7 Inning Games and AB Qualifier for Batting Crown

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I was wondering with all the 7 innnings games is the 3.1 plate appearance per game still in effect to qualify for the batting title ?

[SAllen2556]

Don't know the answer to your question, but I actually have been lovin' the 7 inning games. In fact, I would like to see it become a permanent thing for all 162 games.

The upsides are numerous: less wear and tear on the players; fewer pitchers needed; starting pitching becomes more important again; shorter game times; more double-headers could be scheduled which would result in more days off and a later start to the season.

What's the downside? I know it would mess with the stats a bit, but a full season used to be 154 games and even fewer than that if you go way back, so the at-bats wouldn't drop that much by comparison.

I don't know who enjoys 4 hour baseball games, but it ain't me.

[Tripredacus]

Television causes 4 hour baseball games. 9 inning minor league game can last just over 2 hours these days.

[Butch7999]

^ This. ^

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I never thought I'd say it, but I like the 7 inning games. Maybe starting pitchers could get a few complete games. Time is about 2 1/2 hours-3 hours. Scoring first is even more important, etc.

I don't like the extra inning rule which puts a player on 2nd base to start an inning. Why is this rule still in effect, ? Hope it changes at All-Star Break. Just watched a game. Fly ball out runner advances to 3rd, next batter, fly ball out and runner scores and they win the game without even getting a hit. I don't like this rule at all.

[Mike D.]

It's a good question, and I'm surprised we haven't heard the answer anywhere.

I wonder if the thinking that since only doubleheader games are 7 innings, and teams only play a handful of those, the rule can stay the same.

After all, in a 9 inning game, a player is going to get 4-5 plate appearances, so a few 7's in there shouldn't have a huge effect.