Pandemic baseball

[Snapolit1]

Watching Mets vs. Yankees today. Neither team particularly good. Both hit with injuries and Mets with guys who decided they didn't want to play. Neither going anywhere. And watching games with no one in stands and the game is great. Riveting. And I realize how 'effin much I love watching baseball. It's such a great game.

I do think they should make all games 7 innings at some point. Just a tighter, more attractive product for people. Game would be fine.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I do think they should make all games 7 innings at some point. Just a tighter, more attractive product for people. Game would be fine.

Is the goal of baseball to be a "more attractive product,' or to have some historical consistency? Do 7 inning shutouts, no-hitters, perfect games count? That would really cheapen them. If not, then nobody can ever pitch one of them again.

What I think they should've done is declare 2020 an exhibition season only - NO stats from 2020 count, and then you can have the 7 inning games, shorten outfield fences to 250 feet, start innings with runners already on base, have 3 DHs per team, or whatever other innovations to make it a "more attractive product" for the fans at home watching on TV.

Consider it the same as guys who missed seasons due to WW2.

Then in 2021, virus or not, return to real baseball with a full schedule and normal rules.

[TedWill1939]

Agree with OP. Has been a nice distraction from all the turmoil. Have also been wondering if 7 ins would be better or a return to small ball would pass some of these long hours.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by TedWill1939

Agree with OP. Has been a nice distraction from all the turmoil. Have also been wondering if 7 ins would be better or a return to small ball would pass some of these long hours.

Historical consistency? Maybe they shouldn’t be allowed to wear gloves. Or maybe go back to the 21 run rule.

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Is the goal of baseball to be a "more attractive product,' or to have some historical consistency? Do 7 inning shutouts, no-hitters, perfect games count? That would really cheapen them. If not, then nobody can ever pitch one of them again.

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Historical consistency? Maybe they shouldn’t be allowed to wear gloves. Or maybe go back to the 21 run rule.

Yup, the only thing consistent is change.

The history of baseball, and by baseball I assume that to be Major League Baseball, is that the rules change.

As a business, and MLB IS a business, the goal isn't to be a "more attractive product"; the goal is to make money. Being a "more attractive product" is a means to achieve that goal.

[vintagewhitesox]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Is the goal of baseball to be a "more attractive product,' or to have some historical consistency? Do 7 inning shutouts, no-hitters, perfect games count? That would really cheapen them. If not, then nobody can ever pitch one of them again.

What I think they should've done is declare 2020 an exhibition season only - NO stats from 2020 count, and then you can have the 7 inning games, shorten outfield fences to 250 feet, start innings with runners already on base, have 3 DHs per team, or whatever other innovations to make it a "more attractive product" for the fans at home watching on TV.

Consider it the same as guys who missed seasons due to WW2.

Then in 2021, virus or not, return to real baseball with a full schedule and normal rules.

Agree completely. Personally it is hard to get excited about this season.

Except for Giolito's no hitter. that counts.