FanPost

Improving baseball rules


A criticism of baseball today is that the pace is slow. I think one rule change could do much to deal with that issue. Simply disallow any visits to the mound from anyone-catcher, infielder, coach, manager-at any time except to remove the pitcher. This is my reasoning.

Part of the competition in the game is based on baseball smarts. It isn't all physical superiority that wins but also knowing what to do. A pitcher who needs counseling during a stressful moment or who needs advice while facing a new batter is not as talented as one who can navigate by himself. I think a smart pitcher should be rewarded.

In any case, aside from pre-game preparation, the pitcher is in the dugout every half inning and can be coached about the upcoming inning then.

If players feel they want some communication besides catcher signs, there is no reason not to supply them with earpieces to get messages from the bench. As the rule about pitching quickly applies, such messages wouldn't interfere with the game.

The game pace would considerably speed up without timeouts to visit the mound.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.