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MLB new slide rule and tempo changes - affecting the game?


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    There has been a lot of conversation by both managers and players when it comes to MLB's new slide rule, as well as changes to mound time.

    When it comes to the new rule(rule 6), a runner will have to make a "bona fide slide," which translates to making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to and attempting to reach the base with hand or foot, being able to and attempting to remain on the bast at the end of the slide. This, however, does not count for home plate slides. Also, the runner cannot change his path for the purpose of initiating contact with the baseman. Violators will be called out for interference, and the batter-runner will be called out as well. We've seen some dirty plays out there, that's for sure, like last season when Chase Utley broke up a potential double play with a less than kosher slide that resulted in the injury of shortstop Ruben Tejada.

    For the sake of game pace, they have now limited visits to the mound to 30 seconds, as well as limiting mound time between innings, which will now match commercial time. Unless the manager asks for a pitching change, he must leave the mound when a timer reaches zero.

    When it comes to the new slide rule, I'm curious how much it will affect the game over time. I mean, we are talking about a sport that used to be a brutal as hockey back in the day. There seems to be a growing trend with sport's safety, but when do you think it goes too far? After all, they are contact sports.

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    I'm not really a fan of MLB nerfing itself. Sure, make the NFL safer. That needs to happen. But major league baseball?? nah. No need. I think it's always had the perfect amount of contact, and risk of injury. I don't think this rule change needed to happen.
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    They're just doing it for the ratings! The networks run the show. I mean god forbid, if the sport doesn't have the right "tempo," give me a break, will you?