Magic Runner on Second

[Edgy MD]

It strikes me that the home team, faced with extra innings, shouldn't care too much about the free runner the visitors get on second. By deploying strategies trying to keep that run from scoring — defending against the bunt, guarding the lines, walking the next (leadoff) batter, pitching around the leadoff batter, going aggressively after the next batter once the force is in place, etc., you're increasing the chance of a big inning of three or four runs.



The inclination is historically to defend against even a single run in extry innings. Obviously, this has always been the sensible way to go. But I say, just focus on getting three outs. If that stupid run scores, it scores, but maybe it won't. If it does, well, you get a magic leadoff double of your own to work with as you try to tie in the bottom of the inning.



Beyond that, I think they should vote immediately to eliminate this rule beyond this year, and during this year as well, and to eliminate it in the minors, too. Forever and ever, amen.

[Fman99]

It's stupid and I hate it. You know, like the DH, and the three batter minimum for relief pitchers rule, and every other "innovation" that actually makes the game worse.

[Edgy MD]

It's certainly all that.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I'm getting the sense, from what I've been reading, that too many people are finding that they like it.



I am definitely NOT among that group.

[ashie62]

I don't like it. However, it smells of the college football overtime process which many do like.



Both systems seem to reward he who shoots last.



I see why baseball did this for this season. With scheduling so 'piled up" I don't know if a 15 inning game would work so well.

[Edgy MD]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm getting the sense, from what I've been reading, that too many people are finding that they like it. I am definitely NOT among that group.

Who are these people and have they been examined to see if they are actually pods impersonating human beings?

[Fman99]

Edgy MD wrote: Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm getting the sense, from what I've been reading, that too many people are finding that they like it. I am definitely NOT among that group. Who are these people and have they been examined to see if they are actually pods impersonating human beings?

Right? I mean, did we learn nothing at all from "V"?

[Edgy MD]

So, am I correct in assuming this rule will be in place for the post-season?

[MFS62]

Edgy MD wrote: So, am I correct in assuming this rule will be in place for the post-season?

Seems reasonable to think it, but I haven't anything confirming it.

Later

[Frayed Knot]

Edgy MD wrote: So, am I correct in assuming this rule will be in place for the post-season?

No ... unless they change things up of course.

If nothing else, this season has shown MLB to change on the fly like it's a well-coached NHL squad.

[vtmet7]

It's stupid and I hate it. You know, like the DH, and the three batter minimum for relief pitchers rule, and every other "innovation" that actually makes the game worse.

at least the DH and the 3 batter minimum have some logic to it:

DH: no adult league other than the NL, didn't use the DH, so it at least created commonality (yes, I know that is a grammatically crappy version of a sentence, just can't think of how to say what I was thinking without using a double-negative);

3 batter minimum: pitching changes every batter in an inning slows things down;



whereas with the runner on 2nd rule that didn't earn his way to 2nd base, has no logic at all