http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...anfred-pitch-clock-intentional-walk/98276088/ Commissioner Rob Manfred is hell bent on changing the game. They are getting rid of he intentional walks this year, apparently you just signal from the dugout now. I don't see how that is going to speed up the game that much. The Players Union is trying to fight him. But in 2018, Manfred can make any changes he wants. Pitch clocks, limits on mound visits and relief pitchers, they are experimenting with putting a runner on second after 9 innings in the minors. I know this is too appeal to a young audience, but at what point is changing the fabric of the game damaging?
Just my own personal opinion. I think they need to market the game better. Make the players more quotable. Do whatever the fuck ESPN wants to up the profile. One of the problems is the two most high profile players are about as interesting as dried glue. Trout is as talented as Mickey Mantle but as quiet as Bartleby the Scribner. Bryce Harper is fiery but emotionally distant in many ways. They need players with personality. Baseball players dont seek out public attention.
I'm not much of a baseball fan but that can't happen. One thing that baseball is great at is keeping stats. That modern and historical comparisons of players is one of the cool things about baseball. If you were to suddenly shorten the game you would destroy all of that.
I'd prefer that they don't change anything for the exact same reasons you stated, but if they think people are tuning out because the games are too long, and they absolutely have to do something to keep the fans interested, then you gotta do what you gotta do. If the MLB was smart they'd be aggressively promoting the game abroad and nurturing it at home. Preventing little league teams from using major league team names as nicknames is so short sighted. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. But, before they do anything drastic they should try adding a three point line for a few seasons and see how that works.
And change ticket prices accordingly? I'm sure MLB keeps 9 plus for additional concession stand revenue. Personally, I had not attended a MLB game in over 10 years. I go to affordable easy access Double A ball or college games.
This game has existed for over 100 years. There is an expectation that it follows tradition so much so it was termed Americas past time. The real root is impatience. The inception of instant information presented on social media has altered how people reacte and think. Perhaps the Umps should give more lee way to the strike zone and make the zone "wider" especially with sinkers,sliders and changeups.
Hmm, maybe some big bullseyes past the outfield wall that triple the runs, so a Grand Slam would be 12 runs. Remember the 50 point shot that was part of the Mtv Rock and Jock basketball game? They should add that to the NBA, or rather the NBDL or GBDL or whatever for a trial run to make sure it is what the fans really want. If it is good enough for Boise Idaho then it is good enough for me.
They should make it so there is a NASCAR race track around the baseball field. So you sit in the stands and watch both events at the same time.
Maybe they should have a snob section? They could have one where self-enlightened people sit around, drink Merlo, make sarcastic comments about Fox News and kiss each others ass. Then on the other side you'd just have regular people there for a good time. You know, hot dog, beer, 30 dollar souvenier for the kids. You could always put a Nascar track between these people just to illustrate the divide in dempgraphics.
With you there on golf. But a lot of respect for Ben Hogan. Dude was a straight up survivor in every way shape and form.
A pitch clock seems fine. They should similarly restrict batters' ability to call time at virtually any point before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
