Quote:
Originally Posted by ALB123
I don't consider it a rant. I think you're making perfect sense and I agree with you 100%. I was watching a video where they were talking about these new rule changes the MLB is contemplating. The subject of the 3 batter minimum came up. Something I had never considered, an MLB reliever mentioned, with a 3 batter minimum you're eliminating the role of "Left-Handed Specialist". I'm sure casual fans would roll their eyes at that, but the Specialist is literally some player's only remaining tool that's keeping them employed and it plays a vital role in close games.
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Yeah, FWIW,
the LOOGY is already dead, but the "lefty specialist" will soon follow with this new rule. That's not to say that all lefty relievers will die. Lefties with even or reverse splits will survive, but lefties with only good splits against lefty batters will die. I really don't like the idea of making certain roles extinct.
I hate the rule.
But I also hate mid-inning pitching changes. I'd rather just see an extra cost to making a mid-inning pitching change. Like, I don't know, the mid-inning replaced pitcher can't pitch in the next game, which would make you think twice about replacing relievers. Or maybe you had to burn a position player too. So you could still replace him if you really wanted to, but it would cost you.