Quote:
Originally Posted by jayshum
I don't understand the point of these new rules that will be tried in the Atlantic League and would be very surprised if they are eventually added to MLB.
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I'm with you Jay, but this is apparently one of those places where MLB likes to start and try out these new rules, before eventually/potentially adopting them for MLB play.
The one about losing your DH if your starter doesn't make it to the 5th inning had me particularly SMH. Besides really making absolutely no sense at all, I can already see the complaints about possible issues and exceptions if that were to become a new rule, like what if the starting pitcher gets hurt and has to leave the game, or there is a rain delay and it takes so long the starters can't come back for fear of potential injury, and so on.
Also, the one about a pitcher having to face at least three batters is an interesting concept, and does seem to combat the notion of overly specializing certain pitchers. But then also putting in a different rule to allow designated pinch runners seems to totally counter that de-specialization effort, and re-introduces even more specialization again. The way this is all going, I wonder how many years it may be till MLB becomes more like the NFL, where you have a roster of people to play in the field, but then a totally different roster of players that just bat. Don't laugh, as dumb as that may sound, how much you want to bet that idea hasn't been at least raised once or twice in MLB circles at some point?