Talking Rules

Reports indicate MLB and the MLBPA are discussing a large number of rule changes. These are not just on the field changes, but others that might benefit players financially:

Dueling proposals from MLB on Jan. 14 and the union on Friday covered a wide range of topics, according to sources. Among them include:

• A three-batter minimum for pitchers
• A universal designated hitter
• A single trade deadline before the All-Star break
• A 20-second pitch clock
• The expansion of rosters to 26 men, with a 12-pitcher maximum
• Draft advantages for winning teams and penalties for losing teams
• A study to lower the mound
• A rule that would allow two-sport amateurs to sign major league contracts

I like the idea of forcing relievers to pitch longer, although the game may be moving in that direction anyway. I very much like the idea of limiting teams to 12 pitchers.

The trade, draft, and contract rules should help the players earn more money. To me, the draft rule is the most interesting, since it would start penalizing teams that lose too much too often. In other words, it a team plays poorly for consecutive seasons, they don’t get the good draft picks for building. Note that when teams were allowed to pay any price for a drafted player, that served the same purpose. Often losing teams could not afford to sign a great pick, and the pick slipped. This is typical that a rule is found to be ineffective, so rather than eliminate the rule, you just add another one on top. That will be gamed as well.

I do like that the union and league keep talking. Ever since the first Congressional steroid hearings, the two sides have kept a dialog open. That’s why talk of potential strikes does not resonate with me. If it takes a big name player until February to sign a big contract, that’s not a problem.*

*It’s a PR problem, not a structural one. Baseball is failing to keep the interest of fans all year round, something it used to do well. Negotiations to a deadline usually yield the best deal for both sides.

I believe we will see the 20-second clock this year, and having been to minor league games with the clock in use, it should not be a problem for anyone.

from baseballmusings.com http://bit.ly/2WN3mt0