Baseball 2023

[Clementine_3]

I agree that something had/has to be done. Not sure on the no shift rule yet, clock will be fine really. Things were getting (are) out of control with the amount of unneeded wasted time, hopefully all this helps. Today's game truly would have been a terrible thing in regular season though! Sure, it would have gone to extra innings big just imagine the uproar!

 

[olbriar]

I liked the shift. To me it was smart ball. It certainly wasn't slowing down the game. I realize that offense is more entertaining to most but the entertainment value of baseball wasn't broken with the shift. If anything, it was speeding up the game which I think everyone wants.

On a side note: While checking out my streaming costs for another thread, I logged into my DirecTV account to view my billing. Keep in mind that I dropped the MLB package last spring and tried to drop the NFL late summer. They gifted me the NFL because I was a loyal customer bla bla bla.
When viewing my billing a big note popped up telling me they were gifting me the MLB package this year for the same bla bla bla. Woohoo!!!

 

[Clementine_3]

Whoop on the MLB package! I do need my baseball and know you do too. Phew.
As far as 'offense is more entertaining' I wholeheartedly disagree with them. I love a well played nail biting close game with brilliant pitching duels and stellar defense on both teams. That's a baseball game! High scoring blowout homeroom derbies are no fun for me really.

 

[olbriar]

Clem, you know good baseball!

 

[AugieTN]

I'm not liking the pitch clock. Baseball shouldn't be rushed. I'm wondering if the Players Union is going to stop it.

 

[Clementine_3]

8 seconds may be quick but this is the one area that did need to be addressed and sped up. There's no need for a batter to walk around the stadium between pitches and tap the plate 5 times and swing the bat 7 times and have 1 foot in while spitting in their hands and making 'adjustments' and... When the pitcher's ready the batter needs to be ready, get in the damn box already! Honestly, how much prep time does it take to get ready to hit a ball?

 

[AugieTN]

The last thing I want to see is a game being determined by the pitch clock. Next they'll want two strikes and you're out or 3 foul balls and you're out or 6 pitches maximum per batter. Leave the game alone. If a 3 hour baseball game is too long for a few people they can always record it on their DVR and fast forward through it

 

[olbriar]

Baseball, like most everything, is revenue driven. There must be a drop in revenue or such changes wouldn't have been implemented. The antics between pitcher and batter has become a game in its self. Some of it is entertaining and some is just delaying the game IMO. I think it needed trimming but perhaps not to the extent they have set. A season of ball will tell the tale and if it isn't a positive I bet the rule is revisited before 2024. Don't google the attendance and viewership of MLB for the past decade unless you want to be depressed. The numbers aren't alarming but certainly show an ugly downward trend. The population has grown and followers of the sport have decreased. That is not a good thing for our beloved sport.

 

[Clementine_3]

Get in the #**$$# box!

 

[AugieTN]

I think it's more of, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease". Can you imagine losing the World Series because of the pitch clock? How stupid is that for a new rule to ruin the game.

There's a lot of impatient people, that need to DVR the game and then fast forward through it. It reminds me of the people who tailgate me when I'm driving 5-7 mph over the speed limit and flash their headlight for me to move over.

We just have to agree to disagree

 

[olbriar]

No argument just a different view. We love the game and I hope they don't change it to the point we don't.

 

[ocnbrze]

I think it's more of, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease". Can you imagine losing the World Series because of the pitch clock? How stupid is that for a new rule to ruin the game.

There's a lot of impatient people, that need to DVR the game and then fast forward through it. It reminds me of the people who tailgate me when I'm driving 5-7 mph over the speed limit and flash their headlight for me to move over.

We just have to agree to disagree

It's going to be the first year for the pitch clock. It's not going to be smooth sailing at first. There are going to be controversial calls. But I think come playoff time, it'll be different. Pitchers by then will know what's going with the clock. A rhythm will be established by then.

 

[olbriar]

Toronto coming back on the yanks in the bottom of the 5th. I don't care if it is a practice game.... I am no yank fan.

 

[Dannydet]

I also opt for the minor league team in metro Detroit.
Jimmy John's field is 20 minutes away and parking is free. Great seats at 12 dollars a seat and they host 6 teams for my area.
Every night is a great night for baseball!

 

[Bearsyzf]

I was watching my Padre's and the pitch clock seems to be working.

 

[olbriar]

I watched a few innings of that game as well as some others. So far, I'm not put off by the clock. Your Padres looked good.

 

[olbriar]

Is it just me or is watching these mean nothing spring season games like breath of fresh air. Man, I was ready for some baseball.

Okay, I know my Royals will suck this year. Two years ago, when I had the MLB package, I followed the Padres. Mostly because I was a big Hosmer fan.
Now that he's gone and I actually get to follow an out of market team, who should I be following this season? I need a team to root for that will see post season play. I want a team with great chemistry that wants to win. I desire a coach that is not a bump on a log. I long to see great talent I can get behind.
I'm open to any suggestions except the yanks. I can't do the yanks.

 

[Dannydet]

The Braves come to mind...

 

[olbriar]

I'll give them a look. Thanks Danny!

 

[Clementine_3]

Not sure what the season will bring due to trades but the Red Sox check your boxes mostly. Unless they totally suck this year, which is possible.
Braves are probably a solid choice too - my 2 teams!

 

[olbriar]

I have no problem following the Red Sox either. Thanks Clem.

 

[olbriar]

I know that predicting the season outcome during spring training is asking too much. I just need a respectable ball team with potential to root for. They don't have to win it all for me to be happy. I'm accustomed to losing It would be sweet to get behind a team that will make post season. It won't be the Royals. The Red Sox and Braves sound like great choices.

 

[olbriar]

The Braves see the Twins at noon today. Naturally the game isn't aired in my area. I do get the Royals game at two. They are playing the Guardians.
I've not seen them play this year so I'll make time for the game.

 

[AugieTN]

I wanted to se the Braves & Twins today, but Dish has no listing for them. I can watch the Royals and Guardians on Dish today.

The Braves are going to be good this year and i think the Twins are going to be the sleeper in the American League Central this year

 

[olbriar]

I wanted to se the Braves & Twins today, but Dish has no listing for them. I can watch the Royals and Guardians on Dish today.

The Braves are going to be good this year and i think the Twins are going to be the sleeper in the American League Central this year

I apologize for the Royals prior to the game.