The new CBA brought some new rules for 2022. As is usually the case, the pushback from the fans was swift.
Neal Heaton, a 12-year veteran of Major League Baseball shared his opinions on some of the changes – he was lukewarm on some and adamantly against others.
Rule Change: Universal Designated Hitter
I have mixed feelings about this one.
On one hand, it makes the game easy for a manager – no more double switches. Like in the AL when they would put out 9 guys that can mash. It becomes very easy to manage. Takes the strategy out of the game. You get a lead, you bring in a set up man and then your closer.
Now on the positive side, it means more jobs for guys.15 more teams. Some older guys can hit for another 3 years if they don’t have to play the field. Plus some pitchers really don’t even try to get a hit. Pitchers pull muscles all the time. Now there are some good hitters like deGrom, so it could hurt a team like the Mets.
Rule Change: Expanded postseason
It starts to feel like little league where everyone gets a trophy. But it’s good for the fanbase and attendance.
Potential Rule Change: Banning the Shift
I hate shifts. There will be a lot of controversy with this one. But there’s nothing worse than ripping one past the pitcher and the shortstop or second baseman is right there.
Instant Replay
It’s time consuming. I hate it. Some of these things take 3, 4 even 5 minutes. Why do we even have umpires? I can see it in the playoffs with a fair or foul home run but that’s it.
Pitch Clock
I hate it. Even if it’s enough time to pitch – just the thought of it. If they want to speed the game up, eliminate the replays. Some guys work slower than others.
Rule Change: The return of the 9-inning Double Header
Thank God they got rid of the 7-inning games.
On the Explosion of Strikeouts
I would’ve loved to pitch in this era. These free swingers are beautiful to get out. Javy Baez – you think he cuts down on his swing? Rizzo is an example of how hitters used to be when I played. Cuts down with two-strikes and puts the ball in play. Nobody comes to the park to see guys hit .340. I played against those guys for 12 years. Gwynn, Wade Boggs, George Brett. Those guys are tough to get out because they shorten up and don’t strike out. Between the hitters approach and pitchers being better it’s suffocated offenses.
There was 10 guys in the whole league that threw 96. Now every team has 10. The training, the nutrition, the eating, all better.
