A few of the “temporary” rules enacted during the Covid years are now permanent.
Chief among them is the permanent second base runner rule, which now places a runner in scoring position once a game enters extra innings. Not crazy about that one, but the charm of games going into 14 th , 15 th or 18 th innings is no longer an option, not with travel demands, and a viewing audience whose attention span dims like the light of a dying day. Therefore, baseball adapted to this reality by putting a runner on second to start each extra inning frame. Same with the pitch clock. Now, both pitcher and batter must be ready to proceed within 15-20 seconds after the pitcher is tossed the ball, depending on if there are runners on base. Any failure to do so will result in a ball or a strike being called against the offending party. Again, while I understand the need to move things along, part of the charm of the game was that it was timeless – no shot clock or game clock to rush the pace, just a kind of individual deal with each game taking on its own personality. No more. I realize I sound the like “the old guy” on this change, but count me among the skeptics who want to see if timing the batter/pitcher battle will actually work. We’ll see. Other changes include larger bases (by three inches), limits on pickoff moves, and the elimination of the shift employed against certain hitters. Thumbs up to that one as I, for one, am tired of seeing second basemen play like short fielders in your favorite beer barrel softball league.
On the field, most teams will be gunning for the defending champion Houston Astros, who return with an impressive lineup, but who will be challenged by a group of American League squads, including the White Sox and Guardians in the Central, the Mariners in the West, and the ridiculously talented AL East, where all five teams have a realistic shot at the postseason (including someone’s Orioles, who finished a very respectable 83-79 last year). Locally, the Tampa Bay Rays will lean on young talent and a terrific organization to challenge the big market clubs.
The breakout star is SS Wander Franco, with OF Randy Arozarena, and Isaac Paredes providing solid hitting. The question for the Rays will be their pitching; if it holds up, a 90-plus win season is entirely possible.
In the Senior Circuit, the defending league champion Phillies are still strong, now with a healthy OF Bryce Harper leading the way. They will be challenged by the Braves, Mets and Dodgers, all of whom are capable of 95-plus win seasons. Miami’s Marlins will be interesting, with rookie manager Skip Schumaker in charge and leaning heavily on a rotation headed by defending Cy Young award winner Sandy Alcantara. The Marlins’ problem is hitting; whether or not they’ve adequately addressed it to compete in the tough NL East remains to be seen.
So, that’s a look at it folks.
Get your popcorn, Cracker Jacks and cold beer, cuz’ ready or not it’s time to …
Play ball!