MLB Bullets Is Changing The Rules

I’ve been watching minor league games with a pitch clock for two years now. I have to admit, I don’t even notice it unless I’m looking for it. How much it’s actually sped up the game, however, is unclear to me. But that’s one rule change I wouldn’t mind.

• Commissioner Rob Manfred said that MLB is considering several radical rules changes, including banning defensive shifts, limiting the number of pitching changes, altering the strike zone and the aforementioned pitch clocks.
• A quick questioning of a few players show that most of them aren’t real enthusiastic about these changes.
• Bill Baer explains why banning defensive shifts would be a mistake, as the batting average on balls in play has not decreased because of shifting.
• Craig Calcaterra, like me, is open to the idea of pitch clocks.
• MLB has approved the sale of the Seattle Mariners to a group of investors.
• On a different subject, Keith Law caused a stir by explaining why Diamondbacks president Tony La Russa and GM Dave Stewart have been a disaster and why both should be fired. The article is ESPN Insider Only, but Craig Calcaterra has a free summary for those without access. Let’s say that Law’s criticism goes beyond bad decisions (although there are plenty of those) and argues that both men are basically incompetent and lack the proper experience and temperament to run a modern front office.
• No word on La Russa, but Jon Heyman reports that Stewart’s job could be in jeopardy.
• Mets GM Sandy Alderson said that there are “no present plans” to fire manager Terry Collins. That sounds ominous.
• Jayson Stark notes that several top players who have been linked with PED use are now serving as major league coaches without controversy. He looks at the chances that any of them will become managers one day. What? Do you mean Manny Ramirez isn’t going to take over for Joe Maddon one day?
• Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner says he was convinced by reading social media that it was time for the Yankees to rebuild.
• Steinbrenner also said that he was “emotional” watching the Yankees rookies succeed after the trade deadline.
• Former Yankee Carlos Beltran says that he’s enjoying playing for the Rangers because “it’s more about baseball.” Oh yeah, there’s no way anyone in the New York media would misconstrue that.
• Following up on some stories from last time, put Cliff Corcoran in the “no way” category in the great Zach Britton for Cy Young debate.
• And the Tigers denied that there were any nefarious reasons for playing a day game at home against the Red Sox yesterday.
• Liz Roscher explains why the Red Sox were so upset about the day game.
• And Jon Heyman is reporting that Alex Rodriguez told friends “I’m done” with playing over the weekend. Although Heyman does note that A-Rod could change his mind over the winter.
• Steven Goldman thinks the Marlins have to do something dramatic to push for the playoffs because the team is finally interesting this year.
• Mark Saxon writes that the Cardinals upcoming weak schedule means the team should push to lock up a wild card spot over the next few weeks.
• Apparently the Astros and Cardinals are still arguing over who won the NL Central in 2001. I’m guessing the Cardinals won the pennant by hacking into the Astros computers and taking it.
• After getting his 1000th hit, Jay Jaffe looks at the chances that Jose Altuve will reach 3000 hits.
• Dayn Perry explains why Altuve is a baseball miracle.
• Perry also thinks that Jonathan Papelbon would be a good fit in the Red Sox bullpen, problems and all.
• Grant Brisbee presents the worst baseball stories of 2016.
• Will Leitch has some surprising facts from the second half.
• The Orioles are hitting a lot of home runs.
• Mike Oz says the Dodgers have become unlikely underdogs this year. (Video)
• Phillies manager Pete Mackanin wasn’t happy when the fans at Citizen’s Bank Park gave Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley a standing ovation after hitting a grand slam. If it makes you feel any better, Pete, the way they really say “I love you” in Philly is by booing.
• Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson got mad and had to be pulled away from manager John Gibbons.
• Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier accidentally hit teammate Nick Franklin in the head with his bat. Luckily Franklin was wearing a helmet, but he did have to leave the game.
• Reds first baseman Joey Votto sent Ichiro Suzuki 51 pizzas before a game. Why? Who really understands the Japanese? Or Canadians?
• And finally, watch this gif and Hunter Pence will haunt your dreams forever.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster.