Stop Complaining About MLB Rule Changes

[@HondaGoBwaaap]

Experimenting with the pitch clock started much earlier than 2022. It was first used in the Arizona Fall League in 2014. The pitch clock has been tested a lot and works really well.

[@Blankford777]

Baltimore Orioles were experimenting with it back in 1969

[@bkg5494]

why are MLB umpires so bad at enforcing these rules then? 43 ejections in April, more than twice the ejections in any April in modern baseball history, because the umpires have no idea what they are doing out there.

[@theoregonguy]

I really like the pitch clock rule change after seeing it live.

[@armadillolover99]

@@bkg5494 MLB umps are still inexperienced with it (especially the older ones), if you notice the younger umps who were in the minor leagues in the last 5-7 years never have any issues.

[@matthewbanta3240]

One thing to keep in mind is that the game will change whether we make new rules or not. It used to be that pitchers were expected to pitch the entire game no matter what. There are even stories of one pitcher pitching two 9+ inning double header games in a row. Things like that changed because of new strategies and training. So you might as well have MLB making rule changes to ensure that the changes that are going to happen anyway never make the game unwatchable.

[@ronaldwayne7092]

True that. If LOOGYs were a thing 150 years ago, the powers that be probably would have put the kibosh on them at the time.

[@paradiseracer2437]

I imagine people stopped having pitchers through all 9 innings no matter what because we realized it kills people's arms. Not much to complain about when it's about the safety of the players and/or fans

[@silbertmcg]

TRUE!!! Which is why they banned the shift.... it was making the game unwatchable

[@curtisjoseph]

New pitch clock: Good New extra innings rule: Terrible

[@smokeymchaggis73]

I will never stop complaining about the extra innings ghost runner rule. It cheapens the game.

[@bmac4]

Its one of the few rules players and managers consistently like though. They arent stuck playing as many 12 inning endurance rounds and managers aren't as likely to have to keep chucking out their bullpen arms.

[@reasonableastartes]

I will forever resent the Manfred man and what it does to the statistical integrity of the game.

[@smokeymchaggis73]

@@bmac4 I honestly dont care. Putting a fake runner on base goes against the entire idea of sport. If they really want to not have drawn out games just create ties. But thats not what they want. They want to have their cake and eat it too by shortening the game and creating fake drama.

[@JackFirlowIsR374rd3d]

Ok boomer

[@teen_laqueefa]

@@smokeymchaggis73 yep

[@jordanlandsaw7263]

I will always hate the extra innings rule.

[@deathlessgamer]

May I ask what is it about that rule that makes you hate it?

[@bkg5494]

@@deathlessgamer speaking for myself, it’s artificially generated excitement. a lot of wonky stuff can happen to get a runner home from 2nd and it often feels totally unearned and cheap.

[@deathlessgamer]

@@bkg5494 I absolutely understand that perspective, this is why this rule isn't in effect in the playoffs. As they want every run to be manufactured legitimately. But for regular season games it's a compromise. It's a way of keeping games shorter without having ties. Because before this rule existed, you could play 18 innings with absolutely zero scoring and still not have a result. Then that's where it comes to my question, why does baseball not just have ties? You see my ideal rule would be a maximum of 12 innings and if it's still tied after 12 innings just call it a tie. Alternatively you could do what banana ball does, where the score is tied you have one pitcher, one catcher, and one Fielder and that is it. Ultimately it does the same thing as the Extra Innings rules in Major League Baseball, creating artificial excitement for a non-tie. Ultimately there's no one right answer, because the rule is trying to make a compromise between game length and competitive integrity. If you want one you can't have the other. But hey that's just my opinion.

[@bkg5494]

@@deathlessgamer yeah you’re totally right, it’s a compromise. and either way, they’re not going to make everyone happy with how they choose to approach extra innings. the free base runner certainly does expedite the long, double digit inning games you’re talking about. in my opinion, however, those 18 inning games were a small facet of what made baseball so unique and special. the fact that the two teams have to keep taking the field until one of the lineups figuratively “gets their shit together” and can squeeze a run across the board. I have much less a problem with the pitch clock - some of these nomar-esque guys were taking WAY too long between pitches and it was needless. however, i’m just not a fan of putting an artificial timer on the final product of a baseball game. it’s baseball, there is no game clock for a very specific reason. NFL may be the highest grossing major sport in the US but I dare you to find a single person who 100% advocates for NFL’s overtime policy, where a coin flip often decides the outcome of the game. after 60 minutes of blood and sweat, competing at the highest level, and pat mahomes doesn’t even get to see the field in overtime because the Chiefs lost the coin flip. thats kinda how I see the free base runner in extra innings, albeit more random and less one-sided. it’s still adding a highly volatile factor into play that has never existed in baseball: a free double in a tie game after 9+ innings of honest competition.

[@quasimoto7662]

Only one I’ve got a problem with is the extra innings rule. And even that, I understand why it exists. A game that lasts say 20 innings can drain a pitching staff. Can be a pretty bad setback. Great video. Rule changes are going to be necessary every now and again.

[@preston1916]

I'd have a problem if it existed in the playoffs, if we get a 20 inning playoff game that's probably an all-timer like the mariners--astros last year but in the regular season like you said it can mess a team up for a week. Really no reason for a regular season game to go that long

[@Khaoki]

Don't get why they do it that way instead of designating it a tie after a certain amount innings if that's the concern. It's what they do in NPB and other leagues

[@romiarkan450]

Couple that with adding ties in the regular season. If no team in a particular game can win after like three extra innings with ghost runners on, then it can be concluded that both teams suck and the game is over.

[@BendyDH]

I would rather have a tie after like 12innings than the runner on second rule in extras. I’m really not a fan of it. The rest of the new rules i’m all for

[@RemyOrtiz]

I'd like to see the runner added in after inning 11, with every other inning, the runner being one base closer. So inning 12, they're on 1st; inning 14, on 2nd, inning 16, on 3rd. I feel this balances the pace of play while also giving classic lovers of the game that extra inning excitement of olde, for 2 innings.

[@evilotto9200]

asking the internet not to complain good luck and best wishes

[@texastwostepgaming]

I will say it: I like the new rules. Steals are back and the pitch clock has really sped things up. Not a huge extra innings rule fan but otherwise love the changes MLB has made the last few years.

[@cgs20]

I think that it’s kind of good that there are much less 15+ inning games with the extra runner but it shouldn’t happen in the playoffs

[@EnjoySackLunch]

Wow so bold of you to say what everyone agrees with.

[@jayoby7402]

​@user-um7mb1bk2x there is no ghost runner in the postseason

[@mramisuzuki6962]

I think GR should start in the 11th inn but otherwise it’s fine.

[@kygem]

@@cgs20 it doesnt happen in the playoffs

[@MontagnaMagica]

I just miss when pitchers had to hit. The DH completely alters the flow of the game, and makes it less interesting.

[@TheMETSMETS]

i like the new rules, but i will say, one of the things i would change is, when theres a runner on base, the pitcher can only attempt 2 pick off attempts per batter, i would bump that up to 3 attempts

[@WtJah]

Well technically it is 3,

[@horsemadeofhorses]

Agreed 100% great video, love the background you gave on robo-umps! Had never seen it laid out that way, and especially comparing it to a tennis match was excellent.

[@vinloin]

pitch clock, shift ban, and the ghost runner are all crappy rules that ruin baseball

[@Em-Jayyy]

I've been a big supporter of the rule changes and I'm so glad to see they've worked out so well so quickly. I think there is some fine tuning that is needed (giving time for standing ovations) but I couldn't ask for anything better at this point. I think most fans feel the same way, the boomers and the contrarians aside.

[@bkg5494]

that’s why it’s hard to have a real conversation about this right now, because we can just label everyone a boomer or a contrarian. the bellinger standing ovation violation was gross. the rules are far from perfect and we need to keep an open dialogue about them, not condescending and shutting people down.

[@austintomlinson7863]

I am fully with you on the new changes, the only complaints I ever had from concept to implementation was with the example you saw with Cody Bellinger, but that would fall under ironing out the kinks. I will however say that I still lament the loss of non-DH baseball in the National League. It's the only rule change they've made actually that I disagree with. I like the tangible difference between the leagues and that felt like a meaningful, yet mostly harmless, way to give both leagues a different feel. It created strategy and the some of the most exciting at-bats when a pitcher actually pulls something off.

[@dapeck04]

So because it appeals to the masses more we just have the bite the bulled and force ourselves to watch something we no longer enjoy. Something we have gotten great joy out of for most our lives we should just be happy because they changed it so other people can enjoy it. Fans are not MLB as a business we should not be forced to stick with them after 20 years because they want to bring in people who didn't understand the nuances of game. The DH sucks stopping shifts sucks and my life is slightly less enjoyable because of it. But I shouldn't complain because people who hated baseball before bow enjoy it. What a joke take. Talking about video not your response btw.

[@Gixsir]

Didn’t Andrew McCutchin get the same standing ovation with no violation?I have no idea how the timing went down but he got a big welcome back too

[@austintomlinson7863]

@@dapeck04 personally I agree with your opinion about your opinion. People have every right to be upset when rules change in a way they don't like, not all change is good, and again that's coming from someone who likes most of the changes. The bit that upset me was how she brought up how people don't talk about some of these changes anymore; just because apathy won the day doesn't mean you're right. Granted, that argument did give me some validation that I'm still upset about the loss of non-DH baseball.

[@austintomlinson7863]

@@Gixsir it's because the rules are new and they are, as I said, "ironing out the kinks". The umpire crew had the forethought to pause the clock in one case but not the other. There doesn't seem to be anything in the new rules about what to do when a player is (rightfully) milking their entrance.

[@armadillolover99]

@@dapeck04 I hated the idea of the shift ban at first but it’s made games more enjoyable imo. Good infield defense is valuable again and the rule has allowed infielders more freedom to roam around, show their athleticism and make spectacular plays while also aiding overall offensive numbers. These past few years we didn’t see that, infielders were kind of confined to their “spot” within the shift and there would regularly be instances where the second baseman and shortstop for example would bump heads over what’s whose ball.

[@rogerweir1772]

I like the double hook...MLB starters should pitch deeper into games like they used to as well. Pitchers are babied these days!

[@mramisuzuki6962]

The hop out rule was changed because players started gloves. It “trivialized” 19th century fielding.

[@PeytonManning187]

Here’s a rule that is long forgotten, but was once part of the game…any home run hit over the wall had to HIT THE GROUND WHILE STILL FAIR!! Talk about a rule that would suck in today’s game.

[@markellzey1531]

The rule changes have been amazing. The waiting between pitches was unwatchable. I watched a full game from start to finish for the first time in years this year and have loved it.

[@TheScrubExpress]

I think the removal of the shift has been even bigger. You get a lot more hits through gaps now and the game is less "strike out, home run or walk" with very little play actually being required.

[@sendAJtospace]

@@TheScrubExpress I gotta say, I think the pitch clock was more important. The pace would still be as fast even without the shift restrictions, and that wouldn’t be the case if it was just the shift restrictions and no pitch clock.

[@lucasvaughn9759]

Can’t wait for the owners to start complaining about the rules because the games are too short and they’re making less money off of concessions😂😂😂

[@DirtyMonkeyIndeed]

Base Runner on Second in Extras is AN AWFUL rule and they agreed to the point they kept it out of the playoffs. Confirming how cheaply stupid that rule is.

[@collinhunt376]

I agree in general that the game has to change over time and I am for the majority of rule changes in baseball over the past few season (other than the runner on 2nd in extras, I will never like it) but I think fans have every right to complain about changes that they feel make the game worse to watch. They pay for the tickets, they pay for the TV subscriptions, they are who the product is for and if they aren't happy then it is totally fine to complain. My one complaint with the pitch clock is the time between batters, I think a lot is lost in having much shorter walk up music in terms of fan experience. I think recent years has shown that this can be one of the most engaging parts of the game for fans in the stadium, look at the ovation Mets closer Edwin Diaz gets every time he enters the game, it's electric. I would also add that I don't mind the shortened game, what I absolutely despise is that teams seem to be trying to cram the same number of advertisements into that shortened timeframe. My team, the Cubs, has been extra greedy going so far as to play adds (with audio) over live game footage on their in house TV network (which I could rant about for hours) making the broadcast viewer experience worse. In my small circle what has driven people mad is that MLB is making these changes and ignoring things that fans have been complaining about for years (I'm looking at you blackouts). All of this to say, I agree with your assessment on the rule changes themselves, some of them simply had to happen, but I think your criticism of fans is just incorrect. The game is not played for the players, it is not played for the coaches, its not played for the owners. It's played for the fans and I don't think its fair to tell them to essentially zip it and get on board. If they don't like the rule changes, or lack there-of in some areas, they have every right to criticize them (just as they had every right to criticize the game for being to slow).

[@wizardoferror9942]

You seem to be taking the video’s name too seriously.

[@unholy_squid3234]

Interesting to see that if the next batter doesn't enter the dirt circle after a live ball, then the clock doesn't start. Can't wait for someone to take advantage of that. Could be used to delay the clock for standing ovations. Also I love the ABS challenge system idea, imagine Angel Hernandez, or any other ump that's known for being bad behind the dish, getting shown up multiple times a game in front of thousands of fans.

[@Toad22484]

as a 39 year old you couldn't be more spot on. Live always changes as humanity moves on and things change but the love for them can still be there. Humans adapt and as such our activities much follow suit. great video.

[@bkg5494]

I can’t help but think this video is a microcosm of baseball fanhood right now. a brand new face (I’ve never seen this person on SRS before) telling baseball fans about how the new rules are perfect and anyone who disagrees should shut up. no doubt the new rules are going to bring in new faces, but is it worth being so condescending to the fans who have been watching for decades? I guess we’ll see. well thought-out video but I can’t stand this attitude.

[@RemyOrtiz]

I always thought robo-umps were 100% automatic, leaving the home plate umpire to do nothing but this is intriguing... If implemented, I'd like to see 5 calls per team allowed in playoff games.

[@cgk1276]

I fucking hate the Manfred extra inning runner. I will never stop hating it. I hate how they lied to us about why it was added/repeatedly kept and I hate how it affects the dynamic of extra innings. It has been three years and I still despise this rule just as much as a did when it first was added. It’s a blight on the game and needs to be removed; I don’t care how much the players and league love it. It’s important to remember that just because we “get used” to a rule that doesn’t in any way mean that it’s a good rule or we came to like it. We’re just stuck with it because the league implemented against our will. These new changes are good changes but I don’t want the league to be emboldened to completely bastardize the game to appeal to people who don’t care about the sport anyway. Designated runners are absolutely ridiculous and prove everyone who was worried about the consequences of a universal DH right.

[@owenlane5204]

This is very valid the only rule that is dumb is the standing ovation like they need to understand the moment

[@loganchilders3063]

Was that one guy at 0:55 hailing Hittler

[@fishinthewater]

that’s what i was thinking lol

[@FastGunner2040]

The stupidest rule change is pick-offs, because as soon as you do 2, there goes any strategy. And rules that manufacture the pace of the game.

[@deathlessgamer]

I see your point. There is a certain sort of rhythm you look for as a base runner or hitter. But let me propose the opposite point of view, where if there was a rule that stated: if there was a runner on first you had to try and pick them up until they were out. Then any baserunners would just stand on the bag, which is incredibly boring. I think what you're trying to say is something with the lines of if a base runner good enough they should just be allowed to steal, even if there have been a bunch of pickoffs. Well, take for example Rickey Henderson in the 1989 ALCS. In one of those games they tried at least four pick off to first base, and at least one pitch out. In this instance the batter never gets a chance to swing really, I admit it's an extreme example much like my previous one, but this actually happened. This sort of rule is a compromise, Ben gives us a chance to see the batter hit and a chance for the base runner to steal the base and a chance for the pitcher to pick them off. Is it perfect? No. No rule is. But what it prevents is boring baseball. But hey that's just my opinion.

[@lorimeyers3839]

Yeah, I agree. I despised it after watching opening day, but within a week or so, I had completely adapted to it. Pitchers, especially starters, appeared to have the most difficulty adjusting. Velo was down across the board early on, and some pitchers who used to slow the game down once runners would get on base (ie Nola, Alcantara) began to look flustered and overwhelmed. I still don’t know for sure if either have completely adjusted to it. I also question if the clock has resulted in more pitcher injuries. Don’t know for sure, but I wonder. I get that fans want to see home runs, but I personally enjoy good pitching. I think these new rules make life more difficult for pitchers overall, but I don’t mind watching a game from start to finish in about 2.5 hours instead of 3-3.5 hours. Lol

[@showtimenick824]

This is a great video and a lot of the old rules you mentioned very early in the video are huge eye openers to me. Although I'm not a fan of some of the basketball rule changes that have happened recently. They've really handicapped defenses now. If there is a way to combat the hand checking ban, defensive 3 second rule, restricted area and freedom of movement to not handicap the defense I'd really like to see it. There are rule changes that I actually like that were much longer ago though like the flagrant foul being implemented in the 1989-90 season. Clothe lining is dangerous and I'm glad that's no longer just a common foul. What was deemed a carry until the 80s is also something I'm glad has changed. It is an eye opener for me and has made me a lot more impressed with someone like Bob Cousy's ball handling skills, but I am also glad we can have our hand on the side of the ball now for the crossover to be a lot easier to execute.

[@GeordieGunner96]

I hadn't watched baseball in long time but I've found myself getting back in to it this year. I'm from England so staying to watch has been a core past few years but find myself enjoy it again.

[@tonyferch2130]

I'm not against any of the rules, but they're all so skewed towards the offense that they've basically left pitching and defense out to dry. The rules make it easier to score, and thus cause pitchers to perform worse and hurt their value on the open market. I just see a world in which rules then need to be made to help pitchers, skewing the game in their favor, and then everyone going back and forth on the rules until the end of time

[@telexanave2644]

I’ll stop complaining when they get rid of the clock.

[@nicholaspesch5086]

I was born in the year 2000, and I feel like starting in 2017 the game that I grew up watching rapidly began to turn into something unrecognizable. Shifting became overused, pitching changes more excessive, everyone seemingly only wanted to hit home runs, etc. I got very tired of watching a player rope a line drive into right field, only for the second baseman ti be standing in the perfect place because that’s where the computer told him to. That isn’t what I watched as a kid, nor is it how we played when I was in little league/high school. So if anything, these rule changes are almost taking me back to the baseball that I love. Also if you look at the average time of a baseball game from 1982, you would find that it’s very similar to what we’re averaging now, about 2 hours & 40 minutes. I know we have this perception of older generations having a better attention span, but they wouldn’t have liked 3 hour 20 minute games in 1982 either.

[@killacam2644]

The right handed splash hit is extremely rare at oracle park.

[@DrAnarchy69]

I love the new rules, all the haters should just shut up.

[@jareddiehl1795]

Profile pic checks out

[@OH_MY_DOGGG]

Maybe you just love the novelty. Did you think of that?

[@mbdg6810]

think we should stop complaining about the complaining and actually listen to each side. I like the new rules but i don’t like some of the nuances that come with them at the same time.

[@bkg5494]

yea because the new rules are perfect and infallible, we should stop discussing them completely, shame on the people who don’t 100% love them

[@OH_MY_DOGGG]

@@mbdg6810 I dont mean to double dip. But great comment. I wish I could say something like that one day

[@apacheman3131]

I've argued with my FIL a few times already about rule changes. He says it's "sissy ball" now. I went through just the past 50 years of rule changes, much less the past 100+ years. He refuses to listen.

[@JoshuaKimbrough]

Your father in law should have never let you marry his daughter, payaso. The whole appeal of baseball was that there was no clock. Every man had his chance. Now games can end on time....go load up your fyp and leave us without ADHD to enjoy a sport we grew up PLAYING

[@apacheman3131]

@Josh Kimbrough okay, boomer. I played ball for almost 20 years. I understand the appeal of no clock. I also understand the appeal of not having a guy take 40 seconds between pitches. I want to see more players like Ichiro and Tony Gwynn, and the new rules help promote that. I hope you have the day you deserve, friend.

[@JoshuaKimbrough]

@@apacheman3131 okay boomer??!? Im closer to your age than your FIL. Players like Tony Gywnn and Ichiro would tell you to piss off they grew up playing a measured pace of a game not this. Have the day you deserve??!?! You sound like a woman with that passive aggressive shit lol

[@apacheman3131]

​@Josh Kimbrough real aggressive towards a guy you've never met before. Glad you could get all your big bad man energy out for the day.

[@jamesallen2909]

@@JoshuaKimbrough who tf hurt you

[@TurtleMarcus]

It's useful to remember that Ban Johnson, the first President of the AL, complained in 1909 that games took too long due to all the downtime between pitches and innings, at a time when the average game was 1 hour and 45 minutes long.

[@slibertas1996]

No, the new rules are bad for the game. We are not gonna stop until tradition and order is restored .

[@LordJudgement1818]

Il keep complaining thanks. Some of the rules are against the spirit of the game. And all the rules are just for tv and time related stuff.

[@queenofthesalt5199]

The rule changes keep the BS in between pitches to a minimum, and that’s all I care about. You notice it initially, but it fades after a bit once the game gets rolling.

[@brassmule]

Since we can't complain about the baseball rules, can we complain about the "background" music volume? It's pretty loud and makes it harder to listen to your otherwise excellent narration. Just take about 5-10 db off it next time - like around the 2 minute mark, when the background audio level drops substantially.

[@MrTehd101]

No one talks about how advertisement is what really slowed the game down. If I could have commercial-free sports, I'd be so happy.

[@preston1916]

So true, but without ads I'd be taking out a second mortgage for an MLB TV subscription so it is what it is

[@boofpeanuts6960]

kust feels like its all a façade of “lets speed up the game, better for fans” when it seems to be more about, “increasing offense” and i know the pitch clock shoots this down buy w/ every other rule change it just seems like offense is taking priority

[@WillGrimm623]

Also the ghost runner rule is dumb and proof of that is that they don’t use it in the postseason

[@mbdg6810]

Yep

[@bennygarcia1913]

Using deadball era rules drive your point is a bit silly. Also By your argument, if the breaking pitch was to created today they would be banned and go the way of the shift. The clock is fine to me. The pickoff limit sucks. The automatic intentional walk sucks. I hate the universal DH but I see why they did it.

[@codeeast1224]

People are complaining? I love the rules, except the extra inning! Much better baseball!

[@deephenderson7899]

Too little, too late. Done complaining, stopped watching. RIP MLB

[@paradiseracer2437]

"Rules have changed before and you liked them so that means all rule changes are good" Extra innings base runner and pitch clock are two rules I won't be able to get behind. At least without some adjustment. Add more time with runners on or at least when there is a runner in scoring position

[@dapeck04]

"More people watch baseball when runs are scored, so you can't complain just because the sport you enjoyed for 20 years is gone" What a joke take all around

[@paradiseracer2437]

@@dapeck04 there are good rule changes and there are bad ones. Some make the sport worse (in my opinion the extra innings base runner rule) and some make it better (I like the bigger bags because it encourages more steals while also improving safety for the players) and some are in a middle ground. Not necessarily good or bad, rules that need to be tweaked further (pitch clock. I'm not entirely against it. But it needs some improvements before I can say I'm for it)

[@paradiseracer2437]

@@dapeck04 I think the biggest take away is. MLB needs to stop pandering to people who don't want to watch baseball. Don't get rid of your true fans trying to get new ones and end up with nothing.

[@dapeck04]

Taking dh out and shift rules takes a majority of managing out of the game andnirs just unwatchable to me

[@paradiseracer2437]

@@dapeck04 I actually like the new shift rules. Because you can still shift you just can't do anything crazy like 4 outfielders or all 4 infielders on one side. And I was against Universal DH until I started playing the show with it and now I love it

[@jmn327]

Funny enough, I've hated every other rule change Manfred's regime has instituted UNTIL this year. Hate the ghost runner, hate the universal DH, even hate getting rid of the four pitch intentional walk. But this year? These were the changes they should've done from the get-go, would've made all the other stupid decisions they've made the last few years unnecessary. Now if MLB would just stop screwing with the ball every damn season (and sometimes during the season!) we might be on to something...oh, and I'm definitely open to the double-hook DH. ETA: Oof, have to disagree about the idea of having a replayed ball/strike be a great moment in a World Series game. I get not wanting to let a goof like Angel Hernandez ruin things, but I hate having huge moments broken up by replay unless it's a completely egregious call getting fixed.

[@JayTemple]

I have long said that I must be choosing my social media well, because I rarely see the vitriol in comments that I've heard about on other videos and other platforms. This one is no exception. It pleases me more than I can tell you that even the disagreements I see below are stated civilly, and in particular that no one seems to care that it's a woman making this point. (Maybe that's just a difference between sports fans and gamers.) I hope you're the first wave of many women who succeed or fail on their own merits and who are neither actively nor passively discouraged from pursuing whatever career they wish.

[@ethanhemenway127]

Baseball doesnt need to change, People need to fix their ADD and lay off tik tok and 5 second stimuli. Its a thinking mans game and we are moving further and further away from that.

[@victor9101]

I like the rule changes. What I do not like is a baseball game not lasting 3-hours. 3 Innings played per hour. 9 Innings per game So a baseball game should be right around 3-hours give or take maybe 10-15 minutes. I'd love to see the pitch clock dialed back from being so aggressive. Give a little more time for the human element to prevail some. Its no fun for those of us who go to games who just feel like we got to the game and then it's over.

[@ronaldwayne7092]

Nine-inning average game length first reached 3 hours in 2014. It first got to 2:45 in the late 1980s. Up until about World War II, games had to *move* because floodlights weren't really a thing. The leagues used to yell at umpires whose games moved slowly for that reason. Remember that.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Extra innings rule is beer league softball...wait that's insulting...to beer league softball. Otherwise, agree with the changes(although the pitch clock MIGHT need a tweak, up it by no more than five seconds). The game is moving quickly, you have to watch now, you might miss something if you don't. The no shift rule ensures a line drive to short LF or RF is usually a base hit(save a great defensive play) as it is SUPPOSED TO BE. A hard shot up the middle is sometimes a base hit, sometimes not, it requires a great play to be made, as it is SUPPOSED TO BE. And the robot umps are needed the day before yesterday

[@OkBox4]

I agree with you about the shift bans, but I hate the pitch clock more than any other rule. It is just a desperate attempt to cater to young people with short attention spans who aren't interested in baseball in the first place. If I go to the ballpark I want to have a relaxing afternoon there and enjoy the atmosphere, not constant action. Baseball is more than the sport on the field, it is a part of American culture.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

@@OkBox4 I've loved baseball my whole life( I'm a middle-aged fart, not an old one)and 2010s baseball was the most boring $#!T I've ever seen, too much screwing around, not enough action. Games this year resemble the pace from the 1980s/1990s, so quit griping about " young people today wanting the game to go too fast " BS. And blame the umpires for the pitch clock, there was a pace of play rule in place, the umpires wouldn't enforce it

[@OkBox4]

@@michaelbaucom4019 Well, it's what I grew up watching and I loved it

[@nathanmotz1011]

I have seen five Memphis Redbirds games( AAA for the Cards) in the last two years. I didn’t realize it was a robo ump.

[@willdiaz6050]

Great vid. Some people just aren't happy unless they're bitching. I found that a lot of the complaining about the new rules was just reflexive contrarianism from the usual malcontents. The new rules are working out pretty dang well so far.

[@TrevorRelsh-mn8ol]

My only issueis how short the pitch clock is make it a little longer and it's fine.

[@bmac4]

I don't think that we should automatically say new rules are for the better and there are rules sports abandon for being bad, but people need to learn to adjust sometimes. The NHL had a weird "no shooting if the puck is in the goalie's crease" rule basically nobody liked so they did away with it. But they put a trapezoid behind the net to limit goalie movement and it made offensive play more interesting so they kept it. Some rules stink and those should be open to changing, but there's a difference between a rule being unhealthy for the game and a rule just being disliked because it's not adhering to tradition for traditions sake.

[@swagmuffin9000]

2050 will be like: I love that batters have 10 seconds to walk up and hit off a tee. Hits are up, and we don't need pitchers anymore. Games are a lot faster now. It's also great the bases are only 10 feet apart, so much action. Good thing we're letting the game evolve 👍🏻

[@superadam2112]

It’s nothing more than a ridiculous gimmick

[@dowroa]

Automate the calling of pitches. We are WAY beyond that now and if a union is keeping people like Angel around. Umps are rated as well. So if they are challenged and you are right, do you get to keep your challenge? So someone like Angel who has a high degree of being wrong doesn't burn all your challenges? .. and so those Umps can get tossed?

[@bmac4]

Robo umps are far from ready and have had many issues. Existing umps have collectively improved in recent years. Angel is hardly even the worst in effectiveness, he's just known about because he doesn't keep a consistent zone as often.

[@milestone380]

As big an ego as most MLB umpires have this year, I can already see balls/strikes challenge system being a mess. How long before Angel Hernandez sues with some BS claim because players keep challenging his calls and they prove that he was wrong?

[@one7deep7savage7]

Pitch Clock rule change is wonderful! Mfs were taking wayyyyyy too long between pitches. Batters as well

[@MilkMilkMilkMilk]

I think the only rule I have issues with is needing to submit a request for standing ovations

[@JayTemple]

Agreed, because there's an inherent conceit in submitting it! I had a similar reaction to letting players say in advance that they don't wish to be on an All-Star Team or at least not as a replacement.

[@ashleyp3662]

Everything fine but the pitch clock. It takes the mental chess game out of it between the pitcher and catcher and the only throw over twice what is this little league? what next a skunk rule 😂 it dumbs. Treating these guys like babies 👶👶🍼!!and don't get me started on the ghost runner do you know how hard it is to get to second base in the MLB and they start there so dumb

[@andrews278]

I love the video. People just cry when their team loses because of one of the new rules, acting like the rules aren't the same for both teams. Grow up old men

[@jgray2718]

I'm 100% down with the pitch clock, the bigger bases, and the limited pick-offs. I think those things contribute to the game being faster paced and more exciting, but I don't like the shift ban. I think defenses should be able to play their players where they want and hitters should be the ones responsible for countering it. Everyone plays you to pull? Maybe learn to bunt the opposite way. Who doesn't love slugging 1.000? The shift rewards versatile hitting rather than just trying to mash everything, but MLB seems to like the pull-only mashers. It was hard enough for a spray-hitting little guy to make it in MLB, but now his only advantage on offense is diminished in comparison to a bigger guy. I'd like to see more spray-hitting speedsters, those guys are fun. Not a fan. Now, I'm not _mad_ about the rule _(I barely watch baseball)_ but I do think it will end up getting revoked for being unnecessary and random. Imagine basketball where everyone had to play a 2-3 zone by rule, or hockey where the defense could only left wing lock or soccer where you had to play 2-5-3 at all times. Not necessarily awful, but removing some of the strategic complexity and skill expression seems like it makes the game a little worse in a very subtle way. Football does some of the same stuff wrong as well by mandating the offense have a certain number of guys on the line, heavily restricting offensive shifts, restricting who can catch passes and in what circumstances, etc. It would be cool to see what genius coaches could come up with if they had a bit more freedom.

[@unclejune2839]

I like the rules. I'm going to first fame of the year today I'm happy I don't have to be watching nothing for so long.

[@MrLaneSir]

Great job with this video. Thus far I have no problem with the 2023 new rules. The game much more fun the watch. Whenever it comes to the strike zone challenge I need to see more quirks to that rule going forward. It’s been done not just in the minor leagues but also the AFL/Arizona Fall League. However this is only baby steps for more rules to come down the road.

[@bkg5494]

baby steps? April 2023 had more than twice the number of ejections than any April in modern MLB history, mostly because the umpires have no idea what they’re enforcing. if these are baby steps, i’m surely not ready for anything larger.

[@MrLaneSir]

@@bkg5494 the reason for the “baby steps” statement is because it’s the first year of the new rules. Such as limited shifting along with larger bases. Some of them a pitch clock related. Also another rule that is in the works is a pitch challenge system which was used in the AFL last year and is currently being used in the minors (AAA). I’d give it more time for some that aren’t into it yet. However like I said from the beginning I have no problem with the new rules in 2023 at all. The games are less than 3 hours long some are under 2:30 or less as well. ⚾️ ⚾️ ⚾️

[@bkg5494]

@@MrLaneSir it doesn’t matter how long or short a baseball game is (beyond the obvious reason that it’s BASEBALL), if the umpires officiating the game have no idea what the rules are.

[@isaacclark9825]

I am disqualified from complaining. I have bellyached about baseball for close to a decade. I wanted more steals and now we have that. I'm going to a game this summer for the first time in several years.

[@MrGerry111]

3:08 this happens quite a lot in Finnish baseball. Pesäpallo

[@garygenerous8982]

Personally I have no issues with the pitch clock change (though I know it will go smoother once everyone gets used to it.) I’m less thrilled with the “no shift” rule and wish they had implemented it better (off the top of my head maybe position players could mark a spot at the beginning of the inning and must be within 5 feet of that spot when the pitch is delivered but there is no limit to where they place that spot or give teams a certain number of “shifts” per game similar to mound visits or time outs) but it’s something I think we will all get used to. Personally I am really looking forward to full roboumps since that is the part of the game I think is weakest. However that being said I cannot stand or agree with the ghost runner on second in extra innings. To me it feels like the league should have just accepted ties, or hell flip a coin to decide the winner after 9 since that’s basically what the ghost runner does. The fact that a team could have a perfect game and still lose with two stolen bases disgusts me whether or not it is likely or not. It is seriously the only real rule change I have completely disagreed with since I started watching baseball and cannot see any value for competition or enjoyment of the game other than making a very few games slightly shorter.

[@dafttassia1960]

There'll be some complications with new rules especially in the post season but ultimately it'll be good for the sport

[@nacoran]

Can we just clean up the balk rule so you don't need a PHD to understand it? Two rules I'd like to see tested... a double first base like in softball to clean up the baseline and prevent collisions at first, and something similar at second... draw a box around second (kind of like a batter's box) and allow middle infielders to tag anywhere in that box, while runners have to touch the actual bag. That would help protect middle infielders. For years it was a de facto rule referred to as the phantom tag. For years I suggested something like the pick off limit on throws to first. I get why they went with calling it a balk, but I just wanted it to be a ball. I liked some of the strategy that could have created involving throw overs and the count that you don't get when you just call it a balk. /Okay, third rule... when a fielder bobbles a catch but eventually makes it, runners should be able to tag on first contact... that is, the second a fielder touches the ball, runners can go. It would get rid of having to decide exactly when a fielder got control of the ball, and create a slight penalty rather than a slight advantage for fielders who bobble the catch.

[@rockaway0beach]

Most rules make sense and actually makes the game more attractive. I just don't like the ban of tactical strategies like the defensive switch. The fix for smart decision making that doesn't hamper the physical ability of you opponent (unlike the delay of game some pitchers do) shouldn't be to ban it. You don't even interact with the batters!

[@Halmir4126]

Haters should just play 1860s baseball no glove batter calls where pitch is high or low

[@dzedo53]

The extra inning rule sucks. Expanded 1st base is fine, but why does 2nd and 3rd base need to be enlarged? Would be okay with electronic strike zone.

[@mbdg6810]

Agreed

[@stop....hammertime]

I'm an older head, and I actually love the new rules. Oh no! A cubs fan!? Àlcantara is finally doing something today.. against the cubs☺️

[@poocrafter2]

I don't like the challenge system for the ABS, just make it fully automated. Challenges allow for Umps to continue to be trash and get away with the majority of their mistakes. Fully automating it guarantees better succes

[@taylormah92]

Honestly the only new rules I hate are the Universal DH, three battter minimum, and extra innings runner on 2nd base.

[@silentiumm2677]

I hope I'm alive when baseball becomes blernsball as depicted in Futurama lol

[@Lionlover666]

There are 2 arguments in this debate. The people who dislike these new rules. And the people who see how it helps the game. I see where the people who diagree come from but the fact is that these changes were needed to help the health of the game. Bring in more people the stadium. Make the game more interesting.

[@terukiito8153]

3 challenges is nowhere near enough if you have Angel Hernandez behind the plate

[@MightyMattTM]

People seem to forget that the rules have CONSTANTLY changed over the years. The game is leagues different than it was in the 1910’s. For good reason. If rules didn’t change, the game would stagnate and be lost to time. Baseball has endured so long BECAUSE of its ability to adapt and change, not in spite of it.

[@TheCheesePizzaGuy]

Pitch clock is fine and working well. Banning the shift has not increased batting averages by much thus far. Extra inning runner is dumb. Pickoff rule is also silly, though it has led to more steals

[@dukedematteo1995]

They should get rid of the ghost runner now that the pandemic is over and games are shorter....but I think the pitch clock has been a success. I'm 50/50 on the max of 2 disengagements with runners on, but I like that stolen bases are up. As for the shift, BABIP is the same as it was last season. It's just helping out lefty pull hitters like Rizzo

[@tadpole8677]

They didn't play with gloves with the catch on one bounce rule.

[@lurkinq1231]

This season is the most I’ve paid attention to baseball in the last 10 years

[@SadDallasFan]

Ngl I hated the new rules at 1st but it’s grown on me as time went on and now I’m starting to like it more and more

[@mitchelljohnspencer]

I’m not complaining about the rule changes. I’m complaining about the blackouts for MLB games in your area. It’s doesn’t matter how much you change the game to “increase viewership” when most people under the age of 35 don’t have cable. Viewership numbers will continue to fall

[@liammeyering5451]

Comparing to last year’s April is a little tricky because it was a historically bad offensive month for the whole league, possibly due to the strike

[@enriquerodriguez2484]

Then what’s the point of having catchers with good framing jobs??? If robo umps become a thing, how they frame it won’t matter

[@dylancha3030]

If robo umps are implemented people will quickly realize how much it benefits the pitcher

[@enriquerodriguez2484]

@@dylancha3030 yes it will benefit the pitchers but like I said, then what’s the point of catchers with amazing fraim jobs? Some of the balls are called strikes due to to how good the catcher frames them and it gives us emotion. It will either make you mad or happy due to the team it is. Point is, I’m against robo umps. This is nothing like the pitch clock.

[@dylancha3030]

@@enriquerodriguez2484 I'm vehemently against robo umps as well

[@ericwiederhold9141]

I thought the robo ump started in the Atlantic League.

[@superjonh1000]

I'm not gonna say I hate the rule changes but I definitely don't love them. To me what made baseball special was the fact that it was so different than anything else, games were longer and had more strategy. It is undeniable that they're dumbing the game down and turning it into just another high offense sport like all the others. And since it was mentioned, I'm still mad about the three batter minimum rule lol I really liked having some pitcher come in to pitch to one player and leave, even if it slowed the game down a bit, but at this point there's no going back, just gotta get used to these changes.

[@yesfinallygot1]

that robo ump should absolutely be implemented in MLB

[@OH_MY_DOGGG]

Food for thought when I play video baseball I don't opt for the perfect specs. I like how the AI will reward my patience and/or punish my lack of patience. So. I think being an umpire has that human element. Deep down inside, reflecting my video baseball choices. It seems I dont want what you are suggesting despite however I may postulate.

[@rogerweir1772]

Im not a fan of small ball parks and all the cheap homeruns.....Make ball parks or outfield fences larger. Let players hit more singles, doubles, triples inside the park homeruns...stolen bases, hit and runs, sac bunts, suicide squease bunts etc!

[@davidh.5139]

The shorter games were cool at first but these 2 hour games aren't really great. When I'm having the boys over and having beers and shit I want a long game. Not being in the 7th after like 90mins.

[@RMF4E]

Great video! Love hearing from this narrator who has seen the positive impacts of the ump challenges in person. If we don’t go robo ump, challenges would be so quick and easy.

[@raysup3055]

I’m fine with all but the pickoff limit makes steals cheap. Ghost runner is a joke but the players like it what are you gonna do. But if the pinch runner BS makes it to the pros I’ll be highly upset.