You've been appointed as the new MLB Commissioner

[FiestaRed]

Your first order of business is to shut down four struggling franchises. No, the Yankees can't be one of them. This is a business decision to improve the product on the field. Which four teams do you pick?

Your second order is to change something about the All Star Game. You can add that players get to pick, less player per league, change the rules, whatever. What would you change?

Finally, do something about the season or the schedule.

Let's hear your decisions, Mr. or Madam Commissioner.

[coldfingaz]

I don't know if I could immediately shut down anyone.

But, I would bulldoze through the Player's Union & force a reasonable floor & a ceiling for payrolls to make the game a bit more competitive. If some teams couldn't make the floor payroll within 3- 5 years, they'd have to go. I'd keep the luxury tax, but make it really, really hurt the offenders & help the rest.

I'd also roll back the dumbass All-Star game rule which affords the winner of it to get home field advantage during the World Series.

I would also bring back at least 2 or 3 daytime (single price) back to back double-headers per team... probably for holidays like July 4th, Memorial Day &/or Labor Day.

I'd also mercilessly mock Bud Selig at my press conference for being the worst commissioner ever & thank him (in the interest of baseball) for leaving.

[GenoBluzGtr]

I would shut down the Blue Jays (hey... it's AMERICA's game, right?), Marlins (they haven't made enough on ticket sales in the past 5 years to make payroll), and two California teams (one each American League and National League). California has WAAAYY too many teams! If the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim remain, they would have to go back to being the California Angels.

I would publish the results of the fan voting for the All Star game and I would require the managers of the worst teams in each league to manage during the All Star team. They deserve a chance to have quality players for at least one game per year!

I like the day-time double-headers. LOVED those when I was younger.

I would also limit the frequency of trades so fans are no longer rooting for laundry... I remember when players stayed loyal to a team for decades... many for their entire careers. That is SO rare these days.

I would also require pitchers to spend at least part of a season as a position player.

I would revoke the DH rule in American League.

I would go back to 154 games per year, and eliminate wild card teams in the playoffs.

I would require grooming standards and visible tatoos for players.

Oh... and I would limit salaries to something reasonable.

[blueslover16]

I would shut down the Blue Jays (hey... it's AMERICA's game, right?), Marlins (they haven't made enough on ticket sales in the past 5 years to make payroll), and two California teams (one each American League and National League). California has WAAAYY too many teams! If the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim remain, they would have to go back to being the California Angels.

I would publish the results of the fan voting for the All Star game and I would require the managers of the worst teams in each league to manage during the All Star team. They deserve a chance to have quality players for at least one game per year!

I like the day-time double-headers. LOVED those when I was younger.

I would also limit the frequency of trades so fans are no longer rooting for laundry... I remember when players stayed loyal to a team for decades... many for their entire careers. That is SO rare these days.

I would also require pitchers to spend at least part of a season as a position player.

I would revoke the DH rule in American League.

I would go back to 154 games per year, and eliminate wild card teams in the playoffs.

I would require grooming standards and visible tatoos for players.

Oh... and I would limit salaries to something reasonable.



can't get rid of the marlins, they just built a new stadium!

[DGDGBD]

I remember when players stayed loyal to a team for decades... many for their entire careers. That is SO rare these days. ...

I would require grooming standards and visible tatoos for players.

I think you're onto something here...require players to get a visible tatoo of their team's logo. That way they'll think twice before switching teams willy-nilly!

[HerrRentz]

First thing that happens is everyone's salary is cut by two thirds so 'average' Americans can buy a ticket to go see a ball game.

Price of beer is slashed from $8.00 for a 12oz. cup to $1.25 and a hot dog is a buck.

Don't like it, don't play. Plenty of AAA players to sign. Sorry you can't afford that Lambo or Masseratti your first month on the mound ol' boy.

[RussTKD]

I'd implement a revenue sharing model similar to the NFL, then set a salary floor and ceiling so the Royals can be competitive with the Red Sox.

[DGTCrazy]

1)Axe the lowest four revenue generating teams in the league over the last 20 years & implement Salary Cap & Revenue Sharing.

2) Axe the All Star Game completely. (Alternate Home Field for the World Series between each league). Let fans vote, but then hold a Big All Star Fan Fest in a different Host city each year.

3) Eliminate the NEW Inter-league "extended" Schedule that's going to start next year, creating Inter-league games ALL season long. (Why the hell have the World Series between the separate leagues then)? With that said, I'd keep the new playoff system, but reduce the Regular Season by 2 weeks to accommodate the expanded schedule.

[Smakutus]

I'd make the teams play double headers again.. Enough to shorten the season day wise and get the WS done well before November.

I'd also make them play daytime play off games and earlier starts for the night games.

Jeff

[In Absentia]

Only thing I would do is make Pete Rose eligible for the Hall.

[grateful.ed]

all night playoff and world series games start at 7pm eastern time

for the kids

[WurstBurst]

The first thing I'd do is fire the dummy that think I need to get rid of 4 teams. I'm adding 2 teams instead to get to 16 in both leagues.

Then I'd go back to the All-star game having no impact on the world series home advantage - that would go to the best regular season record.

I'd have 2 8 team divisions in the AL and NL. Finally, I'd go to a modified 6 team playoff in both leagues (12 total). Division winners get 1st round bye. Other 8 have a 7 game playoff in first round. Then in second round you are down to 4 division winners and 4 wildcards. Third round is for league champion. 4th round is world series. Drop regular season back to 150 games to accomodate bigger playoff format.

[Cobb]

1- A's, Marlins, Pirates, and Royals. Nothing personal, just business. They have some nice parks and I think the Pirates and Royals have some promising young talent.

2- Not exactly sure how All Star selection works currently but I would have fans vote for the 9 starters (10 if DH). I would have players vote in for the bench positions. Managers are allowed to pick one extra position player and pitcher. Overall roster size would be what it is currently. Fan voting is great because it gets the fans involved but it can hurt smaller market teams who don't have a nationwide fan base.

3- Eliminate interleague play.

[X - Road 28]

can't get rid of the marlins, they just built a new stadium!

Don't get me started, I like not being suspended.

[SteveO]

The only things I would like to see in ANY professional sports organization is reasonable salary limits, and I'd love to see teams be required to have a sizable percentage of their roster actually be native to the area where the team is based. This would really level the odds for each team, and I think it would increase the fan base for each team, as they would actually BE the "local team".

[TheGuildedAge]

1. Not getting rid of anyone, revenue sharing is a must

2. Lower ticket prices across the board

3. All-Star game stays as is but has no bearing on world series

4. Here is where I make my mark, for better or worse, join me in welcoming the DH to the National League

[bjjp2]

Your first order of business is to shut down four struggling franchises. No, the Yankees can't be one of them. This is a business decision to improve the product on the field. Which four teams do you pick?

Your second order is to change something about the All Star Game. You can add that players get to pick, less player per league, change the rules, whatever. What would you change?

Finally, do something about the season or the schedule.

Let's hear your decisions, Mr. or Madam Commissioner.

You do realize the Commisioner doesn't have the power to do any of these things, right?

[SteveO]

You do realize the Commisioner doesn't have the power to do any of these things, right?

This thread is for entertainment purposes only.

[bjjp2]

This thread is for entertainment purposes only.

Just checking :)

[Mark 63]

Eliminate inter league play.
Eliminate salary arbitration.

[rootbeersoup]

The only thing I would change is add the DH to the NL.

Also, contraction of teams benefits nobody, no reason to do this.

[stevieboy]

This thread actually makes me almost appreciate Bud Selig. Almost.

[tazzboy]

Here is one that will sure get this thread killed in big hurry

Re instated Pete Rose.

[Pietro]

A bunch of stuff you want to get rid of is stuff I LOVE about the game...

but the DH has to go.

Salary caps, somehow, seem like a great idea.

[Hard2Hear]

Only thing I would do is make Pete Rose eligible for the Hall.

YES!!

[FlackBase]

I'd approve instant replay for outs, stolen bases, balks, fair/foul balls and home runs. Manager gets 2 challenges per game.

[BrewDrinkRepeat]

1. Eliminate the DH from the American League.
2. Eliminate any importance from the All-Star Game, and also remove any requirement (specific or implied) that they have to get everyone onto the field during the game. The starters are starters for a reason, they play until they want/need to come out.
3. Home field for the World Series goes to the team with the best record, period. No alternating years, no All-Star Game tie-ins, no other shenanigans. Simply the team with the best record.
4. If the #1 team in the league and the wild card team are from the same division, there is no good reason why they can't play each other in the first round of the playoffs. Dump that stupid rule.
5. Pete Rose eligible for the HOF, even if he's still banned from active baseball activities.
6. Leave Houston in the NL, and sent the Brewers back to the AL. (Assuming a better solution can't be found.)
7. I'm very torn on revenue sharing and salary caps and things like that. I think the Yankess have shown that spending a boatload of money can be very advantageous but it's no guarantee, and other teams with high payrolls haven't had anywhere near that level of success. That said, the very small-market teams do have a disadvantage.
8. Expand instant replay. Umpires are not infallible, and it's in everyone's best interests to get the calls right.
9. Pain the foul poles red. Jeez, who thought yellow was the best color to see a white ball against???

[coldfingaz]

7. I'm very torn on revenue sharing and salary caps and things like that. I think the Yankess have shown that spending a boatload of money can be very advantageous but it's no guarantee, and other teams with high payrolls haven't had anywhere near that level of success. That said, the very small-market teams do have a disadvantage.


Dig your list!

Love the red foul pole idea.

You make a good point on the salary cap thing. I'd want something in place, but it shouldn't be ridiculous.

In 2013, I'd say something like a $75 million floor & a $175 ceiling with far stricter penalties/share tax for those that go over. Moneyball would still be in play with this sort of range, but it would be a little less ridiculous.

Right now, there are 7 teams below $75 million (with the lowest, Padres & A's around $55 million) & only 1 team above $175 million.

[Jerrod]

This thread actually makes me almost appreciate Bud Selig. Almost.

No kidding.

[A-Bone]

Does the commissioner of baseball have any authority or bearing on HoF eligibility?

[guitarworship83]

I think I would implement the BCS format for the world series and completely abolish the playoffs... oh wait... nevermind :hide2

[Jet Rink]

I don't know if I could immediately shut down anyone.

But, I would bulldoze through the Player's Union & force a reasonable floor & a ceiling for payrolls to make the game a bit more competitive. If some teams couldn't make the floor payroll within 3- 5 years, they'd have to go. I'd keep the luxury tax, but make it really, really hurt the offenders & help the rest.

I'd also roll back the dumbass All-Star game rule which affords the winner of it to get home field advantage during the World Series.

I would also bring back at least 2 or 3 daytime (single price) back to back double-headers per team... probably for holidays like July 4th, Memorial Day &/or Labor Day.

I'd also mercilessly mock Bud Selig at my press conference for being the worst commissioner ever & thank him (in the interest of baseball) for leaving.

Well said here - all agreed.

I'd also allow Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame.

[KCWM]

For entertainment purposes:

I like the red foul pole thing, but would suggest primary team color, or secondary color if the primary color is white or yellow.

I personally like the American League DH, so I'd keep that.

The team to dump have already been covered, though I'm not opposed to California having so many teams. It's a large state with a large population with the large cities far enough apart to justify it for me.

I'd also allow Pete Rose in.

I'd push for more replay and a challenge system, as another member pointed out. Baseball already has a ton of stop down moments, so I don't want to add too many more. However, a team being robbed because of a blown call, especially in a division game, or horrible called strike leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. I'm all for each manager having two calls, and if they get those two right, they can continue to get challenges. They'd have no timeouts or booths to assist with the call. It would be a judgement call by the manager, adding another angle to the strategy of the game.

[pickaguitar]

20 something game season...every game matters.

[thornie]

- Revoke the DH in the AL
- Put Instant reply on plays at the plate
- Provide stricter oversight for umpires. The strike zone is the damn strike zone and it is not open for interpretation by every single ump.

Lastly, I would change the playoff format to the following...

Split the season into two. Division leaders of the first half of the season clinch a playoff spot. After the all star break, records go back to 0-0 and a "new" season starts again. Division leaders the second time around clinch playoff spots. If a team leads their division in both the first and second half of the season, the team with the next best record clinches a playoff birth.

This was proposed by John Smoltz and I think it's genius.

[Jerrod]

- Revoke the DH in the AL
- Put Instant reply on plays at the plate
- Provide stricter oversight for umpires. The strike zone is the damn strike zone and it is not open for interpretation by every single ump.

Lastly, I would change the playoff format to the following...

Split the season into two. Division leaders of the first half of the season clinch a playoff spot. After the all star break, records go back to 0-0 and a "new" season starts again. Division leaders the second time around clinch playoff spots. If a team leads their division in both the first and second half of the season, the team with the next best record clinches a playoff birth.

This was proposed by John Smoltz and I think it's genius.

Need I remind you that John Smoltz is the fellow who burned himself ironing a shirt? The shirt he was wearing.

[Pags]

These:

Eliminate the DH
Salary caps
Eliminate small market teams, the NHL has the same problem, it dilutes the talent pool
Instant replay for calls in the field, don't touch the strike-zone.

[iluvfender]

Salary cap, shorter regular season.

[Don P.]

The last thing I would do is reinstate Pete Rose. He knew what he was doing and he knew what he was doing would get himself banned for life if he got caught. I would consider reinstating Buck Weaver long before Pete Rose even entered my mind.

Anyway,
1. I would contract one team from each league.(Kansas City and San Diego)
2. I would leave the playoff system as it is: one wild card team per league.
3. Eliminate the who ever league wins the All-Star get home field during the W.S.
4. Eliminate inter-league play
5. To speed up the games:
a. institute a no stepping off the rubber or stepping out of the batter's box rule.
b. limit the number off pitching changes per half inning.

[niersbach]

1 I would shorten the season to play each team in your league 5 games at most...make each game MUCH more important No inter-league play. Regular season games just arent that meaningful til the last month of the season, hence why the crowds are so small...shorten the season and more people will want to watch.

2. Institute ANY illegal drug use and you are BANNED (this include steroids, cocaine, literally anything that will get you arrested gets you banned) I will never forget as a kid when all the headlines for Strawberry, Gooden, basically the ENTIRE Pirates organization...all busted. Truly test across the board...PERIOD....let no man be an example to my kids that is a glorified druggie.

3. All players MUST be a US Citizen since the age of 12. America's pastime is generally played by at least 30% of players that arent even citizens. We cant find enough players in the USA then we need to reduce the number of teams. I HATE that we pull guys in from all over the Caribbean, Japan, Mexico, etc...

4. Institute profit sharing and add an aggressive salary cap. Players who's memorabilia sell should be getting a larger profit share for that to offset salary issues....

5. Eliminate the DH...I remember as a kid that if I hit a guy at the plate I knew i was going to have to face the music at the plate also....also pitchers should learn how to hit...its part of the game.

6. Put a time limit between pitches and throwouts...pitcher can only hold the ball 15 - 20 seconds...that will get the game moving along!! Would have to experiment with the time to see what is too fast or too slow, but institute something!! Same with the batter...he needs to spend no more than 5 - 8 seconds out of the batters box...

7. Relief pitchers need to face a minimum of 3 batters...or the end of an inning. Get the whole 1 pitcher facing one batter outta there, make the decision by a coach to be a bit more detrimental...toss your specialty pitcher in there sure...but he has to face more than just 1 clutch hitter...

[bigdaddy]

I have only one thing on my list:

Make the Twins management fire Ron Gardenhire.

[bigdaddy]

1 I would shorten the season to play each team in your league 5 games at most...make each game MUCH more important No inter-league play. Regular season games just arent that meaningful til the last month of the season, hence why the crowds are so small...shorten the season and more people will want to watch.

2. Institute ANY illegal drug use and you are BANNED (this include steroids, cocaine, literally anything that will get you arrested gets you banned) I will never forget as a kid when all the headlines for Strawberry, Gooden, basically the ENTIRE Pirates organization...all busted. Truly test across the board...PERIOD....let no man be an example to my kids that is a glorified druggie.

3. All players MUST be a US Citizen since the age of 12. America's pastime is generally played by at least 30% of players that arent even citizens. We cant find enough players in the USA then we need to reduce the number of teams. I HATE that we pull guys in from all over the Caribbean, Japan, Mexico, etc...

4. Institute profit sharing and add an aggressive salary cap. Players who's memorabilia sell should be getting a larger profit share for that to offset salary issues....

5. Eliminate the DH...I remember as a kid that if I hit a guy at the plate I knew i was going to have to face the music at the plate also....also pitchers should learn how to hit...its part of the game.

6. Put a time limit between pitches and throwouts...pitcher can only hold the ball 15 - 20 seconds...that will get the game moving along!! Would have to experiment with the time to see what is too fast or too slow, but institute something!! Same with the batter...he needs to spend no more than 5 - 8 seconds out of the batters box...

7. Relief pitchers need to face a minimum of 3 batters...or the end of an inning. Get the whole 1 pitcher facing one batter outta there, make the decision by a coach to be a bit more detrimental...toss your specialty pitcher in there sure...but he has to face more than just 1 clutch hitter...


Wow! Just wow.

[Jerrod]

3. All players MUST be a US Citizen since the age of 12. America's pastime is generally played by at least 30% of players that arent even citizens. We cant find enough players in the USA then we need to reduce the number of teams. I HATE that we pull guys in from all over the Caribbean, Japan, Mexico, etc...



Probably could reinstitute the Negro Leagues, too.

[niersbach]

I just dont like the fact that we turn 3rd world countries into baseball plantations with absolutely no regulation etc... You can go and kids from the age of 9 onward are groomed to do NOTHING but play baseball with the idea of playing in the majors...no school, nothing else but learn baseball...

WHy do young kids not want to play baseball when growing up anymore...at least once you get to the high school level....this is one reason...

I have friends from foreign countries who absolutely cannot legally immigrate to the USA...due to immigration laws involving employment and what not (supposedly to become a US citizen you have to be employed to do a job that cannot be filled by an American citizen or at least thats how it was explained to me in very general laymens terms or you become a citizen by claiming asylum)...one of which was a special education teacher....yet we will allow people into the country who do what...ohhyeah...throw or hit a baseball...because we dont have people in our country that can do that...

[pjrhd28]

Would all of you "Put Pete Rose on the Hall of Fame" guys also vote for Barry Bonds for the Hall of Fame?? How about Clemens?

[niersbach]

Probably could reinstitute the Negro Leagues, too.

Far be it for me to believe that America's past time should be played by what....Americans...LOLOL Has absolutely NOTHING to do with Race, Religion, or anything else except citizenship....

Far be it from me to want the same requirement to be President match the requirement to play baseball... :-P

[niersbach]

Would all of you "Put Pete Rose on the Hall of Fame" guys also vote for Barry Bonds for the Hall of Fame?? How about Clemens?

Pretty sure that Petes gambling didnt do anything to enhance his performance...and it was all done AFTER his playing days were over...

[Help!I'maRock!]

I just dont like the fact that we turn 3rd world countries into baseball plantations with absolutely no regulation etc... You can go and kids from the age of 9 onward are groomed to do NOTHING but play baseball with the idea of playing in the majors...no school, nothing else but learn baseball...

Carlos Beltran actually started a baseball academy for this exact purpose, to educate and protect young players.

as for the OP, there are so many things in this thread that the Commissioner can't do, like affecting the HOF voting. there are also a lot of things that the Commissioner is bound to by the collective bargaining agreement with the MLBPA. so things like a salary cap simply aren't possible without negotiation. so unfortunately, the DH isn't going anywhere. not to the NL and not away completely.

that said, i do like the expansion of instant replay. replays, better camera angles, and slow motion cameras have exposed just how terrible the umpiring is across the board. either work with the technology or bring on the robot umpires.

[John Hurtt]

Would all of you "Put Pete Rose on the Hall of Fame" guys also vote for Barry Bonds for the Hall of Fame?? How about Clemens?

Yes...and yes...all three players should belong in the HOF.

[Jerrod]

Far be it for me to believe that America's past time should be played by what....Americans...LOLOL Has absolutely NOTHING to do with Race, Religion, or anything else except citizenship....

Far be it from me to want the same requirement to be President match the requirement to play baseball... :-P


Ha ha! Kidding, right? Cause they're like almost the same thing!

[pjrhd28]

Pretty sure that Petes gambling didnt do anything to enhance his performance...and it was all done AFTER his playing days were over...


Not according to Pete Rose:

Coming clean

In his autobiography My Prison Without Bars (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Prison_Without_Bars), published by Rodale Press (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodale_Press) on January 8, 2004, Rose finally admitted publicly to betting on baseball games and other sports while playing for and managing the Reds. He also admitted to betting on Reds games, but said that he never bet against the Reds. He repeated his admissions in an interview on the ABC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company) news program Primetime Thursday (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primetime_(TV_series)). He also said in the book that he hoped his admissions would help end his ban from baseball so that he could reapply for reinstatement.

Does that change your view?

[Jerrod]

Pretty sure that Petes gambling <snip> was all done AFTER his playing days were over...

Ha ha! Good one!

[wsaraceni]

i'd legalize steroids. well, at least i would stop testing for it and penalizing of anyone got caught using it.

the 4 teams with the worst ticket sales go. dont know who they are.

lose the luxury tax. if you cant afford to spend on players, you deserve to suck.

[BrewDrinkRepeat]

Would all of you "Put Pete Rose on the Hall of Fame" guys also vote for Barry Bonds for the Hall of Fame?? How about Clemens?

Nope, cheaters and juicers don't deserve to be in the Hall.

Rose's issues have nothing to do with what he did on the field, which would be the reason for his induction. He wasn't even vaguely HOF material as a manager, but as a player he was one of the all-time best.

(I think it's absurd that the Hall uses his name multiple places throughout the museum, but they forced the guy who painted the giant mural to leave him out -- there is a single rose in a vase instead.)

One other thing I forgot to include on my list: shorten the season, to no more than 120 games. 162 is far too long. The split season thing sounds like an interesting idea, I'd have to think about that more before I weigh in.

[niersbach]

Ha ha! Kidding, right? Cause they're like almost the same thing!

Sorry dude, in my eyes they are VERY different. I spent half my life defending our country, as did my father and my grandfather...and I hate to see something as AMERICAN as baseball turned into something where you go to a foreign country and grab the "pick of the litter" where kids have been raised to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but play baseball...or any other sport for that matter. I consider playing baseball (or any other professional national sport)to be a privilege reserved for our own citizens....and it chaps my ass to see team owners and scouts go to a foreign country to recruit talent...talent that has no other education, brings nothing else in a way to contribute to our country except to hit a baseball...and to earn a living and then go back to his own country when he is done playing and live like a king and bad mouth america.

To even suggest I am somehow a racist is an absolute INSULT to me...I find it preposterous. I have no issues with someone from a foreign country coming here...but they should have to come here and go through an immigration process just like anyone else wanting to come into our country...and not be able to come here and play professional baseball or any other professional sport on a "Work Visa". Sorry...that is FAR from being a racist....maybe Extremely Patriotic...sometimes to a fault...

[niersbach]

Not according to Pete Rose:

Coming clean

In his autobiography My Prison Without Bars (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Prison_Without_Bars), published by Rodale Press (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodale_Press) on January 8, 2004, Rose finally admitted publicly to betting on baseball games and other sports while playing for and managing the Reds. He also admitted to betting on Reds games, but said that he never bet against the Reds. He repeated his admissions in an interview on the ABC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company) news program Primetime Thursday (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primetime_(TV_series)). He also said in the book that he hoped his admissions would help end his ban from baseball so that he could reapply for reinstatement.

Does that change your view?

Absolutely does...

Its just a shame is all...I have always wanted him in the HOF as he truly was a guy my parents pointed to for me to strive to be like...when he was a player that is... :D

[John Hurtt]

Well...since it's for fun...

1. I'd eliminate the DH.
2. Limit interleague play. I like that fans get to see teams/players they normally wouldn't, but expanding even more is going to dilute the World Series, IMO...
3. I would increase the luxury tax. There is already a cap on spending, but the really rich teams have been able to pay the price. Make it hurt...
4. I wouldn't contract teams, but I would force the low revenue teams to spend the money given to them in the revenue sharing on improving the team...not to just pay the owners for fielding a crap team.
5. No more Home Field Advantage for the All Star game. I would go back to the two game format from years ago and expand the roster for pitchers. Each league would get to host one game. I would pony up some money for the players to play as well. I wouldn't allow multiple voting through the internet, and I would not allow players to decline to play. If you are too hurt to play in the AS Game, than you go to the 15 day DL that STARTS on the last day your team played before the AS Game.
6. Replays - absolutely! I would limit them to a couple challenges a game, with the umpiring crew able to call for them at any time. I would not allow this to be used on balls/strikes or check swing calls. Anything else goes...
7. Free Agency - while I like players to stay loyal, before FA teams were basically able to keep a player forever and never pay him. While I think that player salaries are out of control, baseball is an entertainment sport and players should be able to make the jack if the team is willing to pay them. However, I would make player salaries fall within the time of their contract. No backloading contracts for "personal services" for 20 years after the player retires...free airfare...luxury boxes, etc...make it cash and make it happen during their playing contract.
8. Keep the season at 162 games. Make each team play two doubleheaders. While it costs the team a bit of revenue, it's a tradition that has mostly gone away. My frist two MLB games were a doubleheader. I would also shorten spring training by a week or two, to allow the freakin' playoffs to finish before the snow starts falling...
9. Expand the roster by a couple players a team. Allow each team to have a couple more roster moves from minors/majors without exposing their player to being claimed by another team.
10. The current playoff system is decent. I would allow teams from the same division to play each other in the 1st round if best/worst team applied.

[pjrhd28]

More on Rose

From MLB's rules:

(d) BETTING ON BALL GAMES. Any player, umpire, or club official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform shall be declared ineligible for one year. Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible.


Rose admitted he violated that rule, and the Dowd report just about proved it.

So- who thinks the rule is unfair? Why?

[John Hurtt]

More on Rose

From MLB's rules:

(d) BETTING ON BALL GAMES. Any player, umpire, or club official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform shall be declared ineligible for one year. Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible.


Rose admitted he violated that rule, and the Dowd report just about proved it.

So- who thinks the rule is unfair? Why?

The HOF doesn't impact the game at all...it's for the fans. If Rose got caught betting while he was playing/managing he's done. No more playing/managing/whatever. But inclusion into the HOF for someone who's on the field playing clearly warrants it is wrong.

[Hard2Hear]

Again, Pete's betting did nothing to enhance his stats or ability to win games. I'd argue it actually did the exact opposite and he thrived in spite of it.

That being said. As a fan, I think MANDATORY steroids would make the game much more fun. :)

[pjrhd28]

The HOF doesn't impact the game at all...it's for the fans. If Rose got caught betting while he was playing/managing he's done. No more playing/managing/whatever. But inclusion into the HOF for someone who's on the field playing clearly warrants it is wrong.

I disagree with that conclusion but I think you've made a meaningful distinction. To me, you could not be in the HOF if you're permanently ineligible but again, I understand the distinction you're making.

[stevieboy]

T
Eliminate small market teams, the NHL has the same problem, it dilutes the talent pool


How do small market teams dilute the talent pool any more than large market teams?

[rootbeersoup]

3. All players MUST be a US Citizen since the age of 12. America's pastime is generally played by at least 30% of players that arent even citizens. We cant find enough players in the USA then we need to reduce the number of teams. I HATE that we pull guys in from all over the Caribbean, Japan, Mexico, etc...

The owners would never go for this. This is a horrible horrible HORRIBLE business move.

All you're doing is significantly reducing your income all in the name of national supremacy.

[stevieboy]

I would get rid of the All Star Game deciding home field advantage in the WS. It's an exhibition game, and an honor for the players, a special game for the fans, and a celebration of baseball for everyone.

Attaching an artificial importance to the outcome is not the point. The players play to win anyway. Selig only put that in because of the backlash after the tie game. Under the circumstances, ending that game in a tie was one of the few good decisions he's made, actually one he had to make. So they came up with the home field thing, which didn't address the situation that led to the mess in the first place, which is that in a long extra inning game, they are going to run out of pitchers.

How would I solve that? I'd keep the pitchers from the Future's Game around (all star minor leaguers) and have them in reserve to come in the game only after all the major league pitchers have pitched, and only after a particular inning, say the 12th. It would be a fun and exciting solution IMO.

[rootbeersoup]

would also shorten spring training by a week or two, to allow the freakin' playoffs to finish before the snow starts falling...


There's a bigger risk of snow falling when the season starts, than when the season is ending. Happened last year in chicago I believe and Cleveland had some heavy snow one year around opening day.

[CowTipton]

I'd implement a revenue sharing model similar to the NFL, then set a salary floor and ceiling so the Royals can be competitive with the Red Sox.


This, exactly.

[Fendegibs]

1. I wouldn't shut down franchises - better to work with a salary floor and ceiling to adjust talent across the leagues. Besides, even if a team isn't a big draw comparatively, stadiums and pro teams are a center of economic activity for cities and arbitrarily shutting down teams would be disastrous from that perspective.

2. All star game: take away home field advantage (go back to alternating); require players to attend (I like this rule); no mandatory play time and no mandatory reps from each of the teams

3. Make the schedule include more out of division games. I'm a Red Sox fan and I really think the whole Sox-Yankees rivalry has been diluted just by the sheer # of times these teams play each other. I get it that it's more cost effective and less of a transportation burden on the teams to play most of your games in your division (and it's more $ for the team due to attendance, TV, etc.), but really...it'd be cool if the season series for some teams didn't conclude in April!

4. Playoffs...I agree with whoever above suggested removing the rule about the wild card team not being able to play against their divisional rival

5. Rosters...get rid of the September callups and roster expansion. Play the last part of the season and the playoffs with the guys that got you there in the first place.

6. Expand drug testing and penalties (if you can get this one by the MLBPA)

7. Do NOT expand replay - especially for balls and strikes. The human element is part of what makes baseball so great.

8. Impose strict restrictions on signing bonuses for the draft

[BrewDrinkRepeat]

My stance on Rose is quite simple: I have no problem with him being banned from baseball, meaning active participation of any kind (playing, managing, coaching, scouting, etc.) but to me that doesn't mean he should be ineligible for the HOF as a player, based on what he accomplished on the field. There is no evidence that he ever did anything in an attempt to intentionally lose a game to win a bet against the Reds or the Phillies (and knowing his personality I can't imagine even his gambling addiction would ever allow him to do such a thing -- he was one of the ultimate competitors in the history of the game.)

The official ruling may not agree with my position, but that's how I'd enforce it if I were the commish.

[zep41]

There's a bigger risk of snow falling when the season starts, than when the season is ending. Happened last year in chicago I believe and Cleveland had some heavy snow one year around opening day.

True, we could not have an opening in March -- way too big a risk of snow.

I would change stadium prices. We have had some serious attendance problems so far this year (and the team is performing pretty well) and I most everyone I talk to say its all about the stadium prices. There is no reason for a $8.00 20 oz beer. They can still make money if they serve 12 oz beers at $3.00 or $3.50. I love drinking beer and I like value, but a 20oz beer at that price is for some reason no where near as attractive as just a regular 12 oz can at normal bar prices. Hot Dogs and peanuts should be $2.00. Always. Anything more is just price gouging.

People say -- well dont eat or drink anything at the ball game then you wont end up spending $100. Yea right. Most people go to the ball game to enjoy themselves. Baseball would never make money over the past 100 years if it wasnt for dogs and beer to be enjoyed by the masses. I am there for 9 innings and supporting my team - I am gonna eat and drink, why make people scrape for money while doing that?

Lower the cost to the consumer and more people will come. There cannot be a good excuse for those bogus prices for simple food and drink.

[rootbeersoup]

A salary cap in baseball only lines the pockets of the owners. Either the money goes to the players, or it stays in the billionaire's owners pockets. Which would you prefer?

There seems to be a lot of nostalgia in this thread. I see a lot of people who oppose the DH. The DH is just something that needs to be implemented throughout the game. Pitchers don't hit. They can't hit. With the exception of a few guys over the past few decades, pitchers are just outs. It makes NL pitchers look better than AL pitchers by default because they're getting that extra "free out."

The DH would help out NL teams just as much as AL teams benefit from it. You can give position players a "day off" by putting them in that slot. That could benefit teams like the Giants who are struggling at the plate and struggling to keep Buster Posey in the lineup every day coming off his ankle injury. People think of it as extending aging players' careers by having them just hit, because they can't field. You need to view it as an opportunity for more offense. Personally, I would have loved to see Barry Bonds DH somewhere (he could probably do it to this day). He might have 800+ HRs by now.

I also see some posts regarding steroid users. Anyone interested needs to visit this website about how exactly steroid use affects your ability to hit a baseball http://steroids-and-baseball.com/actual-effects.shtml

[zep41]

Also, time taken when a relief pitcher enters the game. WHY do they get to go to commercial break and warm up the pitcher for 3-4 minutes? In what other sport can that possibly translate over to? If a new running back comes into the game, we dont stop everything and give him 7 or 8 practice handoffs with the QB -- or if a new QB comes into the game he doesnt get a bunch of practice throws to the WRs. A sub in basketball -- does he get to stop the game and take some practice shots? No.

So why do relief pitchers get all this warmup time....when they HAVE been warming up in the bullpen anyhow? That I dont get. The pitcher should enter the game and his first pitch from the mound is against an opposing batter.

[Matt Ivaliotes]

Take balls and strikes out of the hands of the umpires. This could be easily, accurately automated in a way that would take the "he gets that call because he's So-And-So-Cy-Young-Winner" nonsense out of the game.

Actually enforce the batter's box.

Go to ash bats only.

Time limitations on batters trying to break pitcher rhythm.

[stevieboy]

A salary cap in baseball only lines the pockets of the owners. Either the money goes to the players, or it stays in the billionaire's owners pockets. Which would you prefer?



This is true, but a salary cap should also level the field for the small market teams. At least, for the ones that TGP doesn't eliminate.

[BrewDrinkRepeat]

There is no reason for a $8.00 20 oz beer. They can still make money if they serve 12 oz beers at $3.00 or $3.50. I love drinking beer and I like value, but a 20oz beer at that price is for some reason no where near as attractive as just a regular 12 oz can at normal bar prices. Hot Dogs and peanuts should be $2.00. Always. Anything more is just price gouging.

I don't disagree with you in general, concession prices everywhere (sports, movies, etc.) are outrageously overpriced, but I think it bears pointing out that it depends on what beer you're talking about. $8 for a 20 oz. craft beer isn't that much more than it would cost you in a brewpub or beer bar (typically $4 - $5.50 for 16oz.). $8 for a Bud / Miller / Coors macro is absurd.


There seems to be a lot of nostalgia in this thread. I see a lot of people who oppose the DH. The DH is just something that needs to be implemented throughout the game. Pitchers don't hit. They can't hit. With the exception of a few guys over the past few decades, pitchers are just outs. It makes NL pitchers look better than AL pitchers by default because they're getting that extra "free out."

I disagree completely, and it has nothing to do with nostalgia. I think there is a lot of strategy involved in NL games where the pitching is coming up, doesn't need to step out yet but the manager has consider pinch hitting because of offensive needs. I also don't like the idea of a guy who only bats and doesn't field just like I don't like the idea of a guy pitching but not hitting.

I also don't understand why pitchers can't hit. It makes no sense to me, and there's no good reason for it; there is nothing about their training or conditioning that prevents them from seeing the ball or swinging the bat. It's more a matter of them being told not to worry about improving their hitting skills, which is just stupid in my book.

I think we all have to face the fact that there will always be a DH in the AL, and not in the NL. I doubt very much that a change would be made either way.

[Matt Ivaliotes]

I disagree completely, and it has nothing to do with nostalgia. I think there is a lot of strategy involved in NL games where the pitching is coming up, doesn't need to step out yet but the manager has consider pinch hitting because of offensive needs. I also don't like the idea of a guy who only bats and doesn't field just like I don't like the idea of a guy pitching but not hitting.

I couldn't care less about the manager and his generally statistically predictable decisions. I'm there to see a great pitcher, great hitters, and great fielding. I hate seeing a great pitcher sat down in a close game when he's dealing in order to give an at-bat to some journeyman utility fielder. I like seeing the best possible game, and so I like the DH, as it maximizes pitcher-hitter duels, extends the playing life of both pitchers and hitters, and in general makes me smile. Besides, you still see late substitutions for defensive reasons in the AL.

I also don't understand why pitchers can't hit. It makes no sense to me, and there's no good reason for it; there is nothing about their training or conditioning that prevents them from seeing the ball or swinging the bat. It's more a matter of them being told not to worry about improving their hitting skills, which is just stupid in my book.

I think it's about their vastly different workout routines. Also, fact is that pitching *or* hitting at the major league level is one of the hardest things in sports. Getting great at *one* is hard enough.

A typical AA pitcher or hitter is better at baseball than most of us can really fathom...and thy're horrible at the big league level.

[stevieboy]

I also don't understand why pitchers can't hit. It makes no sense to me, and there's no good reason for it; there is nothing about their training or conditioning that prevents them from seeing the ball or swinging the bat. It's more a matter of them being told not to worry about improving their hitting skills, which is just stupid in my book.


I agree with most of what you said in your post. But I think the answer to this part is not that pitchers are discouraged or are not interested in learning to hit, it's simply because they are sought after for their ability to pitch, which is a different skill than hitting. They contribute so much with their ability to influence the game by pitching well that if their hitting is a liability, it's comparatively small. It's great if they can hit well, but that's not why they are there. You can't take a guy off the street, even an athletic one, hand him a bat, and say "Learn to hit at a major league level." And expect that simply by practicing a lot, he will. I'm not discounting the importance of developing talent through practice, but hitting at the major league level requires a certain level of talent that most people, including people who happen to have the talent required to pitch at the major league level, simply don't have.

[pjrhd28]

My stance on Rose is quite simple: I have no problem with him being banned from baseball, meaning active participation of any kind (playing, managing, coaching, scouting, etc.) but to me that doesn't mean he should be ineligible for the HOF as a player, based on what he accomplished on the field. There is no evidence that he ever did anything in an attempt to intentionally lose a game to win a bet against the Reds or the Phillies (and knowing his personality I can't imagine even his gambling addiction would ever allow him to do such a thing -- he was one of the ultimate competitors in the history of the game.)

The official ruling may not agree with my position, but that's how I'd enforce it if I were the commish.


Well, maybe, maybe not:

http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/1212/1475769.html

It's pretty hard to imagine that his managerial decisions would not have been influenced if he bet against the Reds.

[Help!I'maRock!]

This is true, but a salary cap should also level the field for the small market teams. At least, for the ones that TGP doesn't eliminate.

the current CBA makes teams spend more on their MLB talent and less on their drafted talent, while putting an effective salary cap of $189 million at the MLB level. so it seems this "problem" is already being addressed.

[Help!I'maRock!]

I agree with most of what you said in your post. But I think the answer to this part is not that pitchers are discouraged or are not interested in learning to hit, it's simply because they are sought after for their ability to pitch, which is a different skill than hitting. They contribute so much with their ability to influence the game by pitching well that if their hitting is a liability, it's comparatively small. It's great if they can hit well, but that's not why they are there.

actually, it's because the only level where pitchers hit is in triple-A, and that's only for NL affiliates. minor league baseball uses the DH at every other level. so even if a guy is a good hitter, he's got years away from the batters box. skills regress if you don't use them.

[stevieboy]

actually, it's because the only level where pitchers hit is in triple-A, and that's only for NL affiliates. minor league baseball uses the DH at every other level. so even if a guy is a good hitter, he's got years away from the batters box. skills regress if you don't use them.

Actually, I still stand by what I said. Pitching and hitting are different skills. Pitchers could hit better than they do if they did hit at all levels, sure, and a pitcher that can hit is a plus, but the fact remains they are selected to the big leagues by their ability to pitch. Skills can only regress if you have them in the first place, and pitchers don't necessarily have them. It's not a requirement for the job. If a major league team passed on the best pitchers because they couldn't hit well, they'd come in last place every year.

[BrewDrinkRepeat]

Well, maybe, maybe not:

http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/1212/1475769.html

It's pretty hard to imagine that his managerial decisions would not have been influenced if he bet against the Reds.

I was pretty clear that I am very specifically talking about when he was a player. I don't think anyone has ever suggested that he might be even vaguely HOF material as a manager. I stand firm that I believe he deserves to be in the Hall as a player, for this accomplishments on the field, with nothing that came after having any bearing on it whatsoever

[Help!I'maRock!]

Actually, I still stand by what I said. Pitching and hitting are different skills. Pitchers could hit better than they do if they did hit at all levels, sure, and a pitcher that can hit is a plus, but the fact remains they are selected to the big leagues by their ability to pitch. Skills can only regress if you have them in the first place, and pitchers don't necessarily have them. It's not a requirement for the job. If a major league team passed on the best pitchers because they couldn't hit well, they'd come in last place every year.

there's a huge difference between being a bad hitter and being completely lost at the plate. any pitcher brought through the minors having to hit would at least be able to straddle the Mendoza line. we'll never know as long as there is a DH though.

[duckbunny]

You are the new Commissioner of MLB:

1. Your salary is paid by the owners
2. You are there to do their bidding (while not seeming to do so)
3. These franchises are private businesses - you have no real authority to affect their business in any substantial way without the express mandate of said Owners. If unconvinced, q.v. Faye Vincent.
4. Regarding "the best interests of the game," see #2
5. You will spend the vast majority of time in endeavors accepted as "growing the brand." This includes, but is not limited to: Properties management and enforcement; legal issues; Some infraction enforcement (here you will work closely with owners, legal council, and MLBPA)
6. Regarding the MLBPA, your duty is to effect revenue sharing percentages away from it.
7. You will work closely with owners and municipalities to ensure public funding of new facilities and any logistical necessities therein (ie public transport projects, easements, etc.)



-db

[stevieboy]

there's a huge difference between being a bad hitter and being completely lost at the plate. any pitcher brought through the minors having to hit would at least be able to straddle the Mendoza line. we'll never know as long as there is a DH though.

Well, there are plenty of statistics from the era before the DH. Pitchers' averages probably have dropped some overall, but feel free to do the research and show us how much better pitchers hit back then.

[Help!I'maRock!]

Well, there are plenty of statistics from the era before the DH. Pitchers averages probably have dropped some overall, but feel free to do the research and show us how much better pitchers hit back then.

sports training prior to 1974 was completely different than it is now. the data has improved exponentially, and informs today's game like never before. most of the young pitchers in baseball today are serious athletes, with far more conditioning than the stars of yesteryear. removing the DH and allowing pitchers to hit in the minors would completely change the approach, and subsequently the results, at the plate.

[stevieboy]

One of the greatest athletes this country has known, Michael Jordan, couldn't make himself into a major league level hitter.

Being a serious athlete is not enough. Again, pitchers are there because they can pitch. I'm sure they'd be better hitters if they batted all through the minors, I never disputed that. But the bottom line remains, they aren't there because of their ability to hit.

[ChazMania]

If I was appointed commissioner of MLB, the first thing I would do is hire Bob Costas to be the commissioner and then I would resign:))

[Jerrod]

If I was appointed commissioner of MLB, the first thing I would do is hire Bob Costas to be the commissioner and then I would resign:))

I'm having as much trouble believing this as the idea that all pitchers can hit at the major league level just by doing it more.

[Help!I'maRock!]

One of the greatest athletes this country has known, Michael Jordan, couldn't make himself into a major league level hitter.

Being a serious athlete is not enough. Again, pitchers are there because they can pitch. I'm sure they'd be better hitters if they batted all through the minors, I never disputed that. But the bottom line remains, they aren't there because of their ability to hit.

Jordan didn't spend years watching people throw a ball at him at 80 to 90 mph, nor did he ever learn how to hit an off-speed pitch. that's why hitters fail to make it to the big leagues. they fail to develop the necessary pitch selection skills. giving pitchers this ability only makes them better contributors.

[HRM]

I didn't read the whole thread, but... As someone who isn't a HUGE baseball fan, I'd do whatever it takes to ensure that the season doesn't open till May 1st, and the World Series is over by October 1st. Have an actual off-season, fer cryin' out loud.

[Jim Soloway]

there's a huge difference between being a bad hitter and being completely lost at the plate. any pitcher brought through the minors having to hit would at least be able to straddle the Mendoza line. we'll never know as long as there is a DH though.

The Reds had their pitchers hit in the minors for years. My recollection is that it didn't work. The reason Baseball brought in the DH was because pitchers hit so poorly prior to the rule. If young players could hit, they were made everyday players, so the idea that pitchers couldn't hit became self-fulfilling.

BTW, I'm amazed at how many people in this thread would impose price and salary restrictions. I wonder if they are opposed to free enterprise in general or just in how it effects their sports entertainment.

[Jerrod]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1082695/1/index.htm

[Help!I'maRock!]

The Reds had their pitchers hit in the minors for years. My recollection is that it didn't work. The reason Baseball brought in the DH was because pitchers hit so poorly prior to the rule. If young players could hit, they were made everyday players, so the idea that pitchers couldn't hit became self-fulfilling.

BTW, I'm amazed at how many people in this thread would impose price and salary restrictions. I wonder if they are opposed to free enterprise in general or just in how it effects their sports entertainment.

i won't say that i remember baseball before 1974, because i wasn't alive then. what i can say is that the DH, from what i've read, was brought in to keep aging hitters in the game. but it was only done in one league and the negatives in nearly 40 years of implementation have far outweighed the positives. it's time for it to go. it's better for the pitchers and the game on the whole. it'll never happen in this age of specialization though.

[Jerrod]

i won't say that i remember baseball before 1974, because i wasn't alive then. what i can say is that the DH, from what i've read, was brought in to keep aging hitters in the game. but it was only done in one league and the negatives in nearly 40 years of implementation have far outweighed the positives. it's time for it to go. it's better for the pitchers and the game on the whole.

Read the link I just posted and you'll discover that you're wrong about the reason for the implementation of the DH. As for negatives outweighing positives, I'm not sure how you figure it's so clear.

[Jim Soloway]

i won't say that i remember baseball before 1974, because i wasn't alive then. what i can say is that the DH, from what i've read, was brought in to keep aging hitters in the game. but it was only done in one league and the negatives in nearly 40 years of implementation have far outweighed the positives. it's time for it to go. it's better for the pitchers and the game on the whole. it'll never happen in this age of specialization though.

You're confusing cause and effect. It wasn't done to keep aging hitters in the game. It was done to increase offense at a time when hitting had fallen off a cliff and attendance fell with it. One of the results was that some aging hitters were able to hang around longer. A few of those aging (or damaged) hitters turned in some pretty good seasons too: Rico Carty, Cliff Johnson, Rusty Staub were a lot more fun to watch at the plate in a 3-2 game than a pitcher hitting .165 with no walks and no power. It also made a place for some gloveless wonders like Hal McRae, Al Oliver, Edgar Martinez and ultimately David Ortiz. It also allowed a prematurely hurt Paul Molitor to fullfll at least half of his potential.

[Help!I'maRock!]

Read the link I just posted and you'll discover that you're wrong about the reason for the implementation of the DH. As for negatives outweighing positives, I'm not sure how you figure it's so clear.

one argument presented in the article is that pitchers would be able to pitch longer and throw more complete games. while unrelated to the DH, we've seen the reverse happen in the past 25 years. pitchers throw fewer innings than ever before, throw fewer pitches than ever before, have more rest between starts, and increasing specialization in bullpen roles. so, even though the DH had nothing to do with it (damn you, Tony LaRussa) that goes out the window.

as for the DH itself, if hitting improves when you have a person whose only job is to hit, why did AL teams post an OPS (On-Base Percentage + Slugging) only 20 points higher than NL teams in 2011 (http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/batting/year/2011/seasontype/2)? that's a negligible difference. you should expect at least a 75 to 100 point difference across the board, with AL teams completely dominating NL teams. instead, aside from the very top end, you have parity.

the game has changed in the past 40 years. turns out pitchers hitting isn't as bad as DH supporters would have you believe, and the DH isn't as great as they would have you believe.

[Jim Soloway]

one argument presented in the article is that pitchers would be able to pitch longer and throw more complete games. while unrelated to the DH, we've seen the reverse happen in the past 25 years. pitchers throw fewer innings than ever before, throw fewer pitches than ever before, have more rest between starts, and increasing specialization in bullpen roles. so, even though the DH had nothing to do with it (damn you, Tony LaRussa) that goes out the window.

as for the DH itself, if hitting improves when you have a person whose only job is to hit, why did AL teams post an OPS (On-Base Percentage + Slugging) only 20 points higher than NL teams in 2011 (http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/batting/year/2011/seasontype/2)? that's a negligible difference. you should expect at least a 75 to 100 point difference across the board, with AL teams completely dominating NL teams. instead, aside from the very top end, you have parity.

the game has changed in the past 40 years. turns out pitchers hitting isn't as bad as DH supporters would have you believe, and the DH isn't as great as they would have you believe.

I suspect that part of the explanation for your second paragraph is contained in your first paragraph. With specialization in pitching, the NL is using a lot of pinch hitters so pitchers end up getting fewer at bats. It's basically a DH by committee.

EDIT: And this would support that notion. http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2011/07/18/rarer-than-a-triple-pitchers-hits/

[rootbeersoup]

one argument presented in the article is that pitchers would be able to pitch longer and throw more complete games. while unrelated to the DH, we've seen the reverse happen in the past 25 years. pitchers throw fewer innings than ever before, throw fewer pitches than ever before, have more rest between starts, and increasing specialization in bullpen roles. so, even though the DH had nothing to do with it (damn you, Tony LaRussa) that goes out the window.

This has everything to do with the way managers manage in baseball today

as for the DH itself, if hitting improves when you have a person whose only job is to hit, why did AL teams post an OPS (On-Base Percentage + Slugging) only 20 points higher than NL teams in 2011 (http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/batting/year/2011/seasontype/2)? that's a negligible difference. you should expect at least a 75 to 100 point difference across the board, with AL teams completely dominating NL teams. instead, aside from the very top end, you have parity.

Your point is very arbitrary. YOU think the AL should have an OPS of 75-100 points higher, while I believe you would have to have some very good hitters come over from the NL to make that happen

[Help!I'maRock!]

This has everything to do with the way managers manage in baseball today


what part of "damn you, Tony LaRussa" did you not understand? :D


Your point is very arbitrary. YOU think the AL should have an OPS of 75-100 points higher, while I believe you would have to have some very good hitters come over from the NL to make that happen

not at all. if you've got a league of pitchers batting under .200, and the average DH hits around .275, then their slugging and on base percentage should be 75 to 100 points higher. the numbers simply don't work themselves in favor of the DH.

[padols]

Only thing I would do is make Pete Rose eligible for the Hall.

yes to this.
P

[grateful.ed]

3. All players MUST be a US Citizen since the age of 12. America's pastime is generally played by at least 30% of players that arent even citizens. We cant find enough players in the USA then we need to reduce the number of teams. I HATE that we pull guys in from all over the Caribbean, Japan, Mexico, etc...


how about the Bluejays?




Rays (http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-rays)
(21-14, 8-11 away)

Blue Jays (http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tor/toronto-blue-jays)
(19-16, 8-7 home)

7:07 PM ET, May 14, 2012
Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario


Starting Pitchers
Tampa Bay: Niemann (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6243/jeff-niemann) (2-3, 3.48 ERA)
Toronto: Morrow (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28734/brandon-morrow) (4-1, 2.27 ERA)

[coldfingaz]

More on Rose

From MLB's rules:

(d) BETTING ON BALL GAMES. Any player, umpire, or club official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform shall be declared ineligible for one year. Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible.


Rose admitted he violated that rule, and the Dowd report just about proved it.

So- who thinks the rule is unfair? Why?


I don't think the rule is unfair at all & don't understand how anyone could claim it is.

But, I still feel Rose honestly would've been a Hall of Fame caliber player if he didn't cheat... which I suppose is the same exact argument the advocates of steroid users make.

So, no... I guess I couldn't let him in or the known steroid users. They cheated, plain & simple, and completely disgraced themselves & MLB.

But, at the end of the day, the Hall of Fame is like an exclusive old boys club & a great big sham... sort of like the RnR HoF.... so, whatever. I guess the same is true of all Hall's... they're nothing more than a popularity contest & a way for guys with grudges to hold onto them forever.

I'm surprised there's been so much focus on the HoF in this thread. That's hardly MLB's biggest issue. It's more of a largely irrelevant sideshow + a joke.

[rootbeersoup]

Thought about something while watching this Giants-Rockies game tonight: I'd love to see teams do away with colored alternate jerseys. I hate seeing teams like the Marlins wearing Black jerseys virtually every game. Mets did this a few years ago. I used to really like the occasional colored alternate, but teams like Miami, Arizona, Colorado, Atlanta, etc wear these colored alternates at least half their games or more, it seems. I just like the white jerseys at home, and gray on the road just fine.

[stevieboy]

Thought about something while watching this Giants-Rockies game tonight: I'd love to see teams do away with colored alternate jerseys. I hate seeing teams like the Marlins wearing Black jerseys virtually every game. Mets did this a few years ago. I used to really like the occasional colored alternate, but teams like Miami, Arizona, Colorado, Atlanta, etc wear these colored alternates at least half their games or more, it seems. I just like the white jerseys at home, and gray on the road just fine.

I agree with that too, in terms of what I like to see, but there is just too much money in the merchandising for that to go away.

[rootbeersoup]

I agree with that too, in terms of what I like to see, but there is just too much money in the merchandising for that to go away.

Yeah I understand that. It could never go away completely. I just wish some teams would limit their use. They would still sell just as many jerseys. Then I wouldn't have to see the Marlins wear black jerseys for every game.

I'm just nitpicking really, though. Just disappointed because some teams have some really great normal jerseys, but choose to wear the ugly colored ones for whatever reason.