Could ghostrunners be far behind?
It’s no secret that MLB is considering rules changes to speed up the game and make it more attractive to younger fans. But to really shorten the average length of games, you need to do something about extra innings, and the solution being considered there is radical.
According to Yahoo Sports, MLB has plans to test starting every extra inning with a runner on second base. The test would take place in rookie leagues in both Florida and Arizona this summer before a decision is made whether or not to implement it at other levels of the minors or MLB itself.
Obviously, having a baserunner in scoring position before the first batter steps to the plate makes scoring runs in extra innings a much more likely occurrence. The rule wouldn’t seem to favor either the road or home teams, and would likely mean less games go to extras and settle into long, scoreless stalemates as relief pitchers are rotated in.
Interestingly, MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre seems to be in favor of the experiment, and Yahoo reports that it “has wide-ranging support at the highest levels of the league.” Twitter hasn’t been quite as sure.
@MLB ridiculous idea of putting a man on 2nd to begin extra innings had better never see the light of day. Stop trying to screw up the game.
— Mark (@dmbmarkt) February 9, 2017
No one likes baseball more than I do but it's like the MLB is trying to make me not a fan
— Kermit (@RealJimisSlim) February 9, 2017
Here's an idea @mlb, instead of worrying about extra innings how about SHORTEN THE SEASON https://t.co/MHZ2pSnpap
— Dustin is SOURCES™️✭ (@dustinbennett76) February 9, 2017
It’s important to note that this is just a test, and at a level of baseball that most people never watch. Even people who think it’s dumb have no reason to be up in arms about it — yet.
Next: Royals agree to deal with Jason Hammel
At the same time, MLB probably can’t afford to sit still and not change anything about the game. Extra innings may turn out to be a problem that didn’t need fixing, but it would be a surprise if baseball rules were exactly the same in 2020 as they are today. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.