Attn: Rob Manfred
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@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@greenbuk75_mlbts said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They are serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
Yes this is an easy fix. Also maybe dudes should shorten up their swings a bit.
That kinda brings up another problem. All the money goes to power nowadays. A guy that hits .240 with 30 bombs gets a way bigger contract than the guy hitting .300 with 10 homers. At the end of the day, they’re playing for that contract, so if I was in their shoes, I’d swing for the fences as well.
This definitely is true. Someone should tell them a contact swing has the same exit velocity as power swings anyway.
As dj gets a fat 6 yr deal from the Yankees to hit for contact**
Bro, DJ is only making 15M/yr and the dude hit .364. Thanks for validating my point.
Bro he got 3 extra years added to knock his aav down by 10m+ thanks for validating our point by knowing literally nothing of that negotiation
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@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
thank you. Finally someone who gets it.
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@oreorockstar_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
thank you. Finally someone who gets it.
Yea but back in my day Jamie Moyer threw 84 mph cookies on the outside corner to John olerud wearing a no flap helmet and he would flip that out there without wearing an elbow guard because he was tough and baseball was better dude
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@greenbuk75_mlbts said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@greenbuk75_mlbts said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They are serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
Yes this is an easy fix. Also maybe dudes should shorten up their swings a bit.
That kinda brings up another problem. All the money goes to power nowadays. A guy that hits .240 with 30 bombs gets a way bigger contract than the guy hitting .300 with 10 homers. At the end of the day, they’re playing for that contract, so if I was in their shoes, I’d swing for the fences as well.
This definitely is true. Someone should tell them a contact swing has the same exit velocity as power swings anyway.
As dj gets a fat 6 yr deal from the Yankees to hit for contact**
Bro, DJ is only making 15M/yr and the dude hit .364. Thanks for validating my point.
Bro he got 3 extra years added to knock his aav down by 10m+ thanks for validating our point by knowing literally nothing of that negotiation
What’s his annual salary, genius?
About 20 million less that Stanton, a dude that hits bombs (when he feels like playing) with a significantly lower average than DJ. That’s my point. -
@greenbuk75_mlbts said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They are serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
Yes this is an easy fix. Also maybe dudes should shorten up their swings a bit.
As Gallo was choked up to the label tonight, the problem is everyone throwing 97 mph fastballs that break 10 inches the mound needs to be moved back at this point
Kluber definitely ain’t throwing no 97.... 87 yes. His stuff is still gross and I’m sure spin rates are ridiculously high. -
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
I get the sentiment, but I don’t want gimmicky rules like basketball like no zone D or 3 in the paint and such. It would be like hockey saying to help offense, no more than 3 skaters in the Dzone at any time. As hard as pitchers throw this year, you just have to present bat to ball to get exit velo. Also guys crowd the plate more to try and get more lift on their swings. We’ll see; maybe the next “genius” young coach/front office will begin adjusting and start another pendulum swing.
As for contracts, it’s pretty much a slim percentage that gets the most money, the ones who can do more than hit HRs but also field and/or run. The middle class of 25-30 HRs and 180-200 strikeouts lumbering 1B and early 30’s players are left in the cold in FA classes in recent years. Look at Tatis, Machado, Lindor, Trout, Mookie... all multidimensional players.
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@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
I get the sentiment, but I don’t want gimmicky rules like basketball like no zone D or 3 in the paint and such. It would be like hockey saying to help offense, no more than 3 skaters in the Dzone at any time. As hard as pitchers throw this year, you just have to present bat to ball to get exit velo. Also guys crowd the plate more to try and get more lift on their swings. We’ll see; maybe the next “genius” young coach/front office will begin adjusting and start another pendulum swing.
As for contracts, it’s pretty much a slim percentage that gets the most money, the ones who can do more than hit HRs but also field and/or run. The middle class of 25-30 HRs and 180-200 strikeouts lumbering 1B and early 30’s players are left in the cold in FA classes in recent years. Look at Tatis, Machado, Lindor, Trout, Mookie... all multidimensional players.
I would argue that the shift itself is way more gimmicky than a rule that would prevent it.
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@superfly2789_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@greenbuk75_mlbts said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They are serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
Yes this is an easy fix. Also maybe dudes should shorten up their swings a bit.
As Gallo was choked up to the label tonight, the problem is everyone throwing 97 mph fastballs that break 10 inches the mound needs to be moved back at this point
Kluber definitely ain’t throwing no 97.... 87 yes. His stuff is still gross and I’m sure spin rates are ridiculously high.He was hitting 93 TN.
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While you’re unjuicing baseballs, Get rid of blackouts too
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@bob_loblaw1984 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
This no-no is bad for the show. I faced Kluber enough last year.
I can't wait to face him again. Give him the same pitch mix and speeds and let me tee off on him again please.
I'm here for it.
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I love how this thread is directed to Manfred. Like the idiot comes on here to read our posts everyday
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@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
I get the sentiment, but I don’t want gimmicky rules like basketball like no zone D or 3 in the paint and such. It would be like hockey saying to help offense, no more than 3 skaters in the Dzone at any time. As hard as pitchers throw this year, you just have to present bat to ball to get exit velo. Also guys crowd the plate more to try and get more lift on their swings. We’ll see; maybe the next “genius” young coach/front office will begin adjusting and start another pendulum swing.
As for contracts, it’s pretty much a slim percentage that gets the most money, the ones who can do more than hit HRs but also field and/or run. The middle class of 25-30 HRs and 180-200 strikeouts lumbering 1B and early 30’s players are left in the cold in FA classes in recent years. Look at Tatis, Machado, Lindor, Trout, Mookie... all multidimensional players.
I would argue that the shift itself is way more gimmicky than a rule that would prevent it.
I think that is ridiculous. I've said it many times on here now, fielders have always positioned themselves for the best opportunities at getting outs. Outfielders have shifted to one side since the game has been played, for hitters that have a pull tendency. They play deeper or more shallow based on hitters tendencies or situation as well.
It's a valid strategy, and perfectly logical, to put fielders in positions that the defense expects the ball to be hit into. Ask Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, etc. how they hit to open field. You can still go the other way on inside heat, with an inside out swing. Hitters have done it since baseball was invented.
This isnt like lowering the mound, or moving fences in or out. This is completely rewriting the rulebook, mandating defensive alignment, because hitters hit the ball to the fielders too often? That's the whole point of defending.
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@formallyforearms said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
I get the sentiment, but I don’t want gimmicky rules like basketball like no zone D or 3 in the paint and such. It would be like hockey saying to help offense, no more than 3 skaters in the Dzone at any time. As hard as pitchers throw this year, you just have to present bat to ball to get exit velo. Also guys crowd the plate more to try and get more lift on their swings. We’ll see; maybe the next “genius” young coach/front office will begin adjusting and start another pendulum swing.
As for contracts, it’s pretty much a slim percentage that gets the most money, the ones who can do more than hit HRs but also field and/or run. The middle class of 25-30 HRs and 180-200 strikeouts lumbering 1B and early 30’s players are left in the cold in FA classes in recent years. Look at Tatis, Machado, Lindor, Trout, Mookie... all multidimensional players.
I would argue that the shift itself is way more gimmicky than a rule that would prevent it.
I think that is ridiculous. I've said it many times on here now, fielders have always positioned themselves for the best opportunities at getting outs. Outfielders have shifted to one side since the game has been played, for hitters that have a pull tendency. They play deeper or more shallow based on hitters tendencies or situation as well.
It's a valid strategy, and perfectly logical, to put fielders in positions that the defense expects the ball to be hit into. Ask Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, etc. how they hit to open field. You can still go the other way on inside heat, with an inside out swing. Hitters have done it since baseball was invented.
This isnt like lowering the mound, or moving fences in or out. This is completely rewriting the rulebook, mandating defensive alignment, because hitters hit the ball to the fielders too often? That's the whole point of defending.
I agree 100 percent. You should be able to position your defenders any way you see fit.
MLB needs to stop messing with the balls, mounds and fences to generate revenue.
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It's the balls? I assumed it was the newer pelican grip stuff the pitchers are using. Like what Bauer used just one inning of a game to show that his spin rate would instantly increase 300rpms. What he said Cole used to turn his career around, and I'm sure Bauer himself and most pitchers use now.
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@greenbuk75_mlbts said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@greenbuk75_mlbts said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@untchable704_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They are serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
Yes this is an easy fix. Also maybe dudes should shorten up their swings a bit.
That kinda brings up another problem. All the money goes to power nowadays. A guy that hits .240 with 30 bombs gets a way bigger contract than the guy hitting .300 with 10 homers. At the end of the day, they’re playing for that contract, so if I was in their shoes, I’d swing for the fences as well.
This definitely is true. Someone should tell them a contact swing has the same exit velocity as power swings anyway.
As dj gets a fat 6 yr deal from the Yankees to hit for contact**
Bro, DJ is only making 15M/yr and the dude hit .364. Thanks for validating my point.
Bro he got 3 extra years added to knock his aav down by 10m+ thanks for validating our point by knowing literally nothing of that negotiation
So... 6 years for 90 million...
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This isn’t an equipment problem it’s a philosophy problem. Hitters only work on launch angle and pitchers only pitch to a script. As much as I loved bad boy era of basketball with those 60pt games and the blue line press 0-0 ties, it’s boring like watching MLB hitters ground out on 1st pitch of every at bat. You will never see another Ozzie or Alomer because all GM’s need are Kent’s to play both middle infield positions. Adequate but not great. Heck let’s include Jeter as well. So we’ll end up with a team or team’s that set the record for no hit against and the overall no hit record in a season gets obliterated.
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@formallyforearms said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
I get the sentiment, but I don’t want gimmicky rules like basketball like no zone D or 3 in the paint and such. It would be like hockey saying to help offense, no more than 3 skaters in the Dzone at any time. As hard as pitchers throw this year, you just have to present bat to ball to get exit velo. Also guys crowd the plate more to try and get more lift on their swings. We’ll see; maybe the next “genius” young coach/front office will begin adjusting and start another pendulum swing.
As for contracts, it’s pretty much a slim percentage that gets the most money, the ones who can do more than hit HRs but also field and/or run. The middle class of 25-30 HRs and 180-200 strikeouts lumbering 1B and early 30’s players are left in the cold in FA classes in recent years. Look at Tatis, Machado, Lindor, Trout, Mookie... all multidimensional players.
I would argue that the shift itself is way more gimmicky than a rule that would prevent it.
I think that is ridiculous. I've said it many times on here now, fielders have always positioned themselves for the best opportunities at getting outs. Outfielders have shifted to one side since the game has been played, for hitters that have a pull tendency. They play deeper or more shallow based on hitters tendencies or situation as well.
It's a valid strategy, and perfectly logical, to put fielders in positions that the defense expects the ball to be hit into. Ask Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, etc. how they hit to open field. You can still go the other way on inside heat, with an inside out swing. Hitters have done it since baseball was invented.
This isnt like lowering the mound, or moving fences in or out. This is completely rewriting the rulebook, mandating defensive alignment, because hitters hit the ball to the fielders too often? That's the whole point of defending.
Of course defenses have been shifting since the the beginning of baseball, but “over shifting” lefties has only became a big deal in the past decade. Insisting that hitters should all learn to inside out fastballs because these 3 Hall of Famers could do it is pretty naive. Can it be done? Yes. Is it extremely difficult? Yes. Has average fastball velocity increased about 5 mph since those 3 played? Yes. We’re not asking a complete rewriting of the rule book. New rules are added every single year. And you would still be able to shift your players, just not overload one side of the infield on lefties. If would be fair and equal for every team and hitter in baseball. But if you wanna continue to see lefties hit 100 mph line outs to a dude standing in shallow right field, be my guest.
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@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@formallyforearms said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
I get the sentiment, but I don’t want gimmicky rules like basketball like no zone D or 3 in the paint and such. It would be like hockey saying to help offense, no more than 3 skaters in the Dzone at any time. As hard as pitchers throw this year, you just have to present bat to ball to get exit velo. Also guys crowd the plate more to try and get more lift on their swings. We’ll see; maybe the next “genius” young coach/front office will begin adjusting and start another pendulum swing.
As for contracts, it’s pretty much a slim percentage that gets the most money, the ones who can do more than hit HRs but also field and/or run. The middle class of 25-30 HRs and 180-200 strikeouts lumbering 1B and early 30’s players are left in the cold in FA classes in recent years. Look at Tatis, Machado, Lindor, Trout, Mookie... all multidimensional players.
I would argue that the shift itself is way more gimmicky than a rule that would prevent it.
I think that is ridiculous. I've said it many times on here now, fielders have always positioned themselves for the best opportunities at getting outs. Outfielders have shifted to one side since the game has been played, for hitters that have a pull tendency. They play deeper or more shallow based on hitters tendencies or situation as well.
It's a valid strategy, and perfectly logical, to put fielders in positions that the defense expects the ball to be hit into. Ask Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, etc. how they hit to open field. You can still go the other way on inside heat, with an inside out swing. Hitters have done it since baseball was invented.
This isnt like lowering the mound, or moving fences in or out. This is completely rewriting the rulebook, mandating defensive alignment, because hitters hit the ball to the fielders too often? That's the whole point of defending.
Of course defenses have been shifting since the the beginning of baseball, but “over shifting” lefties has only became a big deal in the past decade. Insisting that hitters should all learn to inside out fastballs because these 3 Hall of Famers could do it is pretty naive. Can it be done? Yes. Is it extremely difficult? Yes. Has average fastball velocity increased about 5 mph since those 3 played? Yes. We’re not asking a complete rewriting of the rule book. New rules are added every single year. And you would still be able to shift your players, just not overload one side of the infield on lefties. If would be fair and equal for every team and hitter in baseball. But if you wanna continue to see lefties hit 100 mph line outs to a dude standing in shallow right field, be my guest.
Ted Williams had the shift used against him back in the 40's. It isnt a new thing. He bunted against it and went the other way to combat it at times.
https://www.mlb.com/news/ted-williams-faced-defensive-shifts-in-1940s-c191605204
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@formallyforearms said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@formallyforearms said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@smalltownkid1990 said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
@yankblan_psn said in Attn: Rob Manfred:
The better fix would be to hit the balls against the shift and stop swinging for the fences at all cost; then we might get something resembling baseball back
The shift needs to be banned. You should be required to have two infielders on either side of second base. The fact that we arbitrarily run to first base and not third base out of the box is inherently unfair to lefties that first base is on their pull side. And when they shift lefties, they pitch them to hit into the shift. They aren’t serving them cookies on the outside third to flip into left field. You try taking an inside cutter on your fists to the opposite field.
I get the sentiment, but I don’t want gimmicky rules like basketball like no zone D or 3 in the paint and such. It would be like hockey saying to help offense, no more than 3 skaters in the Dzone at any time. As hard as pitchers throw this year, you just have to present bat to ball to get exit velo. Also guys crowd the plate more to try and get more lift on their swings. We’ll see; maybe the next “genius” young coach/front office will begin adjusting and start another pendulum swing.
As for contracts, it’s pretty much a slim percentage that gets the most money, the ones who can do more than hit HRs but also field and/or run. The middle class of 25-30 HRs and 180-200 strikeouts lumbering 1B and early 30’s players are left in the cold in FA classes in recent years. Look at Tatis, Machado, Lindor, Trout, Mookie... all multidimensional players.
I would argue that the shift itself is way more gimmicky than a rule that would prevent it.
I think that is ridiculous. I've said it many times on here now, fielders have always positioned themselves for the best opportunities at getting outs. Outfielders have shifted to one side since the game has been played, for hitters that have a pull tendency. They play deeper or more shallow based on hitters tendencies or situation as well.
It's a valid strategy, and perfectly logical, to put fielders in positions that the defense expects the ball to be hit into. Ask Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, etc. how they hit to open field. You can still go the other way on inside heat, with an inside out swing. Hitters have done it since baseball was invented.
This isnt like lowering the mound, or moving fences in or out. This is completely rewriting the rulebook, mandating defensive alignment, because hitters hit the ball to the fielders too often? That's the whole point of defending.
Of course defenses have been shifting since the the beginning of baseball, but “over shifting” lefties has only became a big deal in the past decade. Insisting that hitters should all learn to inside out fastballs because these 3 Hall of Famers could do it is pretty naive. Can it be done? Yes. Is it extremely difficult? Yes. Has average fastball velocity increased about 5 mph since those 3 played? Yes. We’re not asking a complete rewriting of the rule book. New rules are added every single year. And you would still be able to shift your players, just not overload one side of the infield on lefties. If would be fair and equal for every team and hitter in baseball. But if you wanna continue to see lefties hit 100 mph line outs to a dude standing in shallow right field, be my guest.
Ted Williams had the shift used against him back in the 40's. It isnt a new thing. He bunted against it and went the other way to combat it at times.
https://www.mlb.com/news/ted-williams-faced-defensive-shifts-in-1940s-c191605204
Once again, we acknowledge that shifts have been used throughout the history of baseball, but the overshift on lefties hasn’t really ran rampant until the last decade. The majority of lefties face it every at bat.
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