MLB's proposal would raise the lower part of the strike zone to the top of the hitter's knees. Since 1996, the bottom of the zone has been defined as "the hollow beneath the kneecap." But data shows that umpires have been increasingly calling strikes on so many pitches below the knees that, if umpires enforce the redefined strike zone, it would effectively raise the zone by an estimated 2 inches.

 

The change in the intentional-walk rule would end the long-standing practice of requiring the pitcher to toss four soft pitches outside the strike zone. Instead, a team could just signify it wants to issue an intentional walk, and the hitter would be sent directly to first base.

 

Both proposals are part of MLB's attempts to streamline what commissioner Rob Manfred often refers to as "pace of action." But the two changes would have far different impacts.

 

Getting rid of the old-fashioned intentional walk would eliminate about a minute of dead time per walk. In an age in which intentional walks actually have been declining -- there were just 932 all last season (or one every 5.2 games) -- that time savings would be minimal. But MLB sees the practice of lobbing four meaningless pitches as antiquated, so eliminating them would serve as much as a statement as it would a practical attempt to speed up the game.

 

The change in the strike zone, however, could have a much more dramatic effect, MLB believes. Its intent is to produce more balls in play, more baserunners and more action at a time when nearly 30 percent of all hitters either walk or strike out -- the highest rate of "non-action" in the game's history.

 

Per 247 Sports

I don't get the logic of making the strike zone even smaller. I just see a lot more taken pitches now...

 

I also have not noticed the umps calling balls 2-3 inches below the zone strikes. With the K-zones on TV all the time showing where the pitches are, I think it has forced the umps to be much more consistent than before. They are not perfect but I remember back in the 80's and 90's where every umpire had "his own" strike zone and they were not consistent at all.

I know no one agrees, but I'd like to go to an automated strike zone in the Majors. It has been tested in a limited way (in a minor league game) and received positive feedback from hitters, pitchers and managers...only ones complaining were old farts and the umpires.

 

You set a consistent strike zone night in and night out I think it would be advantageous to both good hitters and good pitchers.

I like the changes that are proposed.

How about this...have the umpires go back to using the exterior chest protectors they used to use. It'd accomplish two things...one is that they wouldn't be able to get down as low, so they'd be calling "higher" strikes. But, two (and more importantly, in my mind) is that you could have the umps center themselves over the plate more, and thus not be giving away the outside of the plate. I see more pitches that are wide called strikes than I do low ones.

I know no one agrees, but I'd like to go to an automated strike zone in the Majors. It has been tested in a limited way (in a minor league game) and received positive feedback from hitters, pitchers and managers...only ones complaining were old farts and the umpires.

 

You set a consistent strike zone night in and night out I think it would be advantageous to both good hitters and good pitchers.

 

I agree. I don't see the harm. Eliminates a lot of complaining and would make things consistent. How does the machine work with a 6'6" player batting and then a 5'8" player batting next? Are there sensors placed on the unis at the top and bottom of their individual strike zone??

I agree. I don't see the harm. Eliminates a lot of complaining and would make things consistent. How does the machine work with a 6'6" player batting and then a 5'8" player batting next? Are there sensors placed on the unis at the top and bottom of their individual strike zone??

 

Each batters zone is set in the system during batting practice and adjusted per strike zone rules, so top and bottom of the zone is different depending on the height of the batter.

The Bryant Gumbel Sports program on HBO had a great story on the automated strike zone.

You wanna save time eliminate the 15 warm up pitches between innings or the 15 a guy gets when coming out of the bullpen after he warmed up for 15 minutes already. They should get 5 pitches and lets go. No need for it to take that long in between innings. They will never do that because it would cut down on commercial time.

You wanna save time eliminate the 15 warm up pitches between innings or the 15 a guy gets when coming out of the bullpen after he warmed up for 15 minutes already. They should get 5 pitches and lets go. No need for it to take that long in between innings. They will never do that because it would cut down on commercial time.

 

It is 8 pitches.

It is 8 pitches.

 

Well it seems like 15. :lol2: Make it 3 then.

MLB games last an average of 2:55

A 40 minute NCAA Basketball games last around 2:10

NFL game last around just over 3:10

NCAA Football games last around 3:25

 

The issue with baseball isn't the length of the game, it's the lack of action and pace of play. If the game has action, no one will care how long it last.

 

Too many poor hitters and poor pitchers in baseball, it is too watered down.

AL Batting Average dropped from .275 in 2000 to .255 by 2012 and National League had a similar drop. When league batting drops 20 points the game is going to look boring to the average fan.

 

Even just a decade ago the MLB batting average was around .266 and last three seasons it's been .251, .254 and .255, that's a 10 point drop in just the last decade.

 

Bottom line, no one can hit!!!

AL Batting Average dropped from .275 in 2000 to .255 by 2012 and National League had a similar drop. When league batting drops 20 points the game is going to look boring to the average fan.

 

Even just a decade ago the MLB batting average was around .266 and last three seasons it's been .251, .254 and .255, that's a 10 point drop in just the last decade.

 

Bottom line, no one can hit!!!

The pitchers are too good and specialized RP at the end of games.

The pitchers are too good and specialized RP at the end of games.

 

True, Runs per game have dropped dramatically over the last 20 years.