Discussion in 'Diamond Gators' started by gatorjjh, Feb 6, 2019.
Last month, Major League Baseball made a proposal to the players union suggesting a rule that required pitchers to face a minimum of three batters, reports The Athletic.
The Jan. 14 proposal, which was centered around pace of play, could affect how managers use their pitchers and could effectively lessen the role of a set-up pitcher.
Also proposed was using a universal designated hitter.
The union countered last week, built on concerns that there could be some service-time manipulation with players and competitive integrity. The union proposal also included lowering a team's draft position if they don't reach a certain win total over a number of seasons.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in Orlando on Friday that management is focused on pace-of-game changes for 2019 and bolder ideas proposed by the players association are too complex to be put in place for this season.
Speaking after an owners’ meeting, Manfred felt encouraged the union responded to management’s proposal for a pitch clock and a three-batter minimum for a relief pitcher unless an inning ends.
Very interesting read on reliever usage and strikeouts.