Major League Baseball has just announced some significant changes to its rules. They include a pitch clock, a limit on the number of throws a pitcher can make to hold runners on base, a ban on shifts, and larger bases. I don’t have any blinding insights on these changes, but I do have opinions that some readers find interesting.
The pickoff rule will be a disaster. Better runners will take a longer "one-way" lead. Runners take a slightly longer lead and will go back to the base on first movement. This occurs with the more skilled runners now. After 2 pickoff attempts, the runner is daring the pitcher to throw over again. After a few balk calls, the pitcher will become hesitant, allowing the runner to have a longer lead after 2 pickoff attempts, while stealing the base. I remember Maury Wills, who was one of the smartest runners ever. He would turn this rule into a circus. It may work short term, but once the runners find out who's hesitant to throw over, it will become as exciting as the old intentional walk.
The pickoff rule will be a disaster. Better runners will take a longer "one-way" lead. Runners take a slightly longer lead and will go back to the base on first movement. This occurs with the more skilled runners now. After 2 pickoff attempts, the runner is daring the pitcher to throw over again. After a few balk calls, the pitcher will become hesitant, allowing the runner to have a longer lead after 2 pickoff attempts, while stealing the base. I remember Maury Wills, who was one of the smartest runners ever. He would turn this rule into a circus. It may work short term, but once the runners find out who's hesitant to throw over, it will become as exciting as the old intentional walk.