MLB has officially jumped the shark

[tschock]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

I couldn't disagree more. It's called strategy. Yes, the pitching change takes a few minutes. But that pitcher can't be used again.

A pitcher required to face at least 3 batters doesn't eliminate strategy. Do I put in Joe who owns the current batter but has mixed success with the next 2? Or do I put in Bob who might have trouble with the current guy but owns the next 2? And what if I put in Bob and the manager of the other team decides to pinch hit the next 2? It just changes the strategy.

Personally, my bigger gripes are expanded playoffs, how the season drags into the cold of the year, the late start times for playoffs/world series. And the DH, of course.

[steve B]

While I'm mostly ok with more playoff games - after all, Mr October is taken, so we need more so there can eventually be a Mr November..

I don't think more playoff teams will make it better.
In fact, like most sports, it makes the playoffs less special and worth watching.
Like the NBA, where more than half the teams make the playoffs. It's just silly having .500 teams in the playoffs. It's bad enough having a division champion at .512.
Half the teams get in in the NHL as well, and with breaks the playoffs feel more like a second season.

[packs]

If they aren't going to expand the wild card series I hope they eliminate the second wild card team instead. The one game playoff is such a bum game for the teams to be forced to play. It doesn't really make a lot of sense for the second best second best team to have a path into the playoffs anyway.

[bobcatfunds]

What's next? Multi ball! Multi Ball! Multi Ball!

Winning the division should be the goal...not grabbing the 13th Wild Card slot.

[Chris-Counts]

How long will it be before a pitcher hurts his arm and is forced to pitch to another batter? Or somebody claims they are hurt so another pitcher can be brought in? I think the new rule was made with good intentions, but I believe it's flawed.

If I could make one change in baseball, I would let the fans or the players choose the next commissioner. He should be someone who has at least some respect among both, not some stooge for the owners like so many have been. I've long said baseball is successful not because of the owners, but in spite of them.