2019 MLB Thread

[The Empire]

New rule changes coming to MLB, slated to commence this year and the rest to be finalized by the 2020 Major League season

Some of the changes:

- 28 player roster for September for all teams (starting in 2020)
- July 31 trade deadline (no more trades after this date will be permitted)
- the introduction of the 15-day DL rather than the current 10-day DL
- two minute maximum commercial breaks
- five mound visits allowed this year; four in 2020

...and much more.

For details:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/03/14/mlb-new-rule-changes-roster-3-batter-minimum/3157226002/

Lots of @mlb rule changes for 2019 and 2020: pic.twitter.com/Bn89KReec0

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 14, 2019

...add "All pitchers must face at least three batters or end a half-inning, unless injured"  This will be big and goes to the heart of the lefty/righty matchup strategy but will quicken the game.  Also it's the IL and not the DL anymore 

[Highlander]

That is a huge rule change. Wow!

[L K]

The elimination of the 40-man callup roster seems pretty drastic.   I still think the 3-batter/inning ending requirement for a pitcher is stupid.  Are they forcing pinch hitters to stay in the game after hitting, nope.  So why do it to pitchers.

[Bender]

The elimination of the 40-man callup roster seems pretty drastic.   I still think the 3-batter/inning ending requirement for a pitcher is stupid.  Are they forcing pinch hitters to stay in the game after hitting, nope.  So why do it to pitchers.

Switching pitchers slows the game down? Not sure but I could see that being the case.

[Guilt Trip]

The elimination of the 40-man callup roster seems pretty drastic.   I still think the 3-batter/inning ending requirement for a pitcher is stupid.  Are they forcing pinch hitters to stay in the game after hitting, nope.  So why do it to pitchers.

Switching pitchers slows the game down? Not sure but I could see that being the case.

Exactly. The game is already painfully slow. Good move by MLB.

[Nik]

The elimination of the 40-man callup roster seems pretty drastic.   I still think the 3-batter/inning ending requirement for a pitcher is stupid.  Are they forcing pinch hitters to stay in the game after hitting, nope.  So why do it to pitchers.

I actually like the elimination of the callup roster. It meant September games were basically played under an entirely different set of rules.

The pitching thing is tricky in as much as it's a bit like Trap Hockey in the 90's. Managers have figured out a way within the rules to have a strategic edge while killing the flow and pace of the game. I appreciate not wanting to punish ingenuity but these 3 and 4 hour games are pretty tough to watch.

[hockeyfan1]

MLB set a total home runs record for the month of May:

FUN FACT: Vlad Jr.'s home run was the 1,120th @MLB homer this May.

That set a new all-time record for the most homers in a single month! pic.twitter.com/qW6Gbt7gUR

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 1, 2019

[Nik]

Apparently the Rays are going to explore splitting their home games between Tampa and Montreal in a scenario that doesn't seem all that well thought out:

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27016429/sources-rays-explore-playing-montreal

Probably just another threat aimed at a city that doesn't want to cave on public financing for a stadium but, still, could be an interesting development if they decide to move for good.

[cabber24]

Apparently the Rays are going to explore splitting their home games between Tampa and Montreal in a scenario that doesn't seem all that well thought out:

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27016429/sources-rays-explore-playing-montreal

Probably just another threat aimed at a city that doesn't want to cave on public financing for a stadium but, still, could be an interesting development if they decide to move for good.

Pay for two stadiums? I guess the idea is that it would be easier to sell tickets to half as many games in each city but I still can't get my head around the economics. Can't imagine any player being on board for this either.

[Rob]

Ya I'm sure the people of Montreal are looking to pack a new stadium for the next 25 years to cheer for the Tampa Bay Rays.   

[Arn]

I was at a game in Tropicana Field a couple of years back. It’s certainly “quaint�

There was a massive thunderstorm outside and the roof was leaking too. Water pouring through.

[Arn]

Have to say, the London stadium looks very well considering it’s a converted soccer stadium. The Red Sox not looking so good...

[Arn]

Ok, the game itself is madness. Was 6-6 after the first and it’s gotten madder since

[Nik]

Yup that was bananas.

[hockeyfan1]

Yankees win over the Red Sox 17-13 in the first-ever MLB series played overseas.  The series concludes Sunday.

Some highlights:

Duke and Duchess of Sussex:

Baseball royalty. #LondonSeries pic.twitter.com/lW6RypPcPL

— MLB (@MLB) June 29, 2019

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle observe the ceremonial opening pitch at the MLB #LondonSeries

The wait is over, it's time to PLAY BALL! ⚾�

📺 BT Sport 1 HD pic.twitter.com/uCRUELhI9h

— BT Sport (@btsport) June 29, 2019

An awesome sight:

Beautiful. #LondonSeries pic.twitter.com/nnuMQbuNKl

— MLB (@MLB) June 29, 2019

The mascots race:

Bahahaha Freddie Mercury wins the race #LondonSeries pic.twitter.com/vlTkbOqXGT

— Tony Cordasco (@TonyDasco) June 29, 2019

More:
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/yankees-vs-red-sox/2019/06/29/565067#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=videos,game=565067