@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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