Rules Changes

Expert Analysis

Pitching Regulations and New Timing Rules

Topics: Rules Changes

The 2023 Pitch Clock rules for Major League Baseball are as follows: 30-second timer will be used between batters… 20-second timer will be used between pitches with runners on base… 15-second timer will be used between pitches with no runners on base… The Field Timing Coordinator (FTC) will be in charge of the clock for multiple situations. Question:…

Expert Analysis

2023 Batter, Catcher and Shift Regulations

Topics: Rules Changes

The Batter and Timing Regulations Question: What is defined as being alert to the pitcher with 8 seconds remaining on the clock? Answer: The batter must have both feet in the batter’s box, and facing the pitcher. He must have his eye on the pitcher and be in a position to quickly assess a hitting stance….

Expert Analysis

2023 MLB Replay Review Pocket Card

Topics: Replay Review, Rules Changes

2023 Pocket-Sized On-Field Replay Card-1

Expert Analysis

MLB 2023 Pitch Timer Procedures

Topics: Pitch Timer, Rules Changes, Uncategorized

2023_PITCH-TIMER_CARDS-1

Expert Analysis

2023 MLB Rule Changes Reference Guide

Topics: Rules Changes

MLB 2023 Rule Change Reference Sheet

Expert Analysis

If a Pitcher Crosses the Foul Line, He Must Pitch to the First Batter

Topics: Expert Analysis, Pitcher, Rules Changes, Rules Controversy

Rule 5.10 (i) reads, “If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for,…

Expert Analysis

Faking a Throw to Third and Throwing to First Base

Topics: Balk, Expert Analysis, Rules Changes

One of the recent rules changes in the past decade is that pitchers are no longer allowed to fake a throw to third base, and then turn around and try to pick off a runner on first base. Major League Umpire, Ted Barrett, and Chris Welsh breakdown these situations and explain this correct rule in…

Expert Analysis

The Contentious Life of the Ghost Runner: Controversial Extra-Innings Rule Back for 2022

Topics: Latest News, Official Baseball Rules, Rules Changes

Sixty-five years ago this week, the defending World Champion New York Yankees beat the Washington Senators 2-1 on an Opening Day walk-off hit. The hero that day was third baseman Andy Carey, who came up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and fouled off six pitches before hitting a single to…

Expert Analysis

2022 Replay Review Rules

Topics: Replay Review, Rules Changes, Uncategorized

Umpires are Mic’d Up The crew chief will wear a mic this year. He will make announcements before and after the replay review on the stadium and broadcast microphone. He will explain who is requesting the review and what the review is covering. Here’s how it works: Manager challenges a call Umpire announces that the…

Expert Analysis

AAA Bases are Larger and Closer in 2021

Topics: Base, Baseline, Definitions, Rules Changes

In an effort to reduce injuries and add offense to the game, MLB has changed the bases in the minor leagues at AAA level. The new bases are flatter (by 1 1/2 inches) and larger (by 3 inches) than the existing bases.   The baseline from home to 1B is measured from the back tip…

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