Baseball needs to make some drastic rule changes.. next year

After watching the last 2 weeks of the MLB postseason, I found it more frustrating than ever to sit through entire games.. From the wild card games, through the division series and during the first few games of the LCS, the majority of the games played out the same. Constant pitching changes that dragged on for over 4 hours with limited drama.  Most games were so slow that they were only in the 4th inning after 2 hours. As a long time baseball fan, I found myself struggling to watch more than parts of each game. The "opener" has just added to the constant pitching changes. Last nights game 2 of the NLCS had 15 pitchers used in a 9 inning game. Game 1 of the ALCS had 16 pitchers used in a 9 inning game. The constant use of the bullpen has diminished the starting pitcher to a point that great pitchers like Max Scherzer will not finish 5 innings. Time and again, I read "the opener and reliance on the bullpen works and it has been extremely beneficial in winning games." This strategy has been used constantly this post season. While it may help win games, it greatly hurts the entertainment value of the game. This is where Major League Baseball has to step in.

MLB has discussed changes and improving pace of play over the last few years, nothing has been accomplished (there have been rule changes tested in the minor leagues. And only Little League changes in MLB, like 7 inning double headers and runner on 2nd to start extra innings). Seeing what is happening in the post season, I do think about future generations of fans, and how MLB expects young fans to sit through 4 hour games with about 10-15 pitching changes per game. 

After slogging through the first 2 weeks of post season baseball, I thought of a few things that MLB needs to do to improve the game. Here are 3 rule changes that I think MLB should implement next year.

1. Pitch clock- This has to be implemented immediately. The lack of umpire involvement to move the game along is disturbing. It is now completely acceptable batters to step out, and pitchers to step off the mound. It is ok for the pitcher to just stare and wait to throw a pitch for over 30 seconds. I used to question, why are the umpires not pushing these players to move the game along? Why are they allowing the players to just take their time.  Well, the answer is obvious. It's the money. The umpires will not tell a 20 million dollar player when they need to get in the batters box. And, the 20 million dollar a year player will not listen. The pitch clock needs to happen. Time of game will be reduced by at least 10 minutes.

2. Pitching roster- Maximum # of pitchers on each roster should be 11. The number of pitching changes this post season has made it impossible to sit through a full 9 innings. They have reduced the starting pitcher where it is not a relevant part of the game. There are too many options with fresh arms to use. I don't blame the teams for changing pitchers each inning. You have a fresh arm throwing 100 mph. Of course it makes sense. But, it continues to drag the games along. And again, it deters from the entertainment portion of the game. MLB should not allow these teams to keep 13, 14 pitchers on a staff. This has to be controlled. Maximum 11 pitchers on a staff. It would add more strategy too. Managers may have to think about it before taking out the starter in the 4th inning after he gave up 1 walk in the 4th inning. Teams can get around this a bit with roster moves, but, having a 11 pitcher roster will help emphasize the starting pitcher more. 

3. Limit the number of foul balls after 2 strikes to 3. This one is more radical. The challenge of fouling off a pitch has been part of baseball for 100 years. However, the batters have such control now, it is not impressive to have a 10-15 pitch at bat. Batters will continue to foul off pitch after pitch, and wait until they get a pitch they like. It is natural for them. There is no drama anymore. There is such great bat control, the foul balls keep coming. 10-15 pitch at bats. Its a drag.  It's time to change this. Once a batter gets 2 strikes, he has 3 additional foul balls. On the 3rd foul ball, its strike 3. Batter is out. Although there may be some more strike outs initially, I think players will adjust to make an effort to make contact to try and avoid fouling pitches off. 

While MLB continues to drag its feet and try to cover up the real problem, I think it is imperative that changes are put in place next season.  I think these 3 changes would have a terrific impact on pace of play. I know the collective bargaining agreement will be a major factor in any rule changes this off season. However, I do hope both the owners and players both realize the game is becoming more and more unwatchable and is losing it's entertainment value. And if nothing changes, MLB will continue to  lose fans.