What rules changes would you make if you were commissioner?

Question

Or rather, what current rules would you ensure were enforced?

I'd like to see fewer bases awarded when a pitch hits a batter that makes no (if any) attempt to get out of the way. I've seen too many batters lean into a pitch and be awarded first base.

I'd also like to see a "delay of game" rule. The pitcher gets 30 seconds (or a reasonable amount of time) between the time he gets the ball back and the time he begins his windup, or an automatic ball is called. Similarly, the batter gets 30 seconds (or a reasonable amount of time) to get back into the box, after which the pitcher may throw even if the batter is not ready to hit.

I would be perceived as such an asshole as a home-plate umpire, kind of like the cop that pulls you over for going 3 mph over the speed limit.

Answer 1

I agree 100% with the hit batsman.

Lifetime ban with any illegal performance enhancing drug.

Eliminate the phantom tag at second base on double plays. The player needs to touch the base with the ball. Sometimes they are 2-4 feet off the bag.

Last I would enforce the actual size of the strike zone. Not the postage stamp the hitter gets to tee off on now.

Make minimum distances for ballparks. Not these little home run derby ballparks.

Answer 2

Lots of interesting answers. I'll add the following:

- Tell umpires not to grant a time-out whenever a batter feels like it (except in extreme circumstances). The umpire currently can deny the request, he just never does. This constant stepping out of the box destroys tension and makes the game drag.

- Limit the number of times a pitcher can throw to first base in an inning. The match is between the pitcher and batter, not the pitcher and baserunner. The predictable result? More stolen bases. Good! Stolen bases are exciting. Enacting this rule would also reduce "dead time" during the game.

- Instruct umpires to be arbitrators, not inciters. For many decades the umpires were the rational people on the field. That has shifted over the past 15 years or so and now they seem as driven to prove some perceived notion of manhood as the players. The Milton Bradley incident a few weeks ago is just one example of how umpire's attitude on the field has changed for the worse.

Baseball seems to be the only major sport that does not routinely look at what's happening on the field and make adjustments so it remains a viable form of entertainment. It's a great game, a beautiful game, but the mind-set of not tinkering with the rules to help better market and improve the sport has got to change.

Answer 3

Abolish interleague play... but since this would not happen, impose visitor rules during interleague games during the regular season. DHs in NL parks, no DHs in AL parks.

There is a timing rule, 8.04, but it's essentially never enforced. Used to be 20 seconds, now it is 12.

8.04 When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.”
_ The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.
_ The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire.

There's another rule whereby the ump can demand the pitcher deliver the ball even if the batter is not in the box (or actually refuses to take his position). Such pitches are automatic strikes. Someone else can find it.

(Foo, MLB.com has changed the Official Rules to PDF files. Ah well.)

Answer 4

I couldn't agree more with your first statement. I'm guessing you have spent time watching Craig Biggio as well. I'd like to see the removal of armor for hitters. I see the point of a helmet (saves your life) but all this elbow, shin stuff is a little over the top. Give the pitcher back the plate! Barry Bonds could care less about getting hit. The guy has armor lining his entire right side. I'd also like to see the "One Game Playoff" stats in their own separate category. It's an extra game! Last, I'd like to see some sort of penalty or fine for show boating. They do it in Football. This way we can watch Barry Bonds and Manny Ramirez lose half their year's salary on fines.

Answer 5

If a batter hits three balls foul, he loses a ball. So if the count is 3-2 and he fouls the next three off, the count falls to 2-2. Why should a pitcher be punished.

Also-end the designated hitter rule.

I like your idea to speed up the game, but the big problem is commercials between innings.

Answer 6

My biggest rule change would be to enforce the strike zone as written in the rule book. No more umpires with their "own" strike zone - the rule is there for a reason, and it cheapens the game when different rules are applied by different umpires.

Answer 7

1. steroid ban (1st time 100 games, 2nd lifetime ban)
2. get the umps off the field (strikezone done automatically, tagging done by video)
3. maximum salary ($35 million boras wants is outrageous)
4. one less year of minimum salary for players (gets them to fa quicker
5. no leaning into pitches for hbp
6. monitor umps better; when a guy clearly hit the ball off of the bat it is a strike even if he gets hit
7. teach umps the rules
8. 1 timeout per ab
9. lengthen postseason series
10. dont sell out the fans: give games to local networks, none of this tbs, espn, mlb.tv, baseball package
11. require the players to sign in draft, get rid of this (if i dont get the money i want im going to college) thing

Answer 8

No, if the gang is interior the penalty and there is better than 2 minutes left then i think of the guideline is nice and Shaq could be compelled to make the unfastened-throws. I additionally think of that this is crappy that Shaq has to post with that yet although that doesn't propose that it is going to get replaced. this is crappy that a team has to post with making unfastened throws on the top of a sport because of the fact the different team is attempting to strengthen the sport and get lower back in it yet i do no longer think of that the guideline could get replaced.

Answer 9

1.) No DH (or a modified version)

2.) Lifetime ban for PEDs

3.) Would revamp post season award and Hall of Fame voting so that the writers do not have 100% of the vote.

Answer 10

Stricter penalties on steroids, etc. and get rid of the outdated DH.