Speeding Up The Game

Are you like the many fans that enjoy going to a ball game, but think the games take far too long to play, given all the antics that take place?

Some agree, while others think the game is fine the way it is and since the last time a rule was changed (as I know) dates back to 2008 when the MLB added limited (home run calls or foul) instant replay to be in effect for all games effective August 29th.

One idea floating around that would save some time while also impacting strategy would be a rule forcing relievers to face at least two or three batters. Good or bad it’s an idea?

Cubs president Theo Epstein floated such a possibility at the GM and MLB Baseball Officials meetings in November, this according to league sources.

Apparently no formal proposal was made, but the concept generated an interesting reaction on the positive side of those in attendance.

Ask yourself how the game would change if indeed such a rule enforced and the answer is simple, but the opposing manager would have to think twice about bringing in a left-handed specialist to face (possibility) the Red Sox’s premier left-handed hitter, David Ortiz, with less than two outs.

However Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated thinks an even better idea is the three-batter minimum, which would slow the parade of relievers.

Maybe the least aesthetic baseball game ever played was a 4-3 win by the Houston Astros over the New York Mets on April 30, 2012.

More aptly, it was a game between Brad Mills and Terry Collins, the two managers, where they used 11 pitchers to get the last 16 outs.

It is the only game in history in which seven pitchers faced only one batter and no one purchased tickets to see if the two GM’s got what they wanted to.

The game itself is a good game and yes at times it takes longer than you might expect, but when you go to the ball park, you don’t have a time limit to be home by.

If you have a time limit or restraint, then sit back and watch it on the big screen and save a few bucks to take the Family for a night out.

Before any change is made all rules are put forward to the Rules Committee and are open for discussion, so it’s not as simple as you might think.

It’s a great summer time sport, so let’s take in the action and if you live in the Pacific North West and in particular the lower mainland of British Columbia travel south to catch a Mariners game.

After all they have Ladner native James Paxton on the roster and with training camp starting in three weeks, he’s looking forward to getting back on the mound.