New (2023) MLB rules explained

[PSUJam]

Out of all three, I believe the pitch clock will change the game the least. The base size will definitely give those looking to steal an advantage that can't be overlooked, and getting rid of the shift will be a huge change.

The argument has been that MLB games need to be shorter. The base size change and getting rid of the shift gives offenses more of an advantage and could make games significantly longer with more hits and more guys on base.

 

[Moogy]

Very excited for the pitch clock implementation and banning of the shift.

The pitch clock will not only substantially shorten games, it'll make the game flow more smoothly to the observer, and appear more action-packed. This change is long overdue.

Banning the shift should help bring lefties back into the game, since they were so overwhelmingly negatively affected by the shift, to the point where they were losing roster spots.

The larger bases? Weird, but whatevs. Maybe it'll help satiate the desires of those who cry for more "small ball." We'll see.

 

[Ceasar]

I like all of the changes and strangely enough am especially excited about the larger bases. I think it will obviously make base stealers more valuable, which means perhaps more athletic players. Similarly, eliminating the shift will cause teams to prioritize a 2B with some range. The bases will also make it more important to have a catcher who can throw and pitchers who can hold runners on and have a quick delivery. Like many I have grown weary of the style of play that relies on home runs to an extreme.

 

[LundyPSU]

Base size is being sold to address safety and I supposed helps the runner in those close tags. But, I think the limited (2) number of step offs or pickoffs will give a huge advantage to the runner, especially in combination of the clock. Once the pitcher steps off or attempts a pick off, even bigger advantage to the runner. Very few catchers throw out 40%, and many much lower already.

 

[PSUJam]

I like all of the changes and strangely enough am especially excited about the larger bases. I think it will obviously make base stealers more valuable, which means perhaps more athletic players. Similarly, eliminating the shift will cause teams to prioritize a 2B with some range. The bases will also make it more important to have a catcher who can throw and pitchers who can hold runners on and have a quick delivery. Like many I have grown weary of the style of play that relies on home runs to an extreme.

I'm all for it and like the changes. I just hope they don't keep screwing with things from year to year.

I live not too far from the Yankees AAA stadium and have witnessed the pitch clock for a couple of years. It really isn't that noticeable at that level. Guys will adapt and no one will talk about it by the time June rolls around in the MLB.

 

[PSUJam]

Base size is being sold to address safety and I supposed helps the runner in those close tags. But, I think the limited (2) number of step offs or pickoffs will give a huge advantage to the runner, especially in combination of the clock. Once the pitcher steps off or attempts a pick off, even bigger advantage to the runner. Very few catchers throw out 40%, and many much lower already.

Ricky being Ricky is so pissed about this.

 

[republion]

I don’t understand banning the shift. I mean, the defense is giving the hitter half the field to hit the ball to. Go oppy and take what they give you. It’s not that hard to understand. Instead, these meatheads feel the need to try to power the ball out of the park and end up playing right into the D’s hands. Stupid is as stupid does.

 

[Moogy]

I don’t understand banning the shift. I mean, the defense is giving the hitter half the field to hit the ball to. Go oppy and take what they give you. It’s not that hard to understand. Instead, these meatheads feel the need to try to power the ball out of the park and end up playing right into the D’s hands. Stupid is as stupid does.

Try to think of reasons why it doesn't happen that don't involve all these superior athletes who spend hours a day perfecting their craft being too stupid to realize they could be much more productive (and, therefore, rich) if they just went the other way.

 

[PSUJam]

I don’t understand banning the shift. I mean, the defense is giving the hitter half the field to hit the ball to. Go oppy and take what they give you. It’s not that hard to understand. Instead, these meatheads feel the need to try to power the ball out of the park and end up playing right into the D’s hands. Stupid is as stupid does.

I'm for anything to make the pitchers pitch instead of rewarding guys that throw 100 mph and blow their elbow out in 5 years like they are currently doing.

 

[kgilbert78]

I'm all for it and like the changes. I just hope they don't keep screwing with things from year to year.

I live not too far from the Yankees AAA stadium and have witnessed the pitch clock for a couple of years. It really isn't that noticeable at that level. Guys will adapt and no one will talk about it by the time June rolls around in the MLB.

I attend a lot of AAA games in my town too, and I concur.

 

[91Joe95]

Then they should have banned the radar gun and a few of the analytics guys. A lot of these rules are much ado about nothing. Maybe the pick off move has a slightly noticeable effect, if the analytics guys say to start running more.

 

[NittPicker]

I don't mind the pitch clock but part of the problem is not enforcing the requirement for the batter to stay in the box, with exceptions of course. The game length problem isn't all because of slow pitchers.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

I just can't understand banning the shift. If a team develops a strategy (i.e. shifting the position of the fielders), then other teams need to find a way to beat it. Making it illegal just makes no sense to me.

 

[psu31trap]

I’m all for the pitch clock but I don’t agree with using a time for when the bases are empty and another when men are on base. I think it would make most sense to use one set time. Either way, a much needed rule change. I do have a question, what happens when a pitcher exceeds his time in between pitches?

Banning the shift also makes sense, at least to me. Here too, what happens when a second baseman gets too close to a shortstop?

 

[PSUJam]

I’m all for the pitch clock but I don’t agree with using a time for when the bases are empty and another when men are on base. I think it would make most sense to use one set time. Either way, a much needed rule change. I do have a question, what happens when a pitcher exceeds his time in between pitches?

Banning the shift also makes sense, at least to me. Here too, what happens when a second baseman gets too close to a shortstop?

Per Google:

Clock violation is an automatic ball.

Shift violation could lead to a redo.

 

[CyphaPSU]

I believe I've said this before, but the base size change is a massive change.

With the enlarging of the bases, we should expect a significant uptick in bases stolen attempts, pick-off attempts from the mound, and likely successful steals for the players who were previously marginal baserunners. That will take away more double-play opportunities, of course. And, how will that affect managerial strategy and pitching changes now that the risk of runners in scoring position will be increased? I agree with those whose assessment is that any lengthening of the game thanks to changes with bases could possibly offset any shortening of the game gained by the pitch clock.

However, I would say that a pitching duel might have a decent shot completing a game in record speed (though, it's a rare thing these days).

 

[Bvillebaron]

I believe I've said this before, but the base size change is a massive change.

With the enlarging of the bases, we should expect a significant uptick in bases stolen attempts, pick-off attempts from the mound, and likely successful steals for the players who were previously marginal baserunners. That will take away more double-play opportunities, of course. And, how will that affect managerial strategy and pitching changes now that the risk of runners in scoring position will be increased? I agree with those whose assessment is that any lengthening of the game thanks to changes with bases could possibly offset any shortening of the game gained by the pitch clock.

However, I would say that a pitching duel might have a decent shot completing a game in record speed (though, it's a rare thing these days).

I think the biggest boost for more stolen bases is the limit of 2 pickoff moves per runner. Banning the shift is surrendering to the stubbornness and lack of talent of today's major league hitters. But hey no need to learn how to hit the ball to beat the shift when you have a commissioner who will bail you out.

 

[Woodpecker]

Base size is being sold to address safety and I supposed helps the runner in those close tags. But, I think the limited (2) number of step offs or pickoffs will give a huge advantage to the runner, especially in combination of the clock. Once the pitcher steps off or attempts a pick off, even bigger advantage to the runner. Very few catchers throw out 40%, and many much lower already.

Limit of 2 disengagements? I'm making him throw over twice and then taking an 89 foot lead if he's not allowed to throw over again.

 

[Moogy]

Limit of 2 disengagements? I'm making him throw over twice and then taking an 89 foot lead if he's not allowed to throw over again.

Well, that's the cat and mouse result of this rule ... you'll likely almost never see a 2nd throw over/pickoff attempt in an at bat, because the 2nd disengagement from the rubber essentially means the runner gets a free base on the following pitch, since the pitcher/catcher can't do anything about it. So will the runner really try to stretch out his lead after the 1st pickoff attempt, hoping to draw the 2nd throw over which, if not successful, virtually guarantees him a free base? Or will the runner realize the pitcher is unlikely to throw over that 2nd time, unless it's a surefire successful pickoff, so he won't press his luck and get nabbed at first? With the bases being larger, and therefore, closer together, it'll make it easier to steal bases ... so will a good baserunner really press his luck and possibly get picked off when he already stands a better chance of swiping the bag without forcing that throw?

An unintended side effect of the bigger bases/limited disengagements from the rubber may be pitcher health. The slide step is harmful to a pitcher. Puts more pressure on shoulder/elbow than getting a full leg lift. Also just generally throws off sequencing/mechanics. In recent years, pitchers have been taught more and more to not succumb to the slide step, and just go through their normal motion faster. Now I fear pitchers will feel the need to not only go to the slide step to hold runners on, but to try to increase the speed at which they go through that motion. That'll lead to even more pitcher injuries.

 

[Moogy]

I think the biggest boost for more stolen bases is the limit of 2 pickoff moves per runner. Banning the shift is surrendering to the stubbornness and lack of talent of today's major league hitters. But hey no need to learn how to hit the ball to beat the shift when you have a commissioner who will bail you out.

LOL. Modern day hitters (and pitchers, for that matter) are LIGHT YEARS more talented than their predecessors, no matter how much the "get off my lawn" old timers stomp their feet and protest otherwise.

 

[BrianS]

I don’t understand banning the shift. I mean, the defense is giving the hitter half the field to hit the ball to. Go oppy and take what they give you. It’s not that hard to understand. Instead, these meatheads feel the need to try to power the ball out of the park and end up playing right into the D’s hands. Stupid is as stupid does.

I agree 100%!
#1 = If I'm the manager, I should be able to place my fielders at any damn spot I want to! Too bad the "pull" hitters can't adjust!
#2 = About the pitch clock.................this was a TELEVISION move cuz the TV "crybaby" bigwigs have a "TIME" limit for broadcasting shows! And don't tell me otherwise!
Baseball was a GREAT game, "America's past-time" game, but, all of a sudden, the MONEY MASTERS decide the games take too long. Give me a break!
(LMAO at the larger bases!)

 

[Moogy]

I’m all for the pitch clock but I don’t agree with using a time for when the bases are empty and another when men are on base. I think it would make most sense to use one set time. Either way, a much needed rule change. I do have a question, what happens when a pitcher exceeds his time in between pitches?

Banning the shift also makes sense, at least to me. Here too, what happens when a second baseman gets too close to a shortstop?

Pitcher exceeds time limit ... auto ball.
Batter not ready in time (8 seconds left on clock) ... auto strike.
Shift violation: offense can decline it and choose to keep result of the play, or enforce the penalty and it's redone with an auto ball recorded.

 

[LundyPSU]

Well, that's the cat and mouse result of this rule ... you'll likely almost never see a 2nd throw over/pickoff attempt in an at bat, because the 2nd disengagement from the rubber essentially means the runner gets a free base on the following pitch, since the pitcher/catcher can't do anything about it. So will the runner really try to stretch out his lead after the 1st pickoff attempt, hoping to draw the 2nd throw over which, if not successful, virtually guarantees him a free base? Or will the runner realize the pitcher is unlikely to throw over that 2nd time, unless it's a surefire successful pickoff, so he won't press his luck and get nabbed at first? With the bases being larger, and therefore, closer together, it'll make it easier to steal bases ... so will a good baserunner really press his luck and possibly get picked off when he already stands a better chance of swiping the bag without forcing that throw?

An unintended side effect of the bigger bases/limited disengagements from the rubber may be pitcher health. The slide step is harmful to a pitcher. Puts more pressure on shoulder/elbow than getting a full leg lift. Also just generally throws off sequencing/mechanics. In recent years, pitchers have been taught more and more to not succumb to the slide step, and just go through their normal motion faster. Now I fear pitchers will feel the need to not only go to the slide step to hold runners on, but to try to increase the speed at which they go through that motion. That'll lead to even more pitcher injuries.

and what about pitch outs? No limit on those, other than 4.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

Sometimes rules in one sport blend into other sports.

Video replay CFB ( thanks Michigan & OSU) now NFL, MLB, NBA.

Moving goal posts and hashes in FB, three point arcs, 3 second rule BB = moving bases.

The one that gets me is CFB has the running clock to shorten the games and now they have these 4 minute commercials. Let's see how long commercials are between innings now.

The shift is a grey area, like the amount of linemen on the LOS, or announcing # so and so is eligible. The NO Saints interference rule, PSU blocking OSU's punt, Brady tuck rule, horse collar, now roughing the QB and the Tony Pollard hip tackle are in question.

Baseball is a purist sport, these are major changes, hope it works for the better, but like doctoring the ball , there is always work arounds. I'm still trying to get used to the DH.

 

[psu31trap]

Pitcher exceeds time limit ... auto ball.
Batter not ready in time (8 seconds left on clock) ... auto strike.
Shift violation: offense can decline it and choose to keep result of the play, or enforce the penalty and it's redone with an auto ball recorded.

Thank you!! I try going to three games per year at Citi Field. I support all the changes, but something tells me we are going to witness some pretty serious arguments, especially in tight games.

 

[Bvillebaron]

LOL. Modern day hitters (and pitchers, for that matter) are LIGHT YEARS more talented than their predecessors, no matter how much the "get off my lawn" old timers stomp their feet and protest otherwise.

Yeah right. Get off your high horse. If they are so damn good, they would learn how to deal with a shift. Excuse me if striking out more than 200 times represents greater talent.

 

[PSUJam]

Yeah right. Get off your high horse. If they are so damn good, they would learn how to deal with a shift. Excuse me if striking out more than 200 times represents greater talent.

I mean, why even have a short stop? They don't even have a base to cover. The second baseman should be in charge of second base like the other basemen.

 

[Moogy]

Yeah right. Get off your high horse. If they are so damn good, they would learn how to deal with a shift. Excuse me if striking out more than 200 times represents greater talent.

You got it all out now? Feel better? Now back to reality ...

 

[bdgan]

I don’t understand banning the shift. I mean, the defense is giving the hitter half the field to hit the ball to. Go oppy and take what they give you. It’s not that hard to understand. Instead, these meatheads feel the need to try to power the ball out of the park and end up playing right into the D’s hands. Stupid is as stupid does.

A speedy runner could turn a bunt into a double but they just can't do it.

 

[PSUJam]

A speedy runner could turn a bunt into a double but they just can't do it.

How exciting!

 

[PSUJam]

I agree 100%!
#1 = If I'm the manager, I should be able to place my fielders at any damn spot I want to! Too bad the "pull" hitters can't adjust!
#2 = About the pitch clock.................this was a TELEVISION move cuz the TV "crybaby" bigwigs have a "TIME" limit for broadcasting shows! And don't tell me otherwise!
Baseball was a GREAT game, "America's past-time" game, but, all of a sudden, the MONEY MASTERS decide the games take too long. Give me a break!
(LMAO at the larger bases!)

 

[Moogy]

A speedy runner could turn a bunt into a double but they just can't do it.

"Speedy runners" didn't lead to runs and wins (as compared to the alternative) before the shift-craze really took flight. So now we're asking non-speedy runners to act like something they aren't so that we can get back to a state of affairs when speedy runners weren't of much benefit to begin with.

Note, that's not to say that speed isn't an asset ... of course it is ... on defense, most definitely, and if you have a more complete offensive player, speed can be used as another asset to add to that portfolio. But an empty BA and speed just isn't the way. Or, at least, it wasn't the way ... with the bigger bases and the limits on disengagement from the rubber, we have yet to see if that will shift (no pun intended) the balance of power.

 

[Moogy]

How exciting!

Bunting should be illegal. So boring.

 

[BostonNit]

A speedy runner could turn a bunt into a double but they just can't do it.

A speedy eater can turn a bundt into a double chin, and they can and will do it.

 

[johnmpsu]

I would not have banned shifting but I would have required 4 infielders to be in the infield. I hate the "short" right fielders catching what was always a base hit in the past. It's baseball not softball.

 

[Woodpecker]

Hit 'em where they ain't

 

[Bvillebaron]

Bunting should be illegal. So boring.

Your posting should be banned-/so stupid and misinformed, but I assume you will continue to “educate” the rest of us.

 

[wbcbus]

Only rule I care about is a salary cap and revenue share. Absent that, baseball doesn't give a crap about me, so I don't give a crap about them.

 

[Tom_PSU]

If baseball really wanted to stimulate interest they should legalize the spitter and ban batting helmets. Everyone wants to see a ball dancing all over the place, and batters diving for their lives to avoid the 100 MPH brush back pitch.

 

[IrishHerb]

LOL. Modern day hitters (and pitchers, for that matter) are LIGHT YEARS more talented than their predecessors, no matter how much the "get off my lawn" old timers stomp their feet and protest otherwise.

Maybe the pitchers. Not sure about the hitters though. Especially the LH batters against the shift ... I have no idea WHY they can't learn to hit to the left and make the shift worthless.