MLB Changes The Rules For 2016

What’s New? – Eh, Not much

The new wording – now in rule 6.01 instead of 5.09 – says, “slides on potential double plays will require runners to make a bona fide attempt to reach and remain on the base.”  (emphasis added)

The new iteration also defines a bonafied slide as occurring when a runner:

• Makes contact with the ground ahead of the base
• Is in position to reach the base with his hand or foot and
• Attempts to remain on the base without changing his path to initiate contact with a fielder.

What’s new is 1) specifically forbidding what’s termed a “”roll block” for the purpose of initiating contact with the fielder”  and 2) spelling out that the purpose of the slide is to “reach and remain on the base” the changes are cosmetic.

Runners are now prohibited from “changing their pathway to the base” while in 2014 and 2015 it was called “leaving the baseline for the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man.“

The changes announced use new words in an attempt to show they changed something but in reality veering out of the baseline with the purpose of crashing into the pivot man was a violation then just as it is now The difference is that Tejada was crippled on national television in from of the two largest  TV markets in the country and now they have to enforce it.

It’s Still A Man’s Game

As Tim Kurkjian often points out baseball is a contact sport played by strong brave men, a fact supported by the joint MLB / MLBPA press release.

"“Runners may still initiate contact with the fielder as a consequence of an otherwise permissible slide.”"

Terry Collins who apparently missed a few things last year had what I consider a rather odd take, he’s quoted by A.J Perez in USA Today as saying it will make the game more dangerous.

"“Somebody is going to get their clock cleaned,” Mets manager Terry Collins said, moments after the changes were announced."

You mean like Tejada –twice – Kang – and others who were clear of the bag and had their career threatened by  by player already called out; that kind of clock cleaning Skip?

UPDATE: Somehow I left out the change that makes both the slide and the ‘neighborhood’ play officially subject to  review. Umpires were reviewing the neighborhood play  off and on depending on the crew from the ASG on and in the playoffs Utley was awarded the base because Tejada didn’t touch it. This change is a bit like saying remember what we were unofficially doing last year? We’re going to allow ourselves to do it this year.’

The press release announced other less controversial changes as well. Remember when they introduced the pitcher clock in the AFL and said not to worry we wouldn’t see a clock in the majors?  Guess what?

Next: Time Is On Our Side