The zombie runner rule is now permanent

[BobbyStrawberry]

The writing was on the wall when they kept it for last year, but it's still disappointing IMO. I used to look forward to extra innings but not anymore. Thanks, Manfred!

[philliesfan]

So the player is put at second and scores on a home run. Then he gets credit for scoring a run possibly the winning run, in the history books without even getting a plate appearance. What a joke. One of the worst rules in baseball I think.
Bob

[Carter08]

I like it. Completely understand the arguments against it though.

[edtiques]

They're ruining the game with nonsense like this. What are they thinking?

[jayshum]

When the rule was first introduced, I didn't think I would like it, but after seeing it in use for a few seasons, I have been ok with it. There is definitely some additional strategy added to extra innings instead of what often happened when games would drag on and it looked like every batter was just trying to hit a home run to win the game.

I see it like hockey overtime rules and the eventual shootout so that games don't go on forever. As long as they don't start using the ghost runner in the playoffs, I'm good with it. A 20 inning regular season game can really mess up a team's pitching for a few games afterward so this makes that less likely.

[Carter08]

Originally Posted by jayshum

When the rule was first introduced, I didn't think I would like it, but after seeing it in use for a few seasons, I have been ok with it. There is definitely some additional strategy added to extra innings instead of what often happened when games would drag on and it looked like every batter was just trying to hit a home run to win the game.

I see it like hockey overtime rules and the eventual shootout so that games don't go on forever. As long as they don't start using the ghost runner in the playoffs, I'm good with it. A 20 inning regular season game can really mess up a team's pitching for a few games afterward so this makes that less likely.

Agreed. If anything the rule takes us back in time where contact hitters are rewarded.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by jayshum

When the rule was first introduced, I didn't think I would like it, but after seeing it in use for a few seasons, I have been ok with it. There is definitely some additional strategy added to extra innings instead of what often happened when games would drag on and it looked like every batter was just trying to hit a home run to win the game.

I see it like hockey overtime rules and the eventual shootout so that games don't go on forever. As long as they don't start using the ghost runner in the playoffs, I'm good with it. A 20 inning regular season game can really mess up a team's pitching for a few games afterward so this makes that less likely.

I agree. I had doubts but it does not bother me (as long as not used in playoff’s which it currently is not)

Also like that it adds strategy and also helps the games have shorter extra innings.
I always hated a position player sometimes being used as a pitcher

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by edtiques

They're ruining the game with nonsense like this. What are they thinking?

They are thinking that 99.999% of the American public has no interest in a 4 hour + baseball game. And, for good or for bad, they are correct.

[BobbyStrawberry]

I dislike it for many reasons:

1) Long extra inning games are fun
2) It feels to me, even after three years of it now , incredibly artificial. (Like they introduced an element that shouldn't be there)
3) It violates a fundamental rule of the game - you have to reach base in order to score
4) As others have stated, it messes with stats in a way that seems goofy

I get that MLB is trying to shorten games, but as fans, don't you want more of the game? I honestly would have preferred games to end in a tie after 12 innings than this.

And one other point that struck me - the fact that they will only do this for regular season games, to me, is a tacit admission that the idea is silly: "Oh, don't worry fans, we'll still play real baseball in extra innings when the games actually count"

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by philliesfan

So the player is put at second and scores on a home run. Then he gets credit for scoring a run possibly the winning run, in the history books without even getting a plate appearance. What a joke. One of the worst rules in baseball I think.
Bob

Herb Washington scored 33 runs in his career

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by doug.goodman

Herb Washington scored 33 runs in his career

One of my favorites of the 1970s, with Don "Slick" Watts of basketball. Per Wikipedia:

Washington played in 105 MLB games without batting, pitching, or fielding, playing exclusively as a pinch runner. He had 31 stolen bases in 48 attempts and scored 33 runs during his short career. Washington is one of only seven players to have more game appearances than plate appearances, presumably excluding starting pitchers who played primarily for the American League, and relief pitchers.

Washington's 1975 Topps baseball card is the only baseball card ever released that uses the "pinch runner" position label.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

One of my favorites of the 1970s, with Don "Slick" Watts of basketball. Per Wikipedia:

Washington played in 105 MLB games without batting, pitching, or fielding, playing exclusively as a pinch runner. He had 31 stolen bases in 48 attempts and scored 33 runs during his short career. Washington is one of only seven players to have more game appearances than plate appearances, presumably excluding starting pitchers who played primarily for the American League, and relief pitchers.

Washington's 1975 Topps baseball card is the only baseball card ever released that uses the "pinch runner" position label.

if he was 45 or higher out of 48 he probably plays more years...thats an awful percentage if thats your only skill...at least some speedsters can play sick outfield

[Lucas00]

I don't mind the other changes much and actually kinda like them. But this Zombie runner change is horrendous imo.