Recent drama in the baseball world has been focused on a possible rule change. Recently, Major League Baseball has been trying to make the game “more entertaining,” and in their most recent efforts, the MLB has proposed that player should be able to steal first-base. Initially, I heard this and thought it may be one of the most ridiculous ideas I have ever heard, however, as I have thought about it my stance has shifted a little bit.
Originally, I sat on the side most baseball fans are on. According to numerous tweets, and comments across social media, people are sick of “America’s game being changed.” This makes sense. Major League Baseball has toyed with inserting a pitch clock to speed up the game. The MLB has even been accused of changing the standards that are required to have a legal baseball (to allow more home runs). These changes a drastic and sometimes not needed, but the new idea of stealing first may be exactly what the game needs.
To steal first, a batter must have a ball be in the dirt or get by the catcher. If that happens at any point during an at bat, a hitter may attempt to go to first-base. In short, every pitch is like a 2 strike pitch when it comes to wild pitches and past balls, and this is excellent for the game of baseball. What will have to happen is pitchers and catchers will need to focus on execution and being excellent, not just good, in all situations. Lazy players are awful to watch, and defense is put in the rear view window too often in baseball. This rule will change that. Great defensive catchers like Tyler Flowers, Yadier Molina, and J.T. Realmuto will no longer be overlooked and underpaid. Rather they will become an even more vital piece to a successful team. Is baseball getting a little “change happy”? Yes, but some changes are good. And this change is starting to be used in the Atlantic League today, and will hopefully show up at a MLB field near you.
Bleacher Bum 