I can’t stress enough if the Twins were 3-0 in extra inning games I would saying the same thing since they are 0-3 in ten inning games, the new rule of starting a base runner at second is beyond stupid. I could see doing it in an unorthodox year like 2020 where games might be moved because of COVID-19 protocols, but there is no need for it in 2021.
I could buy doing it starting in the 12th inning. I’ve never been a fan of 19 inning games, especially if the pitchers on the roster are worn out for the next week; but to go with this gimmick right away in the 10th inning is ridiculous.
Listening to the Twins pregame show on the radio Sunday the hosts were talking about more gimmicks being experimented with this summer in the minor leagues. The one that stood out was only allowing two throws over to first base if a runner is there. If you throw it over a third time and the runner is safe it’s a balk. Really? The leaders in Major League Baseball think this is a solution to speed up the game? I’d rather just have softball rules where you can’t steal or lead off then.
The simplest solution is to make sure the umpires call a strike when its a strike. The most boring offensive play in sports is a walk. If you make the better swing it will either mean the ball goes into play or he strikes out. We have to start realizing a pitcher who strikes out multiple batters and gets in rhythm is as exciting as a three-run homer. Heck make the strike zone bigger if you have to.
As a true baseball fan I love watching a pitcher in rhythm as much as I love seeing doubles and homeruns. But as Star Tribune columnist Patrick Ruesse once told me, “the owners hired a commissioner who isn’t a fan of the game.”
Rob Manfred is the baseball commissioner, and has looked awful in his short time in the position. He is making the owners money, so he’ll keep the job, but the integrity of the game is going down the tubes under his leadership.
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