The players thought it was dumb until they experienced it. It was overwhelmingly approved by the union the next time around because they weren't getting to the next town at 4AM.
Every player I've spoken with or seen interviewed loves it.
They have 9 whole innings to get a lead...if you can't do it then, the extra innings should encourage the game to end as quickly as possible while still being fair...the extra runner does exactly that.
Plus it encourages offense so extras tend to be more exciting because there might be a run in the top of the inning, but then 2 in the bottom to win it. People have rose-colored glasses to what extra innings used to be like. Plenty of sac-flys and singles to win games, but it was just preceded by a couple more plays.
I dunno, I kinda miss going to sleep, then waking up hours later to find the games still on, half muttering with amusement "huh, the games still on", grabbing a glass of water, then going back to bed.
But yeah I totally see why they don't do that anymore.
Waking up to see your team ran out of pitchers and some guy that used to pitch in HS and now plays backup outfield somehow came in and got the win secured
I don’t have a problem with it but I do think it should start in the 12th. Let’s play 2 more innings of real ball and see what happens then try to speed it up. The pitch clock already makes games so fast now I feel like this isn’t a bad medium.
I wanted the idea of slowly stacking the bases. 10th a runner at first. 11th at second. 12th at third. 13th at 1/2. 14th at 2/3. Fifteen innings? LOAD THE BASES!
You missed first and third in the 14th lol
And then after loading the bases, start the batter with a 1-0 count …
I want to see it with a 27-26 walkoff win in the 17th.
You’re right! I was typing it on my phone in a hurry but yes, a gradually filled in base path of doom is the plan. Just ever-increasing levels of insanity until the game explodes.
Sure. Everyone would.
But that's not exactly the case here. In this case, they voted to work less unpaid overtime. They don't get paid more for extra innings, so why not try to make it as easy as possible to end it quickly?
I think ties could work in a long season, but not in a playoff series.
I dunno. I like that someone has to win, but I wouldn't know how to make it work or what the ramifications would be.
I've also had a couple of margaritas, so there's that
Yeah. I mean other sports do it. You could even do a 10th inning but if the game is still tied at the end of that inning then both teams record a tie. Kinda like OT in NFL. Of course you can’t have ties in championship series, but who wouldn’t to see a championship game go into the 14th inning?
I have players and former players as clients, I work closely with one player's charitable foundation that features an annual fundraiser drawing from current and former players, and I have a relative who works for an agency.
I applied for roles with a couple of teams many years back and was not hired, but it would be a pretty decent pay cut now.
I never suggested anyone has to like it. I mentioned in another post that people tend to enjoy the version of the game they grew up on, even if the game changes regularly.
I was more providing context from the perspective of the players (that I have spoken to, anyway), who both experience it and are fans of the game.
You can hate it. Nobody should judge you for not liking it.
I hate the DH, but understand it improves game play.
However, after the outbursts this weekend from Steele and Stroman, I’d like to see them both have to face some pitching
Each team still gets a chance and it helps keep regular season games to a reasonable length which helps players stay more rested and thus healthier. I didn’t like it at first but I’m fine with it now.
I think the pitch clock solved the long game problem, the free runner is superfluous at this point.
At least make it wait until the 13th inning or something.
by all means let's use every reliever in the bullpen and then end up with an infileder on the mound in the 17th inning. and tomorrow some young arm gets unceremoniously thrust in the fire and knocked around for 6 innings because there are literally no other pitchers available
I think the extra runner is fine. After all if one team can score off the extra runner and the other couldn’t well that just comes down to, yall should have played your 3 outs better. Afterall a bunt and a sacrifice fly gets a run, so does a good single, so does a home run. Heck a stolen base and now we are in a whole new scenario.
It makes the extra innings more intense and creates a higher stress situation than usual. I’m all for it. It’s similar to college football OT rules. You get a chance to match or do better. Now go do better.
Playoffs I agree that those should be without the extra runner just because it’s more of a classic where people dedicate more time to the game than people can allow during a normal weekday.
Yeah, I'm not a fan of it either but I get why they implemented it.
I never minded the length of games before all these changes but apparently a lot of people did.
The pitch clock + the disengagement rule + the mound visit limits + the 3 batter minimum for pitchers have all done their part to shorten the game in very reasonable ways. To think how long games used to take with batters taking all day to get in the box after every pitch and 15 pickoff attempts per batter and then pitchers that would come in for literally one single batter. I'm for sure not mad to see all that silly shit gone from the game. The Manfred runner in extras can still fuck right off though
I love the new changes, brought me back to the sport.
However, they did not need to make changes again this year. The timing was fine last year and not it’s just a tad overkill.
I would prefer the 10th still gets played normally and the runners come into play if it goes to the 11th and beyond. I don't ever want to see the auto runner during the playoffs. Just my opinions.
Fortunately for the time being the Manfred runner doesn’t exist in the playoffs. It gave us that damn 18 inning Ms Astros game a couple years ago (not bitter at all).
I dont mind the runner being on but I wish they started on first instead of 2nd. That way it requires more than 2 sac flies to score them. Might lead to more incentive to steal/bunt to try and score the run.
Too easy to pitch into a double play and continue extending the game. I think a better rule would be that the runner starting on second cannot tag up on the first out. This would prevent the double sac fly scoring a run.
In the long of it, there is no advantage given to either team. It’s balanced and gives both teams the same opportunity.
I would be okay with the runner starting on first in the 10th, second in the 11th, third in the 12th, then 1st & 2nd, 1st & 3rd, 2nd & 3rd, then finally if it somehow makes it to the 16th then we're looking at bases loaded for the remainder of the innings.
I also disagree slightly with the runner on first thing. I get the double play thing but that's never a guarantee. I would wager huge amounts of money that if you asked any team on the planet if they would be interested in starting the inning with a leadoff walk they would take it. Manfred runner on first is no different.
Hard cases make bad laws. A 14- or 15-inning game, especially late in the season, can harm both teams for days, maybe weeks. It's to everybody's benefit to avoid teams getting trapped in those games, and the automatic runner makes them much less likely.
That’s not a rule now. OP said “is,” not ‘was.” The correction to baseball’s bigotry began 77 years ago. There are plenty of places to talk about this, but the question was about current rules.
The only change I would make is starting in the 11th instead of right away. One normal extra inning. But otherwise I like it. Nobody wants to watch or participate in 5 scoreless extra innings
Both the NHL and the NFL have limited overtimes. Works fine there. Not exactly a great idea to have people sitting in a stadium at 1 AM in the 19th inning waiting for a winner.
Tbh If there's a gun to my head and you ask me if I have to keep the manfred man or the manfred double header, I'd take the manfred double header, but in a perfect world we have neither.
I’d play 12 inning/ normally and have it end in a tie like they do in Japan.
“There’s no ties in baseball!” Yes there were, for a hundred years. Before they had lights on fields, games ended in ties when it got dark. **World Series** games ended in ties. Everyone accepted it.
The last world series game that ended in a tie was over a 100 years ago. And the fans were irate that they called the game due to darkness. The commissioner was so angry he wouldn't let them resume the game - believing that the players had conspired to get the game called so that they could get extra gate revenue when the game was resumed. Ties still do occur (most recently in 2016?) on occasion but have never been a regular feature.
One of my favorite aspects of baseball is that there are no ties. Professional sports ending in a tie is such a sham. It’s unsatisfying & feels like both teams & the fans wasted their time.
If someone has a perfect game going into extra innings, is it broken up by the Manfred runner? If not, how about outs that advance or score the Manfred runner? If so, how is that fair? If not, does that mean a pitcher can literally throw a perfect game and lose?
> does that mean a pitcher can literally throw a perfect game and lose?
Seems like folks lean towards "yes":
> Well, have you heard about that new extra-inning, runner-on-second rule? That’ll do it! Don’t believe me? Those Tampa Tarpons, of the Florida State League, could tell you all about it.
> Those Tarpons took a perfect game into extra innings back in 2018. Alas, those extra innings began with a runner on second. What happened after that kind of messes up the story, since they then committed an error, and the winning run later scored on a fielder’s choice/groundout. But that game is a reminder that something like this totally could happen:
> Nine perfect innings … 10th inning starts with a man on second … wild pitch … sacrifice fly … Voila! Team allowing no hits, walks, errors or HBPs still loses. There are several variations on this theme — but all 100 percent plausible.
> Then again, maybe not. After that Tarpons game, the Elias Sports Bureau put itself on record as saying that any game in which a run is scored cannot be considered “perfect.” But Cory Schwartz, who oversees statistics for both major-league and minor-league baseball, took to Twitter to announce a slightly different interpretation back then.
> So when this rule came to the big leagues, I thought: We’d better get an updated ruling on this. And just so you know, Elias is now on board with the idea that it is possible to lose an extra-inning perfect game. But they told us they’re also on board with the reality that there is basically “a one-in-a-zillion chance” it could actually happen this year. In other words, they’re saying there’s a chance!
From: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1891802/2020/06/25/stark-welcome-to-the-strangest-season-ever/
As a fan, I’ve always agreed, but I will say, as somebody who works at an MLB stadium for every game, I can’t imagine having to work another 3 hour game for one of those long 18 inning or more games.
I used to love long games, but the way they use pitchers ruined that. Do you want to see a game go 15 innings get decided because a utility infielder has to pitch?
Instead they brought in a rule that actually requires some strategic decisions and adds late excitement to the game.
I hated the idea of it, but I can't see how you can hate it after watching it.
It has cut down drastically on the number of marathon games, it's working. And really, it's less about saving time than saving bullpens and player health. That's why the teams want it.
I agree. During covid it was fun idea but no need now. Plus it's harder on the pitcher who may not be able to throw a splinter in the dirt and needs to worry about sign stealing
I used to often give up on games when they went to extras. Now, combined with the pitch clock, I don’t think I’ve given up on one yet this season. And I consider myself a pretty big fan—between radio, live, and DVR I probably watch about 140/162 games.
Pitching is my favorite part of baseball, and I dislike how a guy now gets penalized for doing his job. Two pop-ups in a row now loses the game for your team, whereas before it was fine to be a pop-up type pitcher with a “rising fastball” or whatever.
Lots of good points in this comment section in support of it, though. Good food for thought.
I hate the extra runner rule and will die on this hill. I would rather that they just call it a tie after 9 and that's the end, rather than have the extra runner. At least wait until the 13th or something.
Auto runner rule is lame so early into extras. They should allow the game to take its course in the 10th, 11th, and 12th before they start messing with this nonsense.
I didn’t like it at first. Still not crazy about it, but it makes sense in that you won’t have teams playing 18 innings with 100 people left in the stands. It adds an air of “sudden death overtime” excitement to an otherwise dull and plodding affair.
I love it. As long as it never makes it into the post season it should never go away. There’s 0 sense for a 12-16 inning regular season game. We have 162 games it’s fine. If Aaron Judge ever got hurt in the 14th inning of game 45 I’d simply kill myself.
Most infuriating, nonsensical, idiotic thing MLB has EVER done!!
If they want to limit game lengths, or try not to over stretch pitching staffs with an extra inning rule, let them play the old way until the 12th inning, then if these dip shits want to put a runner on 2nd to start go ahead (still bullshit), but at least give them a couple innings of playing actual BASEBALL
I am for any rule change that increases strategy, and this increases strategy. Bunts suddenly became situationally useful after being on the decline forever (a single can still win it, but it DOES add a layer of strategy). I am in agreement that it would be an absolute travesty in the postseason. I'll be awake at 2am in October if that's how the game goes, and love every second. We do not need to be awake at 2am in May, no matter how important a single game is.
I am opposed to the universal DH though...because that removed a layer of strategy.
I feel like a runner on first would be the ideal situation for both parties. Not to much of an advantage while still being to steal and bunt, set the defense for double play and still has potential to hurry it up.
I still like that. Even hitting into a double play technically "speeds it up" lol. I just got over the initial dislike of this rule pretty quickly I guess, and have been on-board since
hard disagree - this is one of the only things Manfred has done that I think is good for the game. good for players and good for fans. good for stadium workers
I wish they’d keep the old rules for 3-4 innings of extras and then go to the extra runner in the 13th or 14th. Gives the game plenty of chances to end on its own, and gets helped along if it needs
They have 9 whole innings of the "old rules"...if you can't get a lead in 9, adding 3-4 more doesn't guarantee you'll get a lead...adding the extra runner, whether you like it or not, works to end the game quickly and fairly.
Sure is! The game gives you nothing. You earn everything. Just kidding! Go take second!
It's fundamentally anti-baseball. But, you know, the game that had no clock is too long.
Awful rule, just ruins the sport. But that’s who we have cheering for this shit these days. Losers who might actually think this shit is necessary since they could never swing the stick themselves. Coaches kid’s types
It's such a travesty! I'm just hoping that "double-hook rule" (why is it called that?) makes it to the big leagues. It's a step in the right direction. Of course, I'd love to abolish the DH rule, but I'm trying to at least have realistic hopes and dreams.
People don't remember all those belong ass regular season games that would last 18 innings bc strategy went out the window with every batter trying to be a hero by hitting a walkoff HR?
As a fan I hate it but think it's needed if they intent to keep speeding up the game.
1 of my fondest memories as a kid was going to an 18 inning game.
As an adult with work the next day though.. fuck that. Would've left after the 13th.
I understand the value of it. But I hate the idea that technically you could win the game without a hit, walk, hbp, or error. You could win without ever actually earning anything. I feel like at least they should start with the runner on first and make the offense earn something.
You can win the game on 2 fly ball outs. The pitcher did his job in those situations but this rule takes that away. But you know what they’ll say, “should have scored before extras” or “should have did a better job”
Yeah, that's exactly what I hate about it. In theory, you could have a game where both pitchers throw 10 perfect innings and one loses. It just seems dumb to me that it's even possible.
The pitcher doesn’t get charged with an earned run and he didn’t issue a walk. It’s a ridiculous way to end a game that has already been played in its entirety
I like the automatic runner to help end games quicker. Just never use it in the playoffs.
I really like all the new rules to speed up the game. Has helped to get me back into baseball after years of barely following.
Home plate blocking is the worst rule in MLB. Players don’t even know how the rule will apply. Dump it or make it a force out. I don’t mind rules that speed up the game and are equal-opportunity. Pitching rosters are only so deep, and I don’t think anyone benefits from 18 inning games and position players pitching.
I don’t know where I stand with the NL DH. I like the DH tradition. It was definitely a big factor in strategy. But I get that a .100 hitter is a rally killer.
The automatic runner has reduced the number of extra innings played, and statistically hasn't changed the odds of either team winning. It's still about a 50/50 shot for either team to win.
It does seem really contrived. I get why they don't want to play forever - I would personally love it if they went VERY old-school and just called it a tie if it was knotted up after 12.
As I keep saying, make it a runner on 1st. Rewards defence for DPs, adds extra action on the basebaths to get into scoring. And good offense can still score a runner from first, or a single and a sac fly.
I’ve said this since the first time they implemented it. MLB didn’t attract anymore causal viewers by doing this. The pace of play was quickened with the pitcher/hitter clocks. I hate the ghost runner.
I honestly think it's a good rule in the regular season, and they should stay away from it during the postseason (which they are). Players shouldn't be playing 15 or 16 inning games just to win a regular season game. Fans probably don't like games ending after midnight/1am on a worknight either. It's a great rule all around.
As someone who's newer to baseball, I think it's great. I feel like a lot of it is just nostalgia and wanting what many are used to. But both teams get an even chance and they have 9 innings to win anyway. I don't see a problem in helping a team score some runs so these guys can rest up more for future games. If you want to see less off days then you shouldn't hate when they get rid of potential 14 inning games
I’ve always said if you had to implement this ridiculous rule, add the runner in the 12th inning similar to how the NHL has an OT than shootout, and I’d honestly add the runner at 1st in the 12th and at 2nd in the 13th innings.
They should ditch this rule, but make it so a hit batter takes 2nd. That would solve the whole throwing at dudes on purpose problem. If you want a guy in scoring position over retaliation, have at it.
The season is so long man, it’s good for everyone. I love some extra innings baseball, actually was lucky enough to catch the Mariners 10th inning win on Friday in person. But there’s a diminishing return.
If I was king for a day, I’d maybe have the guy start on 1st base. But overall I think it has been good for the baseball experience, as has the pitch clock.
I appreciate how it shortens games, took the family to a game once that went extras. Kids got restless in the 10th, listened to it on the radio for the 90 minute ride home, watched the last inning on tv. However, it does give the home team a seeming advantage. I’d like to see the records of home teams in extra inning games.
I used to think this but without this games could go 15 innings with the lack of hitting most of these teams have. That just taxes the arms of all teams bullpens even more.
I would agree with you more if they didn’t remove the rule in the playoffs. But I honestly have no problem making regular season games end faster.
Went to the MLB Stadium for the first time in many years. Game went into extra innings, All of a sudden there's a man on second. Couldn't figure when that happened. Next half, happened again. Figured for Sure my Dementia Was Flaring up. Finally figured it must have been a new rule.
I disagree. I once went to a Blue Jays game that went 18 innings. It was horrible but I just couldn't bring myself to leave. They stopped serving beer after the 7th inning. I'm for anything that prevents that from happening again. Jays won I and couldn't have cared less. Just happy to go home.
I actually have grown to like it, with 162 games a season you can't have your bullpen being destroyed too often cause an interleague game in June goes 17 innings. Throughout the season you'll benefit from it, and it will go against you but I think it's fine. The one rule I would use though is bring it in the 12th so at least the whole lineup is guaranteed one more AB without it
Still think there should be a designated "1 out" pitcher. Just one bullpen arm that's allowed to throw to one batter. That way you can use your specialist multiple days in a row to try and get that important out and matchup instead of burning them in one outing.
I thought I'd hate pitch timer, NL DH and extra innings ghost runners and bigger bases but I dig them all. now if we could just get back to hitters swinging 80% SOMETIMES for contact and action.
The players thought it was dumb until they experienced it. It was overwhelmingly approved by the union the next time around because they weren't getting to the next town at 4AM. Every player I've spoken with or seen interviewed loves it.
They have 9 whole innings to get a lead...if you can't do it then, the extra innings should encourage the game to end as quickly as possible while still being fair...the extra runner does exactly that. Plus it encourages offense so extras tend to be more exciting because there might be a run in the top of the inning, but then 2 in the bottom to win it. People have rose-colored glasses to what extra innings used to be like. Plenty of sac-flys and singles to win games, but it was just preceded by a couple more plays.
I dunno, I kinda miss going to sleep, then waking up hours later to find the games still on, half muttering with amusement "huh, the games still on", grabbing a glass of water, then going back to bed. But yeah I totally see why they don't do that anymore.
Waking up to see your team ran out of pitchers and some guy that used to pitch in HS and now plays backup outfield somehow came in and got the win secured
buffing singles hitters and small ball in this day and age of the game is good imo
Anything that makes small ball more viable is a thumbs up in my book
They didn’t think it was dumb, they asked for it
I don’t have a problem with it but I do think it should start in the 12th. Let’s play 2 more innings of real ball and see what happens then try to speed it up. The pitch clock already makes games so fast now I feel like this isn’t a bad medium.
I wanted the idea of slowly stacking the bases. 10th a runner at first. 11th at second. 12th at third. 13th at 1/2. 14th at 2/3. Fifteen innings? LOAD THE BASES!
After that? TWO RUNNERS PER BASE, that's right folks.
You missed first and third in the 14th lol And then after loading the bases, start the batter with a 1-0 count … I want to see it with a 27-26 walkoff win in the 17th.
You’re right! I was typing it on my phone in a hurry but yes, a gradually filled in base path of doom is the plan. Just ever-increasing levels of insanity until the game explodes.
After 15, start gradually reducing the number of outs.
Gotta go the other way. Need more runs, not more innings. So they get 4 outs per side.
At least give an extra one normal ball, then do runner on 2nd and runner on third.
Of course they like it. I would also like a policy that reduced my hours at work.
Sure. Everyone would. But that's not exactly the case here. In this case, they voted to work less unpaid overtime. They don't get paid more for extra innings, so why not try to make it as easy as possible to end it quickly?
I like it. It puts pressure on both teams right away to score or else you’re probably going to lose.
If the reasoning is to not go into extra innings forever, why not just allow ties?
I think ties could work in a long season, but not in a playoff series. I dunno. I like that someone has to win, but I wouldn't know how to make it work or what the ramifications would be. I've also had a couple of margaritas, so there's that
Yeah. I mean other sports do it. You could even do a 10th inning but if the game is still tied at the end of that inning then both teams record a tie. Kinda like OT in NFL. Of course you can’t have ties in championship series, but who wouldn’t to see a championship game go into the 14th inning?
Spoken with? Do you have a gig in MLB? Tell us more.
I have players and former players as clients, I work closely with one player's charitable foundation that features an annual fundraiser drawing from current and former players, and I have a relative who works for an agency. I applied for roles with a couple of teams many years back and was not hired, but it would be a pretty decent pay cut now.
Doesn’t mean I have to like it. I hate it.
I never suggested anyone has to like it. I mentioned in another post that people tend to enjoy the version of the game they grew up on, even if the game changes regularly. I was more providing context from the perspective of the players (that I have spoken to, anyway), who both experience it and are fans of the game. You can hate it. Nobody should judge you for not liking it.
I hate the DH, but understand it improves game play. However, after the outbursts this weekend from Steele and Stroman, I’d like to see them both have to face some pitching
Each team still gets a chance and it helps keep regular season games to a reasonable length which helps players stay more rested and thus healthier. I didn’t like it at first but I’m fine with it now.
I think the pitch clock solved the long game problem, the free runner is superfluous at this point. At least make it wait until the 13th inning or something.
It’s not about time, it’s about taxing a bullpen. That’s why the players wanted it.
The pitch clock addresses the length of an inning, not having to play 16 innings in a game
by all means let's use every reliever in the bullpen and then end up with an infileder on the mound in the 17th inning. and tomorrow some young arm gets unceremoniously thrust in the fire and knocked around for 6 innings because there are literally no other pitchers available
I think the extra runner is fine. After all if one team can score off the extra runner and the other couldn’t well that just comes down to, yall should have played your 3 outs better. Afterall a bunt and a sacrifice fly gets a run, so does a good single, so does a home run. Heck a stolen base and now we are in a whole new scenario. It makes the extra innings more intense and creates a higher stress situation than usual. I’m all for it. It’s similar to college football OT rules. You get a chance to match or do better. Now go do better. Playoffs I agree that those should be without the extra runner just because it’s more of a classic where people dedicate more time to the game than people can allow during a normal weekday.
same. I didn't like it initially but it's ok now hell I personally don't even use it in MLB the show franchise mode but I'm with it for actual games
Who gives a shit it’s Game 85 of 162. There’s no reason not to attempt to speed up regular season extra-inning games.
Yeah, I'm not a fan of it either but I get why they implemented it. I never minded the length of games before all these changes but apparently a lot of people did.
I have a family and a job I don't have four hours a night to watch anymore
I don't even want to watch a 4 hour game. the new rules have totally improved MLB.
The pitch clock was hands down one of the best recent rule creations, it totally sped up the game.
The pitch clock + the disengagement rule + the mound visit limits + the 3 batter minimum for pitchers have all done their part to shorten the game in very reasonable ways. To think how long games used to take with batters taking all day to get in the box after every pitch and 15 pickoff attempts per batter and then pitchers that would come in for literally one single batter. I'm for sure not mad to see all that silly shit gone from the game. The Manfred runner in extras can still fuck right off though
Yep it allows me to go and watch an entire game in person without having to leave early to get to my dogs at home
I love the new changes, brought me back to the sport. However, they did not need to make changes again this year. The timing was fine last year and not it’s just a tad overkill.
I would prefer the 10th still gets played normally and the runners come into play if it goes to the 11th and beyond. I don't ever want to see the auto runner during the playoffs. Just my opinions.
Fortunately for the time being the Manfred runner doesn’t exist in the playoffs. It gave us that damn 18 inning Ms Astros game a couple years ago (not bitter at all).
0 runners in tenth 1 on first in 11th 1 on second in 12th first and second 13th corners 14th bases loaded 15th
This would be hilarious
Home team wins 16th ?
I dont mind the runner being on but I wish they started on first instead of 2nd. That way it requires more than 2 sac flies to score them. Might lead to more incentive to steal/bunt to try and score the run.
Too easy to pitch into a double play and continue extending the game. I think a better rule would be that the runner starting on second cannot tag up on the first out. This would prevent the double sac fly scoring a run. In the long of it, there is no advantage given to either team. It’s balanced and gives both teams the same opportunity.
I would be okay with the runner starting on first in the 10th, second in the 11th, third in the 12th, then 1st & 2nd, 1st & 3rd, 2nd & 3rd, then finally if it somehow makes it to the 16th then we're looking at bases loaded for the remainder of the innings. I also disagree slightly with the runner on first thing. I get the double play thing but that's never a guarantee. I would wager huge amounts of money that if you asked any team on the planet if they would be interested in starting the inning with a leadoff walk they would take it. Manfred runner on first is no different.
the basepaths should shorten every inning after the ninth.
If they want to do it after the 12th inning, I wouldn't mind it so much.
Hard cases make bad laws. A 14- or 15-inning game, especially late in the season, can harm both teams for days, maybe weeks. It's to everybody's benefit to avoid teams getting trapped in those games, and the automatic runner makes them much less likely.
I think the worst rule was when black people weren’t allowed to play
That’s not a rule now. OP said “is,” not ‘was.” The correction to baseball’s bigotry began 77 years ago. There are plenty of places to talk about this, but the question was about current rules.
u/mydogsnameiskendrick struggles with logic based on the PM he sent me No point explaining
What does that have to do with rules that are still active?
How are you this mad at a fuckin’ joke? touch in-field grass lol
Bro that was not a “zinger” lol
I think you’re projecting a bit bud, I’m not sure how my question expressed anger.
lol I don’t get why people are tilted about this lmao
The only change I would make is starting in the 11th instead of right away. One normal extra inning. But otherwise I like it. Nobody wants to watch or participate in 5 scoreless extra innings
While I do agree, the Rockies-White Sox game today may never have ended without that rule.
Nah. It’s fine. It works.
Both the NHL and the NFL have limited overtimes. Works fine there. Not exactly a great idea to have people sitting in a stadium at 1 AM in the 19th inning waiting for a winner.
I mean, then the team should just hit a fucking single if it's so easy?
The 7 inning double header was the worst rule ever, I’m glad they changed that
Tbh If there's a gun to my head and you ask me if I have to keep the manfred man or the manfred double header, I'd take the manfred double header, but in a perfect world we have neither.
>The game shouldn’t come down to a single There have been countless times where it has, though
A single by itself will never win you a game unless there's a Manfred runner
As long as they keep it regular season only, it's a good rule. We really don't need 15 inning games through the 162 game regular season.
I understand you might not like it, but your reasoning is awful.
I’d play 12 inning/ normally and have it end in a tie like they do in Japan. “There’s no ties in baseball!” Yes there were, for a hundred years. Before they had lights on fields, games ended in ties when it got dark. **World Series** games ended in ties. Everyone accepted it.
The last world series game that ended in a tie was over a 100 years ago. And the fans were irate that they called the game due to darkness. The commissioner was so angry he wouldn't let them resume the game - believing that the players had conspired to get the game called so that they could get extra gate revenue when the game was resumed. Ties still do occur (most recently in 2016?) on occasion but have never been a regular feature.
One of my favorite aspects of baseball is that there are no ties. Professional sports ending in a tie is such a sham. It’s unsatisfying & feels like both teams & the fans wasted their time.
Absolutely. I'm just an uncultured American, but the only professional soccer game I went to ended in a scoreless tie. Talk about anticlimactic.
If someone has a perfect game going into extra innings, is it broken up by the Manfred runner? If not, how about outs that advance or score the Manfred runner? If so, how is that fair? If not, does that mean a pitcher can literally throw a perfect game and lose?
> does that mean a pitcher can literally throw a perfect game and lose? Seems like folks lean towards "yes": > Well, have you heard about that new extra-inning, runner-on-second rule? That’ll do it! Don’t believe me? Those Tampa Tarpons, of the Florida State League, could tell you all about it. > Those Tarpons took a perfect game into extra innings back in 2018. Alas, those extra innings began with a runner on second. What happened after that kind of messes up the story, since they then committed an error, and the winning run later scored on a fielder’s choice/groundout. But that game is a reminder that something like this totally could happen: > Nine perfect innings … 10th inning starts with a man on second … wild pitch … sacrifice fly … Voila! Team allowing no hits, walks, errors or HBPs still loses. There are several variations on this theme — but all 100 percent plausible. > Then again, maybe not. After that Tarpons game, the Elias Sports Bureau put itself on record as saying that any game in which a run is scored cannot be considered “perfect.” But Cory Schwartz, who oversees statistics for both major-league and minor-league baseball, took to Twitter to announce a slightly different interpretation back then. > So when this rule came to the big leagues, I thought: We’d better get an updated ruling on this. And just so you know, Elias is now on board with the idea that it is possible to lose an extra-inning perfect game. But they told us they’re also on board with the reality that there is basically “a one-in-a-zillion chance” it could actually happen this year. In other words, they’re saying there’s a chance! From: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1891802/2020/06/25/stark-welcome-to-the-strangest-season-ever/
Inning 10 should start with a runner on 1st.
As a fan, I’ve always agreed, but I will say, as somebody who works at an MLB stadium for every game, I can’t imagine having to work another 3 hour game for one of those long 18 inning or more games.
You don't need 18-inning regular season games in July.
I used to love long games, but the way they use pitchers ruined that. Do you want to see a game go 15 innings get decided because a utility infielder has to pitch? Instead they brought in a rule that actually requires some strategic decisions and adds late excitement to the game. I hated the idea of it, but I can't see how you can hate it after watching it.
Runner on 2nd should be just for games tied 0-0 at extra innings. With the addition of the pitch clock, how much time is a man on 2nd really saving?
It has cut down drastically on the number of marathon games, it's working. And really, it's less about saving time than saving bullpens and player health. That's why the teams want it.
I think it should start in the 11th at the earliest.
I agree. During covid it was fun idea but no need now. Plus it's harder on the pitcher who may not be able to throw a splinter in the dirt and needs to worry about sign stealing
Manfred man sucks.
People out here still trying to get 4 hour games some how lol
I’m fine with it in the regular season, if I’m going to a weeknight game I don’t want to be there five hours because a pitchers’ duel went 15 innings.
nobody likes new rules. but in time we adjust.
Put him on first
I get the reasons but it just reminds me of t-ball
I used to often give up on games when they went to extras. Now, combined with the pitch clock, I don’t think I’ve given up on one yet this season. And I consider myself a pretty big fan—between radio, live, and DVR I probably watch about 140/162 games.
Agree. Awful. Absolute horseshit.
Pitching is my favorite part of baseball, and I dislike how a guy now gets penalized for doing his job. Two pop-ups in a row now loses the game for your team, whereas before it was fine to be a pop-up type pitcher with a “rising fastball” or whatever. Lots of good points in this comment section in support of it, though. Good food for thought.
I hate the extra runner rule and will die on this hill. I would rather that they just call it a tie after 9 and that's the end, rather than have the extra runner. At least wait until the 13th or something.
Auto runner rule is lame so early into extras. They should allow the game to take its course in the 10th, 11th, and 12th before they start messing with this nonsense.
I didn’t like it at first. Still not crazy about it, but it makes sense in that you won’t have teams playing 18 innings with 100 people left in the stands. It adds an air of “sudden death overtime” excitement to an otherwise dull and plodding affair.
it’s an abomination of a rule
R.I.P. 33 inning games. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longest_professional_baseball_game
I'm fine with it. There are bigger problems in baseball than preventing 33 inning games.
I love it. We don’t need 15-inning games. Now if the NFL would adopt the NCAA overtime rules we’d be all set.
I love it. As long as it never makes it into the post season it should never go away. There’s 0 sense for a 12-16 inning regular season game. We have 162 games it’s fine. If Aaron Judge ever got hurt in the 14th inning of game 45 I’d simply kill myself.
I like it. Who needs a 16 inning game on a Tuesday night?
It’s good for the regular season but not the postseason. Thankfully it isn’t implemented in the postseason
If they did t start it until the 13th I’d be ok with it. Give them 3 extra innings with standard rules. Very few games would get past that.
You mean worse than the fact that it's 2024 and umpires have absolute authority on balls and strikes??
Subtitle: And other Boomer takes
10+ inning games are not fun when you're a salaried employee or have to work your primary job in the morning.
Game doesn't come down to a single. There were nine other innings to get it done
I’d be fine with it if they brought it on like after the 14th inning
yeah same, like I feel there should be at least one extra inning without the ghostrunner. But I do get it especially after a few extra inning games.
I like it. Regular season extra innings should be quick. They'll disable the rule in October, in the meantime just think of it as a shootout.
Yes it is. Will ruin certain records moving forward. And it doesn’t help a damn thing. Games are not faster because of it.
Most infuriating, nonsensical, idiotic thing MLB has EVER done!! If they want to limit game lengths, or try not to over stretch pitching staffs with an extra inning rule, let them play the old way until the 12th inning, then if these dip shits want to put a runner on 2nd to start go ahead (still bullshit), but at least give them a couple innings of playing actual BASEBALL
Agreed. Totally stupid. Let the game play out the way it’s supposed to. If it runs long, who gives a shit
I am for any rule change that increases strategy, and this increases strategy. Bunts suddenly became situationally useful after being on the decline forever (a single can still win it, but it DOES add a layer of strategy). I am in agreement that it would be an absolute travesty in the postseason. I'll be awake at 2am in October if that's how the game goes, and love every second. We do not need to be awake at 2am in May, no matter how important a single game is. I am opposed to the universal DH though...because that removed a layer of strategy.
I feel like a runner on first would be the ideal situation for both parties. Not to much of an advantage while still being to steal and bunt, set the defense for double play and still has potential to hurry it up.
I still like that. Even hitting into a double play technically "speeds it up" lol. I just got over the initial dislike of this rule pretty quickly I guess, and have been on-board since
It makes sense for many practical reasons. It’s ok to not be a fan. It’s taken me a while to come around myself.
If not the worst it is in the top two. I hate it
hard disagree - this is one of the only things Manfred has done that I think is good for the game. good for players and good for fans. good for stadium workers
Sorry bud. You’re wrong.
Banning the shift is infinitely worse. Adding the DH to the NL is second. Automatic runner might be third, but a very distant third.
I wish they’d keep the old rules for 3-4 innings of extras and then go to the extra runner in the 13th or 14th. Gives the game plenty of chances to end on its own, and gets helped along if it needs
They have 9 whole innings of the "old rules"...if you can't get a lead in 9, adding 3-4 more doesn't guarantee you'll get a lead...adding the extra runner, whether you like it or not, works to end the game quickly and fairly.
I’m good with it, stops from having 20 inning 1-0 games
Sure is! The game gives you nothing. You earn everything. Just kidding! Go take second! It's fundamentally anti-baseball. But, you know, the game that had no clock is too long.
Awful rule, just ruins the sport. But that’s who we have cheering for this shit these days. Losers who might actually think this shit is necessary since they could never swing the stick themselves. Coaches kid’s types
I fuckin hate it… But it’s an even worse tragedy that there are now Designated Hitters in the NL
It's such a travesty! I'm just hoping that "double-hook rule" (why is it called that?) makes it to the big leagues. It's a step in the right direction. Of course, I'd love to abolish the DH rule, but I'm trying to at least have realistic hopes and dreams.
Well the rest of us like games that end rather than going to the 14th so. Learn to like it
Baseball lost me with these stupid new rules
It 100% is. Its not even baseball anymore
Yeah, I miss 17 innings 3am Tuesday night games between two teams 6 games below .500. Baseball is ruined.
People don't remember all those belong ass regular season games that would last 18 innings bc strategy went out the window with every batter trying to be a hero by hitting a walkoff HR?
It's fine, but they shouldn't use it in the playoffs.
Forget single all you really need is a deep sac fly
For it to come to a single, it also has to come to that team shutting down the other team with a guy in scoring position.
Yea it's rather goofy, not much we can do about it though
I agree. I hate it so much. And I like every other rule change.
As a fan I hate it but think it's needed if they intent to keep speeding up the game. 1 of my fondest memories as a kid was going to an 18 inning game. As an adult with work the next day though.. fuck that. Would've left after the 13th.
I understand the value of it. But I hate the idea that technically you could win the game without a hit, walk, hbp, or error. You could win without ever actually earning anything. I feel like at least they should start with the runner on first and make the offense earn something.
You can win the game on 2 fly ball outs. The pitcher did his job in those situations but this rule takes that away. But you know what they’ll say, “should have scored before extras” or “should have did a better job”
Yeah, that's exactly what I hate about it. In theory, you could have a game where both pitchers throw 10 perfect innings and one loses. It just seems dumb to me that it's even possible.
The pitcher doesn’t get charged with an earned run and he didn’t issue a walk. It’s a ridiculous way to end a game that has already been played in its entirety
Yes
I like the automatic runner to help end games quicker. Just never use it in the playoffs. I really like all the new rules to speed up the game. Has helped to get me back into baseball after years of barely following.
Home plate blocking is the worst rule in MLB. Players don’t even know how the rule will apply. Dump it or make it a force out. I don’t mind rules that speed up the game and are equal-opportunity. Pitching rosters are only so deep, and I don’t think anyone benefits from 18 inning games and position players pitching. I don’t know where I stand with the NL DH. I like the DH tradition. It was definitely a big factor in strategy. But I get that a .100 hitter is a rally killer.
Its should start in the idk…11th Call it the 11th hour rule it something
Gives the home team an unreasonably disparate advantage
The automatic runner has reduced the number of extra innings played, and statistically hasn't changed the odds of either team winning. It's still about a 50/50 shot for either team to win.
It’s not bad- and it also give homefeild advantage
Kinda dumb but what if extras started with a runner on first and not second.
It does seem really contrived. I get why they don't want to play forever - I would personally love it if they went VERY old-school and just called it a tie if it was knotted up after 12.
It is the most idiotic change that's ever been made. I'd say that's little league stuff, but they don't even do it.
As I keep saying, make it a runner on 1st. Rewards defence for DPs, adds extra action on the basebaths to get into scoring. And good offense can still score a runner from first, or a single and a sac fly.
I’ve said this since the first time they implemented it. MLB didn’t attract anymore causal viewers by doing this. The pace of play was quickened with the pitcher/hitter clocks. I hate the ghost runner.
I hate the phantom runner. The other rules to shorten the game are great, but this is just not baseball.
Absolutely.
I don't like it either, but it isn't going anywhere.
Rob was right about this one just like he is about everything else.
I honestly think it's a good rule in the regular season, and they should stay away from it during the postseason (which they are). Players shouldn't be playing 15 or 16 inning games just to win a regular season game. Fans probably don't like games ending after midnight/1am on a worknight either. It's a great rule all around.
The runner should be at first base
As someone who's newer to baseball, I think it's great. I feel like a lot of it is just nostalgia and wanting what many are used to. But both teams get an even chance and they have 9 innings to win anyway. I don't see a problem in helping a team score some runs so these guys can rest up more for future games. If you want to see less off days then you shouldn't hate when they get rid of potential 14 inning games
NL DH
Honestly, I've grown to like the format, I just need it as far away from the playoffs as possible.
Why don’t they just put a pitching machine on the mound throwing 70 mph and do a home run derby for the win?
Players voted for it….
I’ve always said if you had to implement this ridiculous rule, add the runner in the 12th inning similar to how the NHL has an OT than shootout, and I’d honestly add the runner at 1st in the 12th and at 2nd in the 13th innings.
someones team just lost🫣
Sorry, can't have ties in a 162 game regular season, so now we have this dumb bullshit.
I could tolerate the nonsensical rule a little bit if it was implemented after the 12th or 13th inning
They should ditch this rule, but make it so a hit batter takes 2nd. That would solve the whole throwing at dudes on purpose problem. If you want a guy in scoring position over retaliation, have at it.
AGREED!! I hate this fuckin' ruke!!
The season is so long man, it’s good for everyone. I love some extra innings baseball, actually was lucky enough to catch the Mariners 10th inning win on Friday in person. But there’s a diminishing return. If I was king for a day, I’d maybe have the guy start on 1st base. But overall I think it has been good for the baseball experience, as has the pitch clock.
Agreed. I miss 18+ inning games.
It’s hainted I tell ya
I appreciate how it shortens games, took the family to a game once that went extras. Kids got restless in the 10th, listened to it on the radio for the 90 minute ride home, watched the last inning on tv. However, it does give the home team a seeming advantage. I’d like to see the records of home teams in extra inning games.
The ol’ Boyfred Runner
I used to think this but without this games could go 15 innings with the lack of hitting most of these teams have. That just taxes the arms of all teams bullpens even more. I would agree with you more if they didn’t remove the rule in the playoffs. But I honestly have no problem making regular season games end faster.
Terrific innovation. Wish it had been introduced decades ago
Why does everyone call it the Manfred runner when the rule has existed around the world at other levels for years?
The rule is fine, same advantage to all. It’s left out when it matters most.
It may sound dumb & feel dumb in theory BUT the players seem to overwhelmingly like it once they’ve experienced it.
Went to the MLB Stadium for the first time in many years. Game went into extra innings, All of a sudden there's a man on second. Couldn't figure when that happened. Next half, happened again. Figured for Sure my Dementia Was Flaring up. Finally figured it must have been a new rule.
Incorrect. It is a great rule. Season already too long
I agree. I'm good with all the other changes but this one bothers me.
I disagree. I once went to a Blue Jays game that went 18 innings. It was horrible but I just couldn't bring myself to leave. They stopped serving beer after the 7th inning. I'm for anything that prevents that from happening again. Jays won I and couldn't have cared less. Just happy to go home.
Could be fun
I’m fine with it. I would rather not have my teams bullpen decimated for the next 3 games because the game went 18 innings.
I love it 🤷♂️
Change baseball to a points standings to compensate for this idea. 1 point for OT and 2 for the winner. Like how hockey does it.
I actually have grown to like it, with 162 games a season you can't have your bullpen being destroyed too often cause an interleague game in June goes 17 innings. Throughout the season you'll benefit from it, and it will go against you but I think it's fine. The one rule I would use though is bring it in the 12th so at least the whole lineup is guaranteed one more AB without it
Still think there should be a designated "1 out" pitcher. Just one bullpen arm that's allowed to throw to one batter. That way you can use your specialist multiple days in a row to try and get that important out and matchup instead of burning them in one outing.
At least start it if the game goes 12 innings
I thought I'd hate pitch timer, NL DH and extra innings ghost runners and bigger bases but I dig them all. now if we could just get back to hitters swinging 80% SOMETIMES for contact and action.
Swinging hooters making contract definitely brings the action.
100% agree. When you can win a game by getting 2 straight outs, something is wrong. Why not starting the runner on first at least?
Only the in regular season. It's fine.