Boys of Summer

The WNBA announced they will have a short schedule, but on this first day of summer (17:43), but we are still have talks about baseball. The latest, I haven't closely been tied to the details, suggests there is more of a chance. OTOH, Howie Rose -- usually an optimistic sort -- of Mets Radio recently tweeted (he does that now; also has a beard) was more pessimistic. With continual news of outbreaks in various areas, that seems realistic. Shall see.

Baseball will also look somewhat different.  The big thing (talk of miked players, but that was started already -- it's a fine enough gimmick) during the "regular" season would be the universal DH.  Recall too that we have some new rules, including requiring pitchers to face three batters, which changes reliever dynamics.  But, a universal DH -- a nod toward the AL since we will have a lot more inter-league games to limit travel -- is major. The young Mets reporter (first year? hold my beer!)  is game:

So say goodbye to double-switching, sometimes-savvy bunts and pinch-hitting for pitchers. It’s overdue.

Why?  There is no compelling need for more of the same.  We already have enough hitting.  Eight hitters ("hitters") in fact.  The lack of a DH provides variety, a mild deterrence to pitchers since they too have to go in the batter's box and  net probably shortens the game. An AL pitcher might stay in a bit longer but we already have quicker hooks and deeper benches in both leagues. And, in a shortened season why not provide a means for more players and stuff to be done?  Any benefit to the NL is minimal, especially since pitchers already move around, have minimal hitting training and the average NL pitcher isn't much in the box anyway.

(ETA: I found this bit noting that they don't want to overtax pitchers by having them hit.  It's labelled as a part of the health/safety protocols. Well, if so, I stand somewhat corrected on the logic this season.  The summary I saw did not bring that up though don't know how taxing it really is.

Note that summary also shows that in extra innings a runner will start the inning on second base as well. Again, that is partially a safety mechanism, partially to not drag things on too long given the shorter time span.  As to making that a permanent rule, if they did it after a few extras, probably would not hate it too much. Rather not do it right away.  Also, for some reason, they are not going to put the position player pitcher barrier in yet.

Another thing in that FAQ are social distancing rules including throwing a ball out of play after it is touched by multiple players. Double play balls? No spitting of sunflower seeds. No high-fiving or other such popular moves. A lot of social distancing of players usually in the dugout. Also, players get the portion of their pay based on the days played.  Finally, support staff will be tested though not sure if that means everyone involved.  One might assume so, but best not to do that.)

The plan makes a ton of sense for a 60 or 70-game season, but not so much sense when a full 162-game schedule returns. For now, pitchers won’t be taxed after a short season and can handle that extra round of playoffs. It also ensures teams that get off to a slow start can make up for it through the addition of six extra playoff teams. But there are few advantages besides revenue once a full schedule returns.

Yes.  We don't need longer playoffs, watering things down. If anything, we need less games [and probably a couple less teams at least] during the season with so many other options out there. There are so many sports channels with a chance to see a variety of games, including minor leagues.  Some complain about the one-off wild card game, but the teams are there because of extended playoffs as is. They are not division winners. The one-off adds excitement. Make money some other way.

This season? I'm not sure how much "a ton" of sense it necessarily means though it can make sense. A long season in one fashion is a honest broker. It evens things out as repeatedly seen with the Mets.  It would be somewhat interesting to see how they would operate since of late they had a lag in May, while here that would be over half the season. They repeatedly had good starts but in recent memory shined in the second half.  Which is not existing here in any true sense. It would also be interesting to see how the new pitching rules will factor in since there is less mixing and match. OTOH, the Mets of late had multiple closer types that should be okay.

There is a financial reason to play some games and some do want to see some baseball. Others, like myself, with so much going on, accepted the "new normal" without baseball.  Also, you won't have the normal rush of people -- including families and camps -- of summer fans at the ballpark.  The bottom line is that I'm concerned about the Big V.  But, we shall see.