Quote:
Originally Posted by mbcrowder
Proposal:
1) Between pitches, the batter has 10 seconds to get his sign and get into the box, ready for the pitch.
2) Once the batter is ready, the pitcher has 10 seconds to pitch or throw to a base.
3) Pitchers may throw to a base only twice per "situation" (see below). A third throw MUST result in an out, or the baserunner advances (the allowing of the 3rd throw makes it so baserunners can take a little more lead after 2 throws ... but can't go TOO far as they are still liable to be thrown out)
4) Catchers may meet with a pitcher once per batter. A 2nd visit counts as a coach visit.
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I agree with 1 and 4. It doesn't take even 10 seconds to get a sign. And, coaches abuse the catcher going out far too often. This would help.
2 and 3 affect the game too much. A runner would just have to have to count to 10 and then start running. Less than 10, then they are on their own. If 10, just run. Why time it? And, after 2 throws, why worry about a pick-off attempt? Just wait 10 seconds and then run.
I agree with half but disagree with half. A real problem is many have developed attention deficit and can't stick with something too long. If there isn't immediate action within 10 seconds, it's time to change the channel. Baseball has been this way for a very long time.
Games average about 2 1/2 hours since I don't know when. Many are taking about 3 1/2 hours and maybe shouldn't. But, so does a football game. I know many times where the game started at 8 pm and wasn't over until well after 11 pm. The only difference is attention span that something isn't happening within 40 seconds of the last play more than just a pitch being thrown.