Poll: Going Forward - Should Pickoff throws be call a Ball?

[SearchPatrol]

So if they have a pitch clock, should pickoff throw be considered a ball? I think it would make the game more interesting. If the rule is worded that a pitch must be throw to the hitter in 20 seconds or less, I would think it would have to be called a ball. Please let me know what you think.

[LVDan]

F no
Respectfully


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[msucollector4]

It would definitely be interesting but its too gimmicky.

The MLB doesnt have a problem with people liking baseball, the MLB has a problem with marketing. They dont want to admit their insane media restriction policies and regional blackouts are hurting the game so they try to spin the issue into a "pace of play" issue.

You could shorten the game to 1 hour and if you dont market correctly people still won't pay attention

[SearchPatrol]

Originally Posted by msucollector4

It would definitely be interesting but its too gimmicky.

I don't think it's gimmicky. It's really no different than a NFL team spiking the football to stop the clock. They use a down and the only benefit is that it stops the clock. A throw to first would cost the pitch a ball, but they might catch the runner leaning the wrong way.

[mnvikingstwins]

[discostu]

If they think a pitch clock will increase viewership, they certainly are considering dumber things than calling a ball on a pick-off move.

While they're at it, call a strike everytime a batter tightens his batting glove wrist straps or adjusts his sack.

[CollectorScott]

So if there are three balls on the hitter the runner can get a 89 foot head start ?

[SearchPatrol]

Originally Posted by CollectorScott

So if there are three balls on the hitter the runner can get a 89 foot head start ?

Actually NO.

If you give the pitcher 25 Seconds to Pitch the ball, you still could throw to first and tag the runner out. As long as it didn't take the full 25 seconds. Now, the batter will still get ball 4, because the "pitch" was not a strike. So it would be a tag him out - walk.

[thenightman]

Originally Posted by SearchPatrol

So if they have a pitch clock, should pickoff throw be considered a ball? I think it would make the game more interesting. If the rule is worded that a pitch must be throw to the hitter in 20 seconds or less, I would think it would have to be called a ball. Please let me know what you think.

Why would you think that? He has 20 seconds to throw the ball home, the clock stops when the pitcher throws to any other base and the clock restarts when the ump calls for the resuming of play.

Based on your scenario, it may as well be a ball if the pitcher or catcher stop the clock to reset.

[SearchPatrol]

You could have (2) separate rules:

No runners on base : Pitchers has 25 seconds to deliver the ball to home plate. The pitch clock is shutoff the moment the pitcher releases the ball.

1,2,or 3 runners on base. Pitcher has 40 seconds to pitch to the batter. The pitch clock will run continuously until (1) time is called, (2) the umpire indicates either a ball or strike or (3)the pitch clock hits Zero. Part of this rule would be that a pitcher can only throw from the mound Once every pitch(40 seconds). So he would not be able to throw to the plate, say if the 1st baseman threw him the ball back. This way, if a batter had 3 balls, the runners could still get picked off or caught in a run down. Now, if the run down took longer than the 40 seconds if would be ball 4. Time would be called, and the batter would take first base.

[SearchPatrol]

It would be similar to now when it's 3 balls 2 strikes and 2 outs. Base runners would have an advantage, but it wouldn't be unfair. An exciting moment in many ballgames.

[mcgoo2]

Pitchers would just step off instead of throw the pickoff attempt then. If anything it would make the product worse, nothing kills excitement quite like a pitcher taking their sweet time resetting.

[fulltritty]

Please don't give idiot Manfred any more bad ideas.

[oldgoldy97]

On a forum full of dumb ideas some just stand out above the others.

[soey10]

Originally Posted by CollectorScott

So if there are three balls on the hitter the runner can get a 89 foot head start ?

This made me laugh. Just the visual it painted


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[LCM1223]

I would think our first focus would be on getting the players at least back on the field. Idk might just be me

[rms13]

Just go with a modified version of little league rules. Runners need to keep their foot on the base until the pitcher throws the pitch. That eliminates pick off throws.

[jduds]

Is this the most in agreement that the Blowout Forums have ever been?

[Gatorsmld]

Originally Posted by fulltritty

Please don't give idiot Manfred any more bad ideas.

Those are the only kind he has!

[iskey]

I would compromise and make a pickoff throw 0.5 balls. If you end up walking the batter with 4.5 balls he gets to take 2nd base. Nah, just kidding.

[cspaced25]

Originally Posted by oldgoldy97

On a forum full of dumb ideas some just stand out above the others.

Indeed.

[no10pin]

[salas1991]

Go with fantasy camp rules: no leadoffs, so no need for pickoffs. Who steals bases or does hit-and-runs anymore anyway, right?

[LittleJimmies]

Brilliant way to determine how many members here are 100% pure contrarians OP!

[panamamyers]

I wouldn't do that, but I would do away with mound visits altogether.
You're a professional that is paid millions to get guys out. There are 18 opportunities in a game to talk strategy between innings. Figure it out.