MLB has made rule changes for the 2017 season

Sometimes I feel like Manfred’s attempt to change the game is akin to throwing spaghetti on the wall and see what sticks. Limiting defense shifts? Changing how relief pitching works? A lot of ideas have been thrown out in Manfred’s tenure in an attempt to fix something that may not be broken.

While I don’t completely agree with this dude, he does have a point. Some changes may be needed but is Manfred trying too hard?

Details of the new changes can be found here.

The summary (with my comments):

• No pitch intentional walk (not sure how this helps all that much, but whatever)
• 30 second time limit for managers to decide if they want to challenge a play (I’d rather see this closer to 10 or 15 seconds)
• Crew chief reviews start in the 8th inning now - not the 7th (this is cool)
• Two minute review timeline for officials on replays - allowing various exceptions (is this really going to be enforced? I like the idea though. If they can’t figure it out - the call stands. No more 3 or 4 minute long reviews)
• Prohibition of any on field markers (I thought this was already banned?)
• Changes to pitch delivery. Many are calling this the “Carter Capps” rule. You can’t take a second step toward home plate in your delivery of a pitch. (The Padres think Capps’ delivery is still legal, but I’m not sure how it is.)
• Rule 5.03 amendment that requires base coaches to be behind the line of the coach’s box until the ball is in play. (sure, whatever. Was this an issue before?)