No, the lockout is not over. But there has been some common ground made for the 2023 season in terms of how the game will be played, and I am extremely indifferent to it. So what are the terms that were met? Both sides agreed to ban shifts, implement a pitch clock and make the bases slightly larger starting in 2023. What was taken off the table, is robot umps – Thank God. I personally do not dislike any of these changes, I am just like eh ok. The MLB tried implementing a pitch clock a few years back with little to no success, maybe they will have an official timer on the scoreboard? idk, and I really don’t care too much. As far as making the bases bigger, I can’t imagine how that will make a massive impact in the game.
The rule that will impact the game the most is banning the shift. I am actually more excited for this than not. This will bring back more of those electric diving plays from the infield and take out the plays when you think there’s an RBI single, but they hit it directly to the third basemen who is playing 10 feet in the outfield on the right side. I am sure there will still be some type of shifts, but they may demand two infielders play on either side of second base. There are going to be a ton of pull hitters who are going to start absolutely racking under these new rules. Michael Confortos stock just skyrocketed. Ultimately, it will lead to more guys getting on base, which I am all for. I am excited to see how that one plays out!
Robot umps was Nixed and I hope that never happens. Lets just make Angel Hernandez and Joe West retire than all will be fine with the world. Ultimately, I think this was good for baseball and shows that the two sides are working on a deal to get everyone back on the field.
A Fan With A Mic 