3-batter rule expected to be OK'd by MLB owners

[Auggie]

Tribe manager Terry Francona not in favor of new rule


MLB owners are expected to approve rule changes for the 2020 season that were unveiled last year by Commissioner Rob Manfred and the players association when they gather in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday for meetings.

One of those changes will require starting and relief pitchers to face at least three batters or pitch to the end of a half inning before being removed. Francona loves to play matchup with his relievers – one lefty for one left-handed hitter, one righty for one right-handed hitter.

“It bothers me so much when they tell you how to compete,” Francona told reporters in September.

He said the rule would favor clubs with big payrolls who can afford to sign the top relievers capable of pitching one or more innings.

MORE: https://www.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/11/b450ac7add4979/titos-dismay-3batter-rule-expected-to-be-okd-by-mlb-owners-the-week-in-baseball.html

Francona: “You’re going to give the big-market team a huge advantage because they’re going to go out and get the guys who throw full innings. We’re piecing it (an inning) together and we should be allowed to.”

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This is MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's middle finger salute to small market teams. MLB and the networks are empowering cash cows like the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Cubs, etc. to continue to dominate.

I hate Manfred.