Yeah, that’s a fucking terrible idea. I’m not a fan of the ghost runner rule, I’m warming up to the idea of the universal DH (though that takes away from the strategy, in my opinion), but this idea is going too far.
I’ve been really dissatisfied with the way he runs things. He really seems to have ideas that fall into one of two categories: bad, or nonexistent.
I hate this idea more than the ghost runner. A lot more. It truly is a solution in search of a problem. And one that is a problem itself. A big one.
I’m fine with the DH, it’s been a part of baseball my entire life and I do love Ohtanhi.
I hate the ghost runner rule, I’m fine with just declaring games past 13 innings a tie to avoid the long games which always seem to be an 18 inning night game with a day game the next day.
But no more improvements, please
Definitely agreed. Manfred’s changes seem to be inspired by video game power-ups. 
I know this has been effective in curtailing the long extra-inning games, but I cannot find out just how effective it’s been. I think most games that go beyond nine innings end in the tenth or eleventh, but I’m not finding the raw numbers to back up this assertion. Can anybody help me here?
I’m no purist…I love the pitch clock and look forward to robo umps…but Manfred is fucking idiot. Has any commissioner monkeyed with the game more than this clown? The ghost runner sucks…I turn off games after nine innings because what follows isn’t baseball. Unless it’s the postseason, and then they feel compelled to play baseball again.
If they instituted the ‘golden batter’ rule, I’m pretty sure that would end my interest in the sport.
Aroldis Chapman’s top fastball speed has been declining for several years. Still fast, but a number of other pitchers have caught up to or surpassed him.
The “golden batter” doesn’t address the fundamental problem with the game - too many strikeouts, too many home runs, and not enough hits. Which is intertwined with the auxiliary problem of too many max-effort pitchers that only pitch an inning or two each game. Which then leads to starters only going 5-6 innings per start.
There have been discussions about how to address this, with limits on the number of pitchers available for each game being discussed. Or perhaps more flexible rosters where you could have extra hitters available for each game, which could allow more pitch hitting and more styles of hitters.
They have also talked about deadening the ball somewhat, which could change the incentive for hitters to swing for the fences. But I worry that will just tilt the playing field towards pitchers even more.
I had a somewhat crazy idea: what if they had two baseballs? One that is livelier than the other. The starting pitcher gets to use the dead(er) ball for as long as he stays in the game. But once you use a relief pitcher they have to use the livelier ball. Would you get longer starts from your starters if pulling them lead to a noticeable uptick in offense? Would batters need to hit differently against the dead ball and then swing for the fences with the live ball?
You could limit teams to two outfielders. That would liven things up.
If we’re going to get crazy, let’s limit pitchers to one pitch over 97 mph per plate appearance.
Heralding the Return of Phil Niekro!
Let’s see how today’s hitters fare against an insane knuckleball.
I’ve seen a few things on Reddit about the average length of extra innings games being lower. I don’t know if it’s accurate. Seems right. The League and the players want it. The players don’t want to play 18 inning games in a 162 game season. Teams don’t want to blow out their pitching staffs. The league wants to cut down on pitcher injuries. I’m ok with the rule. I had been watching it happen in the minor leagues for a couple of years.
Doesn’t matter how fast he pitches. He still throws fast enough. He still can’t handle when an at bat doesn’t go his way. Once he gives up a walk everyone should start packing up because it’s over.
I think many of us would be more accepting of the ghost runner rule if it wasn’t in effect until say the 12th inning. I understand not wanting games to drag on for hours, no team wants to play an 18 inning night game and then have to fly to a new city, especially if they have to cross time zones heading east and lose hours.
Biggest guaranteed A’s contract ever - for Luis Severino?
3 years, $67 million.
Seems like a stretch.
They had to overspend if they planned on signing anyone. From the ESPN article about his signing:
It feels like any big moves are on hold until Soto lands where he lands. I hope it gets done soon.
He’s a decent 4th starter. Certainly not your ace.
Some insiders are saying that he may decide by the end of the week. Some are predicting he’ll decide before the Winter Meetings, and almost sure that he’ll sign by the end of them.
Severino is a good pitcher and in today’s MLB, $22 million a year on a shorter deal for a proven starter is an okay deal.
AL hitters have missed him.
I don’t think Manfred is a baseball fan or knows shit about it. He can’t keep his freaking hands off of things. I admit that I like the pitch clock and like the shift ban. It would be better if the batters were capable of going the other way but that’s asking too much for the modern player. The pitch clock wouldn’t be necessary if the batters weren’t in the habit of stepping out and regrouping every freaking pitch. I despise the ghost runner rule but if you really must have it, why not wait till the 12th inning? Now we’ll have a home run derby in lieu of extra innings for the ASG. Manfred is slowly turning the game into Calvinball.