As Rob Manfred continues to search for methods to boost Major League Baseball, he apparently is contemplating a brand new out-of-the-box concept.
MLB’s commissioner just lately advised Puck’s John Ourand that the “Golden At-Bat” rule has been mentioned all through the league.
“There are quite a lot of [rule change ideas] which might be being talked about on the market. One of them—there was a little bit buzz round it at an house owners’ assembly—was the thought of a ‘Golden At-Bat.'” Manfred mentioned on The Varsity podcast.
Most in all probability have not heard of the proposal for a “Golden At-Bat,” however the fundamental idea is {that a} crew may select one at-bat in each recreation to make use of its greatest hitter no matter the place they’re within the lineup. So if, say the New York Yankees had the bases loaded and two outs within the backside of the ninth, they might convey Aaron Judge to the plate even when it wasn’t his flip within the order. It can be a one-time substitute, not a substitution like a pinch hitter.
There could possibly be variations on it. As The Athletic’s Jayson Stark factors out, limiting the rule solely to groups trailing on the time could possibly be an fascinating constraint. It may additionally result in eventualities the place a hitter bats one spot earlier than his flip within the lineup, so what would occur if he will get on base? Would the unique hitter take his spot on the bases, for the Golden hitter to step again within the batter’s field for a second consecutive at-bat? There is a ton to assume by means of right here.
“That rule, and issues like that, are within the conversation-only stage proper now,” Manfred clarified on the podcast.
One factor is for certain: If the “Golden At-Bat” rule is ultimately carried out, scorecards are going to be an absolute mess.
