According to Ken Rosenthal, Major League Baseball is expected to announce pace of play rule changes tomorrow.
MLB expected to announce pace of play rules changes tomorrow, sources tell me and @jonmorosi. Three key points will be included:
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 20, 2015
1. Managers must challenge replays from dugout. 2. Batters must keep one foot in box unless an established exception occurs . . .
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 20, 2015
3. Play to resume promptly once broadcast returns from commercial break.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 20, 2015
All of these sound simple, although the second rule about batters is the only one that might draw problems with players. Most players have a specific routine after each pitch, which is definitely a huge reason why games get extended. You’d have to wonder how these new rules would impact the concentration of players at the plate, since their routine for most of their career would need to be changed instantly.
It will be interesting to see the changes tomorrow, along with any further details with the expected rule changes.