The game that I’ve been watching the past two years looks like it’s going to be coming to MLB in 2023 — and I have to say that I’m in favor of the change. This has been an entertaining and much quicker product. There will no doubt be a lot of ink spilled and much sturm und drang, but I think people will like the changes, even if most of the effects are subtle. I’m a little surprised that the step off rule is coming, too. I haven’t gotten the sense that it’s been as popular among baseball types, but it really does seem to have led to an increase in stolen base attempts at the A ball level. As analytically based as the art of the steal has become, being able to push that lead after two step offs really does increase aggressiveness, even if guys aren’t burners.
Hopefully next year’s model will be a popular one — even if there’s almost certain to be plenty of complaining along the way.
HITTER of the Night: Jimmy Glowenke (Eug), 3 for 4, 2 HR (12), 3 R, 3 RBI, BB
PITCHER of the Night: Brett Standlee (Eug), 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
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