MLB makes a positive change: Maximum of 6 visits to the mound per 9-inning game

[True Dough]

Some may argue that 6 is still too many but it's better than the ridiculous number saw some games. Catchers in particular were taking advantage.

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball is imposing stricter limits on mound visits in an effort to speed games but decided against 20-second pitch clocks for 2018.

After more than a year of negotiations, the Major League Baseball Players Association refused to agree to the changes but also signed an agreement that it will not oppose the new rules.

The new rules announced Monday include a general limit of six mound visits per nine-inning game without a pitching change, whether by a manager, coach or player. The changes also attempt to force half innings to start on time.

MLB has the right to make playing rules changes without an agreement with one year notice and made both proposals during the 2016-17 offseason.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22502471/mlb-imposes-rule-limiting-mound-visits-6-per-game-decides-pitch-clock

[underpants]

1. Well uh ...candlesticks always make a nice gift

and uh, maybe you could find out where she's registered and maybe a place-setting or maybe a silverware pattern. Okay, let's get two! Go get 'em.

[hotrod0808]

3. It's an egg.

Hold it like an egg.

[underpants]

4. 😁

Don't think, it can only hurt the ball club

[Iggo]

2. "...six mound visits per nine-inning game without a pitching change..."

Last edited Mon Feb 19, 2018, 07:23 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm sorry, does that mean six visits per pitcher?

Nine inning games without a pitching change are exceedingly rare, no?

EDIT: Now that I'm looking at it again, maybe that was just an awkwardly constructed sentence. Does the prepositional phrase attach to "visits" and not to "game"? Do they mean six mound visits per game, excepting mound visits for the purpose of making a pitching change?

[caraher]

5. I think that last interpretation

You can change pitchers as many times as you like. But each time you visit the mound without a pitching change is counted, and after the 6th such visit you can only stroll out there to change pitchers.

[Iggo]

6. Okay, that makes sense.

[Auggie]

7. It favors offense. I don't like it.

It's no secret Rob Manfred wants to increase scoring. Remember the to-do over his limiting defensive shifts? This is another ploy.

Fewer mound visits allowed means fewer opportunities to discuss defensive strategies -- not just how to pitch to a particular player but how to set-up the defense, and where and how to handle batted balls in play. Maybe it's not a big deal to veterans, but it is to rookies and guys learning new positions.

When a pitcher develops mechanical issues do you risk using up a mound visit to adjust or simply replace him? One hanging curve ball can mean the game.

I'd imagine managers may want to keep more arms warmed-up in mid to late innings too -- though warm-ups add to the wear and tear of pitching arms and season fatigue. Do teams carry an extra player in the bullpen now?

[GusBob]

8. More scoring means longer games, correct?

outs end innings

[Auggie]

9. Yeah ...

could blow up in their faces.

[ProfessorGAC]

10. No According To The Stats

Lowest scoring period ever (live ball era) was the early to late 60's, before they lowered the mound. Average game time was 2 hours 28 minutes.

During the Ruth era (1920 - 1932) when scoring was statistically peaked (it happened again in the 90's), average game time was 2 hours 29 minutes. No difference.

Average game time today is well over 3 hours.

The change does not appear to be related to offense or pitching, but rather commercial time, multiple pitchers used, and massive time wasting by both pitcher and hitter.

The visit to the mound thing is particularly bad with the catcher on my team. Contrares will go out to the mound twice an inning just to talk to a pitcher, even when he's pitching well.

Simple solution to this: Forget pitch signs. Give the catcher a mike and the pitcher a receiver. Use a numerical and letter code for pitch, pace and location. Use three signals and three colors. Between each inning you change the color to be the real call. The hitter will never figure it out.

[Yavin4]

12. Why give relievers warm up tosses on the mound?

Unless coming in for an injury, they should be warmed up in the pen. Come in and start pitching.

[ProfessorGAC]

14. 2 Pitches

Get your foothold, then pitch!

[Auggie]

13. Plus replay*. One other thing, BTW ...

the game's evolved with the times. There's a ton more money at stake and pressure on winning, ranging from media revenues to maximizing player investment (limiting pitches/injury, e.g.) -- the game is played with more "caution" (for lack of a better word) than before. To think we can return to an earlier era is wishful thinking. There are different paradigms in place.

I think what underscores the pace of play is how broadcasting reports it too. In San Francisco, for example, our broadcast teams are really adept in discussing (or guessing) what pitcher/catcher conversations are about. This can be really insightful, and cool. Get announcers who can tell the back story better (I believe the broadcast element is what most millennials complain about -- you don't hear it from fans who go to the ballpark).

*Replay is taking way too long. An additional umpire with a monitor at the park would solve this.

[GusBob]

15. I enjoy the broadcast chatter, especially the radio guys

Not much of a TV guy myself, but I will dial in random radio play-by-play any time I can.

I grew up listening to Bob Uecker ( is he going on 40 years now in the booth?) so I am spoiled, but I will listen to other teams' announcers as well (on satellite radio you get the home team feed only)

I agree with you, its cool to hear the speculation. The announcers spend a lot of time with the team, so they have the inside scoop.

Some of the radio guys are real characters the longer they have been in the booth it seems. Their off the field stories can be a real hoot and holler

The SanFran guys are fun to listen to. Some guys are bit too partisan ( Cincy and Chicago) most are even handed and will call a great play no matter what the uniform and have no problem propping up a star from the other team

way off topic, but long baseball games are no problem with me

[Yavin4]

11. This will only increase catchers talking to pitchers

Won't speed up the game at all.