[lex24]

I like the new rules.  A lot.  Especially getting rid of the second baseman playing short right field.  Not too concerned about the enforcement of the shift rules, I doubt defenses are going to be in motion after the pitch.  And certainly the second baseman won’t be racing to short right while the SS and 3B rotate.  We may see some movement with the middle infielders, for example the SS moving a bit towards second with a lefty up, second baseman doing same with RH.   But that ok.  

For there to be any major impact, however, attitudes and hitting approaches will need to change - or at least change the one  size fits all launch angle crap.

Bat control used to be a valued skill.  That’s been lost. Taken over by “plate discipline” and the analytical approach that hitting the ball in the air is key.  It should be - for power hitters.  There also should be, however, a place for the Rod Carews of the world.  Getting rid of the shift may help that.  But I suspect it may be awhile till the real impact is felt.  

I also would like to see limitations on the number of pitchers  that may be used.  Limit to 5 in a 9 inning game.  If the 5th gets hurt, he may be replaced, but that pitcher could not be used again for 2 games.  Cause teams will cheat.

Never going to happen. Union will not allow it.  But these games with 7-8 pitchers are ridiculous.

[lex24]

I like the new rules.  A lot.  Especially getting rid of the second baseman playing short right field.  Not too concerned about the enforcement of the shift rules, I doubt defenses are going to be in motion after the pitch.  And certainly the second baseman won’t be racing to short right while the SS and 3B rotate.  We may see some movement with the middle infielders, for example the SS moving a bit towards second with a lefty up, second baseman doing same with RH.   But that ok.  

For there to be any major impact, however, attitudes and hitting approaches will need to change - or at least change the one  size fits all launch angle crap.

Bat control used to be a valued skill.  That’s been lost. Taken over by “plate discipline” and the analytical approach that hitting the ball in the air is key.  It should be - for power hitters.  There also should be, however, a place for the Rod Carews of the world.  Getting rid of the shift may help that.  But I suspect it may be awhile till the real impact is felt.  

I also would like to see limitations on the number of pitchers  that may be used.  Limit to 5 in a 9 inning game.  If the 5th gets hurt, he may be replaced, but that pitcher could not be used again for 2 games.  Cause teams will cheat.

Never going to happen. Union will not allow it.  But these games with 7-8 pitchers are ridiculous.