Rob Manfred and the Destruction of Baseball (LOCKOUT 2022)

There is a rule in golf about what constitutes a swing, is there not a parallel here?

A swing is an attempt at a pitch, that is not a bunt. That includes what is referred to as a “checked swing” or “half swing.” It is up to the judgment of the umpire(s) if the batter attempted at a pitched ball. Contrary to popular belief, a batter does not have to “break his wrist” in order to attempt at a pitch. While noting whether the swing carried the barrel of the bat past the body can aid an umpire on this call, the final decision is based on whether the batter actually attempted at the pitch.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Hadn't heard of this before, but sounds a bit excessive and probably nor worth the technical difficulties.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/league-makes-proposals-to-mlbpa-about-sign-stealing-on-field-information.html

"One proposal involves the PitchCom system currently being tested during Spring Training games, as the league is now offering that players can continue to use the system on a voluntary basis during the regular season. PitchCom is an electronic method for a catcher to communicate signs to the pitcher — the catcher enters the desired pitch (or pickoff throw, pitchout, etc.) on a specialized wristband, while the pitcher is wearing an audio device in his hat that tells him the pitch call via an automated voice. The catcher and as many as three other fielders can also be wearing the audio device, to ensure accuracy and to make the information known around the diamond."

nonononono fuuuuuuck that

Seriously. Fuck that to hell. Why do people who hate baseball run baseball?!

Easier problem to 'fix' than trying to get people under age 40 to give a shit about baseball.

Is this really such a big deal? QB's have speakers in their helmets, does this ruin football? I'm old school when it comes to baseball traditions, but 50 on-field meetings discussions per game to discuss the signs kind of ruins baseball too.

i hate it in football too. but football has been a mechanized, militarized game for decades. offensive coordinators up in a luxury box radioing down plays. i don’t want that in baseball.

i watched a spring training game where they were testing out that tech and it seemed fine. i'm pretty sure the calls still have to come from the catcher at this point.

look if it leads to a situation where the opposing team hacks into the broadcast to confuse the pitcher then i'm all for it

Hopefully it speeds things up if they do it. Tho I am sure they will find away to make it take fucking longer

Automated voice: For the next pitch, throw a……please stand by, looking for secure WiFi connection. Your pitch is important to us. All issues will be resolved in the order they were received.

bluetooth connected

bluetooth, disconnected

i’d like buster to explain how any of this has to do with the players union or its ‘engagement’

The Orioles' '22 projected payroll is another example that NOTHING has been done to curb tanking:https://t.co/td0lJ4tZmR The only way this issue can be dealt with, in the next CBA, is if MLB and the union can repair together. Engagement required. Because this is a joke.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 4, 2022

should we keep using this thread for general 2022 MLB discussion or start a new one?

new one might be fun

i don't have any clever names in mind so unless we're ok with "general 2022 MLB regular season thread" someone else can start it

Yes new one would be good. General 2022 MLB Season Chatter including additional designated hitters and ghost runners.

Also bonus wild cards

Ghost Run the WHIP

i don't really care what it's called as long as 2022 MLB is in the title somewhere for search purposes

^ new thread name. Right there.

ok I made the new thread!

Worth it for the headline:

https://www.theonion.com/rob-manfred-open-to-any-ideas-to-make-mlb-all-star-game-1849179763

Also: "there were no bad ideas...(including) letting teams start with a runner on third base during the fifth inning for no reason."

is it a widespread thing to call the extra-innings runner on second the 'manfred man' y/n

Before BWittJr, before Adalberto Mondesi (yet after BJackson), there was...

"The Mighty" Mark Quinn "The Eskimo"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EvZstgxmJs

re: mookie

yes

yeah i think it's too cute for how stupid the zombie runner is

I call it the manfred man mainly cos you can do it to the tune of macho man

i don't know about widespread, but i wouldn't think of using anything other than Manfred Mann. too perfect

ghost runner is a terrible thing to use, because anyone who ever played during recess knows the rules of a ghost runner don't apply here

lol otm

that's one of ben lindberg's hobbyhorses - the ghost runner already exists and this isn't it.

Also the runners aren’t deceased.

zombie runner is my preferred

yeah, zombie runner is what makes the most sense if you need a supernatural term

the runner that time forgot

Frankenstein’s baserunner

the Rob Zombie runner