MLB's rule changes have increased game tempo but haven't changed the offensive environment much at all, and they certainly haven't solved the problem of clever defensive positioning.
From the fan perspective, I definitely enjoy shorter, faster paced games. For the most part, it seems like the players have adjusted but there’s still some minor growing pains of the new rules.
I arrived late to the only game I’ve been to this season and thought we’d miss the first couple innings or so. We were shocked to find that it was already the 5th inning by the time we were in our seats! Definitely a noticable difference in pace of play and the length of the game. It’s surprising is how little eliminating the shift has impacted BABIP.
I arrived late to the only game I’ve been to this season and thought we’d miss the first couple innings or so. We were shocked to find that it was already the 5th inning by the time we were in our seats! Definitely a noticable difference in pace of play and the length of the game. It’s surprising is how little eliminating the shift has impacted BABIP.