Rob Manfred Claims There's 'Buzz' Around 'Golden At-Bat' Rule Among MLB Owners

[BleedGopher]

Per SI:

As Rob Manfred continues to look for ways to spice up Major League Baseball, he apparently is considering a new out-of-the-box idea.

MLB's commissioner recently told Puck's John Ourand that the "Golden At-Bat" rule has been discussed throughout the league.

"There are a variety of [rule change ideas] that are being talked about out there. One of them—there was a little buzz around it at an owners' meeting—was the idea of a 'Golden At-Bat.'" Manfred said on The Varsity podcast.

Most probably haven't heard of the proposal for a "Golden At-Bat," but the basic concept is that a team could choose one at-bat in every game to use its best hitter regardless of where they are in the lineup. So if, say the New York Yankees had the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, they could bring Aaron Judge to the plate even if it wasn't his turn in the order. It would be a one-time replacement, not a substitution like a pinch hitter.

There could be variations on it. As The Athletic's Jayson Stark points out, restricting the rule only to teams trailing at the time could be an interesting constraint. It could also lead to scenarios where a hitter bats one spot before his turn in the lineup, so what would happen if he gets on base? Would the original hitter take his spot on the bases, for the Golden hitter to step back in the batter's box for a second consecutive at-bat? There is a ton to think through here.

Rob Manfred Claims There's 'Buzz' Around 'Golden At-Bat' Rule Among MLB Owners

The MLB commissioner revealed the 'Golden At-Bat' rule has been discussed at owners meetings.

www.si.com

Win Twins!!

 

[tikited]

Per SI:

As Rob Manfred continues to look for ways to spice up Major League Baseball, he apparently is considering a new out-of-the-box idea.

MLB's commissioner recently told Puck's John Ourand that the "Golden At-Bat" rule has been discussed throughout the league.

"There are a variety of [rule change ideas] that are being talked about out there. One of them—there was a little buzz around it at an owners' meeting—was the idea of a 'Golden At-Bat.'" Manfred said on The Varsity podcast.

Most probably haven't heard of the proposal for a "Golden At-Bat," but the basic concept is that a team could choose one at-bat in every game to use its best hitter regardless of where they are in the lineup. So if, say the New York Yankees had the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, they could bring Aaron Judge to the plate even if it wasn't his turn in the order. It would be a one-time replacement, not a substitution like a pinch hitter.

There could be variations on it. As The Athletic's Jayson Stark points out, restricting the rule only to teams trailing at the time could be an interesting constraint. It could also lead to scenarios where a hitter bats one spot before his turn in the lineup, so what would happen if he gets on base? Would the original hitter take his spot on the bases, for the Golden hitter to step back in the batter's box for a second consecutive at-bat? There is a ton to think through here.

Rob Manfred Claims There's 'Buzz' Around 'Golden At-Bat' Rule Among MLB Owners

The MLB commissioner revealed the 'Golden At-Bat' rule has been discussed at owners meetings.

www.si.com

Win Twins!!

One of the dumbest things I have ever read.

 

[Ope3]

This idea sucks.

 

[howeda7]

Per SI:

As Rob Manfred continues to look for ways to spice up Major League Baseball, he apparently is considering a new out-of-the-box idea.

MLB's commissioner recently told Puck's John Ourand that the "Golden At-Bat" rule has been discussed throughout the league.

"There are a variety of [rule change ideas] that are being talked about out there. One of them—there was a little buzz around it at an owners' meeting—was the idea of a 'Golden At-Bat.'" Manfred said on The Varsity podcast.

Most probably haven't heard of the proposal for a "Golden At-Bat," but the basic concept is that a team could choose one at-bat in every game to use its best hitter regardless of where they are in the lineup. So if, say the New York Yankees had the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, they could bring Aaron Judge to the plate even if it wasn't his turn in the order. It would be a one-time replacement, not a substitution like a pinch hitter.

There could be variations on it. As The Athletic's Jayson Stark points out, restricting the rule only to teams trailing at the time could be an interesting constraint. It could also lead to scenarios where a hitter bats one spot before his turn in the lineup, so what would happen if he gets on base? Would the original hitter take his spot on the bases, for the Golden hitter to step back in the batter's box for a second consecutive at-bat? There is a ton to think through here.

Rob Manfred Claims There's 'Buzz' Around 'Golden At-Bat' Rule Among MLB Owners

The MLB commissioner revealed the 'Golden At-Bat' rule has been discussed at owners meetings.

www.si.com

Win Twins!!

If you loved the shift and openers, Rob has something for you.

 

[GophersInIowa]

 

[GophersInIowa]

I think the next change should be to allow players to be able to throw the ball at base runners like in kickball. If you're hit, you're out.

 

[tikited]

I think the next change should be to allow players to be able to throw the ball at base runners like in kickball. If you're hit, you're out.

Roger Clemens likes this idea.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Roger Clemens likes this idea.

Rob Dibble as well

 

[Full Speed Ahead]

The one and only rule change I want is automated strike/ball calls at the plate. The home plate ump has way too much say in who wins games...

... okay, one more, but it's only for low-level minor league teams. The idea is to get catchers more time behind the plate where teams often don't have a lot of catchers on the roster. If you sub a catcher out of the game, and the new catcher gets hurt, the first one can go back into the game. This just applies for the catcher position. For example, you can play a SS in the outfield if needed and vice-versa, but that's hard to do for the catcher.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

In my wilder moments, I have thought about bringing the "re-entry" rule to MLB - at least in a limited way.

so, if you have a good field/no hit SS, pinch-hit for him in the 7th inning, but he gets to go back out in the field in the 8th under re-entry.

or if you have a really slow running catcher, put in a pinch-runner when the C is on the bases, but he gets to go back out to catch next inning.

I think this would have to be for position players only and there would need to be some restrictions - like you can only use re-entry once or twice a game.

 

[Wally]

MLB sucks anyways, so yea add some gimmicks.

 

[GophersInIowa]

The one and only rule change I want is automated strike/ball calls at the plate. The home plate ump has way too much say in who wins games...

... okay, one more, but it's only for low-level minor league teams. The idea is to get catchers more time behind the plate where teams often don't have a lot of catchers on the roster. If you sub a catcher out of the game, and the new catcher gets hurt, the first one can go back into the game. This just applies for the catcher position. For example, you can play a SS in the outfield if needed and vice-versa, but that's hard to do for the catcher.

I would like to see the 3rd strike dropped ball rule changed. That rule just seems so random. "Because you swung at a pitch that was so out of the strike zone to strike out, we're going to give you the chance to reach first base".

 

[Slim Tubby]

I think the next change should be to allow players to be able to throw the ball at base runners like in kickball. If you're hit, you're out.

 

[howeda7]

I think the next change should be to allow players to be able to throw the ball at base runners like in kickball. If you're hit, you're out.

And if you miss, they can pick up the ball and throw it back at you. If they hit you all runners advance two bases. (Inspired by Torii Hunter throwing a ball back at the pitcher in Cleveland).

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

MLB sucks anyways, so yea add some gimmicks.

Cretin

 

[atsgopher]

I would like to see the 3rd strike dropped ball rule changed. That rule just seems so random. "Because you swung at a pitch that was so out of the strike zone to strike out, we're going to give you the chance to reach first base".

Random? Put out is what completes the play. I feel its logical.

 

[atsgopher]

Cretin

Rob Manfred really sucks though.

 

[atsgopher]

In my wilder moments, I have thought about bringing the "re-entry" rule to MLB - at least in a limited way.

so, if you have a good field/no hit SS, pinch-hit for him in the 7th inning, but he gets to go back out in the field in the 8th under re-entry.

or if you have a really slow running catcher, put in a pinch-runner when the C is on the bases, but he gets to go back out to catch next inning.

I think this would have to be for position players only and there would need to be some restrictions - like you can only use re-entry once or twice a game.

In some Adult leagues I play in whwre players are needed, we use a reentry rule. However, the removed player has to wait through an at bat (they can go back in after there spot has passed and come back around).

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

In my wilder moments, I have thought about bringing the "re-entry" rule to MLB - at least in a limited way.

so, if you have a good field/no hit SS, pinch-hit for him in the 7th inning, but he gets to go back out in the field in the 8th under re-entry.

or if you have a really slow running catcher, put in a pinch-runner when the C is on the bases, but he gets to go back out to catch next inning.

I think this would have to be for position players only and there would need to be some restrictions - like you can only use re-entry once or twice a game.

Draft a player for playoff teams! My favorite town team esoteric rule- no clue if they still have it.

 

[howeda7]

Ruesse had an epic rant on this today.

 

[Gophers1992]

If you loved the shift and openers, Rob has something for you.

Not even close to being comparable. The shift and openers were not a re-writing of the rules. They were teams using the rules in a more intelligent manner.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

Draft a player for playoff teams! My favorite town team esoteric rule- no clue if they still have it.

Yup. after each round of District tournament play, the remaining teams can each draft one pitcher from the teams that have been eliminated. but pitchers only - no position players. there is an additional pitcher draft for teams that qualify for the State Tournament.

 

[Ope3]

Draft a player for playoff teams! My favorite town team esoteric rule- no clue if they still have it.

Yup. after each round of District tournament play, the remaining teams can each draft one pitcher from the teams that have been eliminated. but pitchers only - no position players. there is an additional pitcher draft for teams that qualify for the State Tournament.

Class C only for the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament, 3 pitchers only currently.

Used to be allowed 3 pitchers or catchers.

 

[forever a gopher]

Here’s a wild idea: how about they just institute a hard salary cap and salary floor so it’s actually fair? But nope, adding asinine rules, that’ll win ‘em back!

Or better yet- there’s no salary cap, but if you go over a certain threshold (think luxury tax in the NBA), teams at the bottom can draft players off your team until you make it below that threshold. They have to assume the full remaining contract of that player if they take him, though. So a team like the Dodgers could buy a team one season at the risk of getting pillaged in the offseason. Ohtani to Pittsburgh! Judge to Tampa!

 

[Gophers1992]

Here’s a wild idea: how about they just institute a hard salary cap and salary floor so it’s actually fair? But nope, adding asinine rules, that’ll win ‘em back!

Or better yet- there’s no salary cap, but if you go over a certain threshold (think luxury tax in the NBA), teams at the bottom can draft players off your team until you make it below that threshold. They have to assume the full remaining contract of that player if they take him, though. So a team like the Dodgers could buy a team one season at the risk of getting pillaged in the offseason. Ohtani to Pittsburgh! Judge to Tampa!

MLB does have a luxury tax FYI.

 

[TNGophfan]

Dumbest idea ever! I mean, let's just make it a video game and determine the champion that way.

 

[forever a gopher]

MLB does have a luxury tax FYI.

True dat. Probably would have made more sense to reference that than the NBA…that’s what I get for ranting after midnight.

Point being, make the penalties not money related. If you’re in the luxury tax, you’re likely not super concerned with money first and foremost. Reduce their international player signing abilities, reduce their draft slot money available, let teams “steal” players or prospects from them to get them under the tax level. If Manfred can come up with crazy ideas, so can I. Or just make it easy and use a hard cap and no crazy ideas are necessary.

Parity is one of the big reasons why the NFL is so successful. The major reason parity exists is because of the salary cap. MLB owners are too busy trying to make themselves rich today that they don’t care what’s best for the game and keeping people engaged long-term.

 

[Gophers1992]

True dat. Probably would have made more sense to reference that than the NBA…that’s what I get for ranting after midnight.

Point being, make the penalties not money related. If you’re in the luxury tax, you’re likely not super concerned with money first and foremost. Reduce their international player signing abilities, reduce their draft slot money available, let teams “steal” players or prospects from them to get them under the tax level. If Manfred can come up with crazy ideas, so can I. Or just make it easy and use a hard cap and no crazy ideas are necessary.

Parity is one of the big reasons why the NFL is so successful. The major reason parity exists is because of the salary cap. MLB owners are too busy trying to make themselves rich today that they don’t care what’s best for the game and keeping people engaged long-term.

Not that I hate your ideas, but MLB has had more parity than the NFL for a long time now. Its a huge misconception that NFL has more parity.

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

The Bee, nails it again.

 

[Slim Tubby]

Not that I hate your ideas, but MLB has had more parity than the NFL for a long time now. Its a huge misconception that NFL has more parity.

I disagree based on the premise of casualty. In the NFL, levels of sustained success are based on roster construction, coaching and "hard cap" budgeting.

In MLB, sustained success is tied to a huge competitive financial advantage for some teams. This discourages fans of other teams that don't have deep pockets from local media deals or Owners willing to spend.

With unlimited payroll spending allowed, the size of the market is the primary cause of the problem. It's also why MLB allows it to continue...they want/need big markets in the Playoffs for ratings and advertising.

I'm a huge sports nut yet I hardly watch any Twins games unless they make the Playoffs. MLB was smart to add Wild Card teams to get more markets involved. The apathy in small and medium market fans is real.