paywall hits you.

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/07/baseball-mlb-rule-changes-2023-pitch-clock/674291/?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

 

[Jocko87]

I hadn’t seen anyone state so directly that moneyball almost killed baseball.  It makes sense when I put it in context with everything else going on.  Those forces play right into what the rule changes were designed to fix. 

Also interesting that my other favorite sport, golf, is facing some very similar challenges.  The success baseball is having (along with the PIF) is moving the discussion much further than it normally would in a slow reacting sport. It will be very interesting to see what they come up with. 

[mnfireman]

45 minutes ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

Improved yes, but it has not saved baseball YET.  Need to get that electronic batter's box working.  It is frustrating to see on TV the amount of times balls clearly outside the box are called strikes.  I know they've said that the Bally box does not match the umpire's box (whatever that is) exactly but it is difficult to watch all the misses.

Maybe the networks should just shut the strike zone box off on the broadcasts so we fans can just watch the game.

If you want to see the most accurate strike zone box graphic, check out Baseball Savant's illustrator function.