Yesterday MLB announced that they will be trying out some new rules (and technology) at the various minor league levels this season. I'm not sold on any of them as real solutions to the issue that MLB is trying to tackle - pace of game, increasing action - but there are a few that might be fun if there are no unintended consequences that get in the way.
One thing I'm definitely okay with is testing these things out in the minors where the outcomes of games don't really matter all that much. It can't hurt to take a look.
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Here are my initial thoughts (which could change when presented with evidence of how these things work):
• Slightly larger bases that sit lower and have a less-slippery surface (all Triple-A leagues)
Safer bases is a good idea. If there is a health benefit to this change that's probably the more important part. This could also increase SB attempts believe it or not. An increase in size of bases would reduce the distance between bases by about 4 1/2 inches and a lot of safe/out calls on steals are in the 4-6 inch range. In reality I'm not sure how much that will end up mattering but I guess we'll see.
• A requirement that all four infielders actually stay on the infield dirt when the pitch is delivered (all Double-A)
I'm not a huge fan of limiting shifts but other sports place some limitations on how defenses can be deployed so the concept isn't without precedent. I like this idea more than limiting shifting altogether. This would just mean infielders have to stay in the infield, they could still have as many guys as they want on one side of the IF or the other. The idea here is to reward hitters who hit the ball hard into the outfield. If someone hits a 100 MPH line drive into RF there should be a better chance at reward rather than it being a simple out for a 2B who is playing 30-40 into the OF grass.
The reason I don't like limiting a team's ability to load up one side of the infield is because doing so would reward poorly hit balls too. We don't need more 6-hoppers sneaking through but well struck balls should have a better chance at becoming hits than they do at present. I'll be curious to see what the numbers show.
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• A requirement that pitchers must step off the rubber to attempt a pickoff (all High-A)
Not sure on this yet. At first glance, I don't like it. It would totally eliminate the advantage LHP have holding runners at 1B. Maybe that's a good thing, I don't know. Stolen bases are fun and this would definitely allow runners to increase leads and attempt more steals. I need to think about this one a little more but I like stolen bases and the game could use more of them.
• A limit of two pickoff attempts per plate appearance (all Low-A)
This one could be impactful. Once a pitcher threw over a 2nd time the runner would be able to take a HUGE lead. The rule they're experimenting with would allow for a 3rd pickoff attempt but only if the runner is out. If he's safe it's ruled a balk. That caveat would eliminate the runner taking a ridiculously large lead. Again, I like stolen bases and more of them would be a good thing. It would also be a good thing to avoid long, drawn out at bats with the pitcher picking to 1B 5-6-7 times.
As with all of the above, I want to see how it plays out in reality. I don't want to disrupt the game too much but if we're looking for more action then increasing the incentive to steal bases is an idea worth exploring.
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• A 15-second pitch clock (Low-A West only)
I don't like pitch clocks. Some moments shouldn't be rushed. That said...there is a shot clock in basketball, there's a play clock in football and everyone in those sports adapted so maybe it's not the end of the world.
• An automatic ball-strike system (Low-A Southeast only)
I've always wanted this. They need to make sure it's almost flawless before they bring it to the Major Leagues but this would be great IMO. The "human element" gives unfair advantages to veteran star players - there is zero doubt in my mind that a guy like Mike Trout has a more favorable strike zone than some rookie or average everyday guy. The strike zone should be the same for every hitter/pitcher, reputation and status should not be a factor.
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