The Shift being stopped new rule

[1952boyntoncollector]

I am amazed with the Shift being around from before Ted Williams time that all of the sudden it was a problem. Yes i know its employed a ton more but there were arguably more homers being hit with the shift on as well and some other pro hitter arguments.

I didnt realize major league hitters couldnt it a ball to a side of the field where zero people are. While we marvel at a lot of the elite talent on the field these days and yes there is a lot of it, its still amazing to me how untalented people are in terms of hitting the ball softly in 50% area of the field.that they had to make rules to change it.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

I am amazed with the Shift being around from before Ted Williams time that all of the sudden it was a problem. Yes i know its employed a ton more but there were arguably more homers being hit with the shift on as well and some other pro hitter arguments.

I didnt realize major league hitters couldnt it a ball to a side of the field where zero people are. While we marvel at a lot of the elite talent on the field these days and yes there is a lot of it, its still amazing to me how untalented people are in terms of hitting the ball softly in 50% area of the field.that they had to make rules to change it.

It's a disgusting slap in the face for baseball fundamentals and a clear message from the commissioner that all that matters is home runs.

[RCMcKenzie]

I think MLB wants more baserunners. They don't want Jose Altuve playing in a rover softball position, and scooping up every line-drive, would be single to right, and throwing the guy out at first. I think we will see many left-handed hitters increase their batting averages by 50-80 points next year.

[clydepepper]

Terry Francona posted his regrets for the ban on shifts...and, as much as I dislike them...the disconnect is that hitters have not, and will never, adjust to those shifts and hit the ball the other way.

Those days are gone bye-bye.


Supposedly, the idea behind these changes is to speed up the game and thereby hoping to add excitement.

Instead, batting averages and on-base percentages will continue to drop at a faster and faster rate.


The NEW Curse of the Bambino:

'Damn the Triples, full PULL ahead!


Why not make second base out of whoopie-cushions? Great for head-first slides.

[nolemmings]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

Supposedly, the idea behind these changes is to speed up the game and thereby hoping to add excitement.

Instead, batting averages and on-base percentages will continue to drop at a faster and faster rate.

I'm not sure I follow the logic there. Banning the shift does not speed up the game; if anything it should produce the opposite. Presumably, balls that used to be hits then became outs will now become hits again. How does more baserunners speed up the game, and how do these extra hits make batting averages and on-base percentages drop?

FWIW, I think banning the shift is a dumb idea.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by RCMcKenzie

I think MLB wants more baserunners. They don't want Jose Altuve playing in a rover softball position, and scooping up every line-drive, would be single to right, and throwing the guy out at first. I think we will see many left-handed hitters increase their batting averages by 50-80 points next year.

or can train kids from 12 years old to slap a ball to 50% of the field softly...dont need any launch angle and mph off the bat can be 5 mph and will get a single or double more than 1 out of 3 times

[RCMcKenzie]

I played high school baseball over 35 years ago, and my recollection is that I was lucky just to hit a foul ball. I was trying to hit it up the middle, but today, there would be a dude there behind 2nd base with a glove.


I can only think of a few players that I have seen with enough skill to hit it where they ain't. Carew, Gwynn, Boggs, Rose, Ichiro. Who am I missing?

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by RCMcKenzie

I played high school baseball over 35 years ago, and my recollection is that I was lucky just to hit a foul ball. I was trying to hit it up the middle, but today, there would be a dude there behind 2nd base with a glove.


I can only think of a few players that I have seen with enough skill to hit it where they ain't. Carew, Gwynn, Boggs, Rose, Ichiro. Who am I missing?

The point is that nobody even tries anymore.

They are supposed to be the best at this...and yet, name just one who could 'go op' consistantly.

Freddie Freeman may be the closest in today's game.