Rob Manfred Claims There's 'Buzz' Around 'Golden At-Bat' Rule Among MLB Owners

[Auggie]

si.com / Dec 2, 2024

As Rob Manfred continues to look for ways to spice up Major League Baseball, he apparently is considering a new out-of-the-box idea.

MLB's commissioner recently told Puck's John Ourand that the "Golden At-Bat" rule has been discussed throughout the league.

Most probably haven't heard of the proposal for a "Golden At-Bat," but the basic concept is that a team could choose one at-bat in every game to use its best hitter regardless of where they are in the lineup. So if, say the New York Yankees had the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, they could bring Aaron Judge to the plate even if it wasn't his turn in the order. It would be a one-time replacement, not a substitution like a pinch hitter.

https://www.si.com/mlb/rob-manfred-buzz-golden-at-bat-rule-baseball




Why not just call it CalvinBall?

[Diamond_Dog]

1. Hahahaha!

Calvin Ball, perfect analogy, Auggie!

At least make someone dance the Hokey Pokey or something …..

[Auggie]

5. It's nuts. Here's another: Challenging balls and strikes via replay review.

From the S.F. Chronicle, written by columnist Scott Ostler:

The ball-strike challenge rule, which will be coming to MLB soon, is popular at minor-league ballparks, I am told by several big-league players who played under the rule in the minors. Each team gets three ball-strike challenges per game.

When a hitter or manager challenges the ump’s call, the computerized replay of the pitch is displayed on the stadium video screen. Within seconds of the challenge, everyone sees clearly the outcome.

Loink (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/ostler/article/scribe-loves-golden-at-bat-idea-even-giants-19959765.php

[displacedvermoter]

8. Can the drunk guy in the seats behind first base also challenge the call?

I mean we are changing these rules for the "fans", right?

[LisaM]

13. Ridiculous. The strike zone is not a fixed zone.

I hate those virtual strike zones. They don't adjust them to the player. The strike zone is between the batter's knees and numbers and can even change during an at bat.

[displacedvermoter]

2. What kind of shit is this?

There might be a buzz among owners cause a growing number of them don't give a shit about baseball, just TV revenue.

I will make one of those threats/vows that get made here on DU all time, if they institute this rule, I will never watch another MLB game. The cheesy runner on 2nd base in the 10th inning was bad enough, this would violate one of the most basic rules of the game, an established batting order both sides have to work with and around.

There is a reason they make it a little ceremony at the beginning of each game, the exchange of lineup cards. The umpires are overseeing this because it is vital to know who bats and in what order. Pitching decisions are based on this rule, offensive and defensive decisions are made inning or innings in advance cause of who will be batting in key at bats, players are saved on the bench to use as pinch hitters with an eye to adjusting the line up for a big moment.

Jeezus this is so lame.

Interested to hear what Olbermann thinks of the idea.

[FSogol]

6. My guess is gambling interests want this.

It needs to be ridiculed.

[displacedvermoter]

7. Not even just dumb, it is kinda evil

[Redleg]

11. LOL. Judging by the comments here, the fans won't care for it

I know we aren't representative of the public at large.

[DeeDeeNY]

3. Totally nuts

Almost as crazy as Trump's rambling about annexing Canada as a state.

[FSogol]

4. Yeah, that's where I'd have to give up my life long fandom of baseball.

The Yankees want Aaron Judge to get another at bat after he strikes out with bases loaded.

[underpants]

9. What a ridiculous idea. NO!

[rsdsharp]

10. I've been watching baseball, man and boy, for more than 60 years.

If this goes through I’m done.

[LisaM]

14. I am still pissed off about the DH.

Never liked it, never will like it.

[Wiz Imp]

12. I have yet to see one single person state that they like this idea.

[ProfessorGAC]

15. I'm With Ya!

Every commentator I've seen on ESPN either hated it, ecoressed disdain or LAUGHED AT the idea.
The fols on MLB Network are probably not allowed to take that position, but it's fitting skewered on the big boy network

[Wiz Imp]

16. Manfred said there was "buzz", implying some people thought it was at least worth thinking about

All I've seen is people calling it the stupidest idea ever. This article quotes managers and players and not a single one can say anything good about it.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/04/sport/golden-at-bat-criticism-spt-intl/index.html

Former Seattle Mariners catcher Chris Howard criticized Manfred for not focusing on what he felt was a more pressing issue – the blackout rules which prevent fans in certain areas watching certain games on TV, to encourage them to attend in person. “Please tell me the ‘Golden At Bat’ rule is just an April Fool’s joke a few months early,” he wrote on X Tuesday. “Someone needs to tell Manfred to stop watching Savannah Bananas games. You want to do something, stop the blackouts.”

Meanwhile, seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens simply said of the proposal on X: “This can’t be real.”

BTW, Chris Howard is spot on about the blackout rule.

[ProfessorGAC]

17. I'm With Them, Too

And, I supported a lot of the other rule changes. But, not this one.