Will the new 43 feet help the offence, or do you think it will stay the same.

Will the new 43 feet help the offence, or do you think it will stay the same.

 

A slight increase in offensive productivity. But more safety for the pitchers is plenty of reason to make this move.

I agree with what NL coach Shane Weaver said in today's story in The Times-Tribune.

Should have waited until next season.

What is the reason for waiting until next season?

What is the reason for waiting until next season?

 

http://www.thetimestribune.com/sports/local_story_238114759.html

 

“Here we are in the beginning of school and unless a pitcher goes to private lessons, she is not going to get the instruction until Feb. 15 from her coach,” he said. “Going from 40 to 43 feet requires an adaption in mechanics to increase speed and to work on whatever specific movement pitches she has. I feel that this type of decision here in Kentucky should have been made with at least the year notice so that pitchers could work during their summer travel seasons in preparing for the change.”

 

So what does Weaver see happening this year?

 

“The advanced pitchers are going to be even better, and it won’t be the advantage to the hitter as thought,” he said. “The mediocre to beginning pitchers are going to struggle because it will be an advantage to the hitter.  I see a gap of two poles actually occurring, one more to the top and one more to the lower end. This is a big decision and more notice would have been the better way to go in my opinion.”

 

Actually, while I am for it, Weaver makes some very valid arguments on why they should have waited a year or possibly made the decision before summer ball was played in 2009.

I think the positives outweigh the negatives. The pitchers that will not work on pitching from 43' in the offseason are the same ones that would not be working on pitching from 40'.

I think the positives outweigh the negatives. The pitchers that will not work on pitching from 43' in the offseason are the same ones that would not be working on pitching from 40'.

 

I agree. However, having an entire summer of actual play would be much more beneficial to make the adjustment than just the offseason from now until practice starts. And many players have other sports they may be involved with during the school year which would prevent that (eg. volleyball, basketball). I think the move needs to be made, ... but I do agree that had they stated this at the very end of last season or made it effective 2011, then pitchers would have an entire summer of play to adjust.

The girlies with the flat fastballs will be slower and they are going to get bombed

Playing high competitive fast pitch and coaching in college there is no reason why the kids should have any problems adjusting to 43 feet. You just can't pick up a ball on Feb. 15 and expect to pitch at 43 feet. You have to work at it. Pitchers should be pitching year round if it is 1 or 2 days a week they should ALWAYS be pitching. I do not care how good or bad they are it should be done.

I think this is a great move to possibly save injuries to some girls on the mound. With these bats the way they are the ball leaves at a high rate of speed off those bats and Ive pitched to these girls and been hit before and it isnt plesant. Good move:thumb:

I think Ohio will be at 40 feet this year what about Tour. play

For tournament play, if a team travels to another state they will have to play from the distance of that state. Ohio teams would have to play at 43 feet if they travel to a tournament in Indiana or Kentucky.

 

The pitchers that throw solid movement pitches should benefit from the extra 3 feet.