Atlanta Braves: MILB Makes Ridiculous Changes To The Game

As our Atlanta Braves continue to manage rosters and attempt to hone skills in Spring Training, the MLB has instituted a few significant changes in the Minors.

Word got out earlier this week that Major League Baseball, and its Minor League affiliates, have instituted a number of in-game changes that will debut this year. If or when you venture to Gwinnett this year, the AAA Atlanta Braves affiliate, you’ll see them first hand.

For a more concise, yet in-depth look, check this out from CBS scribe R.J. Anderson. But the gist of it is that “speeding the game up” seems to be of utmost importance. The thinking in some circles has been for a while that this will be needed for younger generations to enjoy and connect to the game. Maybe, it’s true. But, I hate it, nonetheless.

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The first change, and least obstructive, is the limit on mound visits. While it certainly takes away from the general flow of a game, on the face of it, one can see the positive side. “AAA” will be limited to 6, “AA” will be limited to 8, and  “A” ball will be limited to 10 visits per game. All get one per extra inning, if needed. While not transformative, it should speed up play.

The second change is where blood pressure starts to rise, upon learning of it. In short, every extra inning, a team will automatically place a runner on 2nd. If you know the game, you know what the thinking is here. But it is ridiculous. Most teams will just bunt the guy over and have a runner on Third with one out. It’s stupid formality that doesn’t do anything to shorten the game. The word that comes to mind is asinine.

Finally, we have the “pitch timer”. You got it. It puts the Pitcher on a clock. Like Golf. If the Pitcher doesn’t begin his delivery within time, a Ball is awarded to the Hitter. If a Hitter isn’t in the Batter’s Box within seven seconds of the clock winding down, a Strike is awarded. Get it? Yes. This, too, should speed up the games, but wait until a crucial moment in a crucial game and they announce Ball 4 or Strike 3 because of the clock. A clock that, most likely, isn’t visible.

Folks will have differing opinions about these changes. These alterations may even have the desired effect of quickening a game. But, at what cost? Specifically, with extra innings.

The other thing is that we can’t take these changes lightly. MLB is doing this to prepare folks for introduction of these changes in “the bigs”. It’s coming.

It’s like the NFL removing kickoffs. It’s like NASCAR putting restrictor plates on cars and putting the same engine in all of them. They think they are helping the sport they love and make a bunch of money from. But they aren’t.

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It’s possible I’m wrong about this. But, as someone who played this game, and loves this game, I doubt it.