As Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association announced long-awaited changes concerning slides at second base – a result largely of the play during last year’s National League Division Series that resulted in the Dodgers’ Chase Utley seriously injuring the Mets’ Ruben Tejada – Collins expressed skepticism the multiple changes could work in concert.
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Under the amended rules, a baserunner’s slide will be considered legal if: He slides before reaching the base; he is able to and attempts to reach or touch the base; he is able to and attempts to stay on the base; and he does not change his pathway to the base.
I wonder what the baseball players from the 1900’s would’ve thought of this new rule? Utley’s appeal is expected to be heard next month.
“I think they are trying to keep the middle infielders safe and I think that’s the most important thing”, said Tejada, comparing it to the move baseball made two years ago to protect catchers in home-plate collisions.
“I think the main thing was there’s a lot of expectations and the only way to come through with those is to perform and go about our business and get ready”, Matt Harvey said.
Furthermore, “slides on potential double plays will require runners to make a bona fide attempt to reach and remain on the base”.
The goal of this rule isn’t to end the practice of breaking up double plays with good, clean slides but rather to define what a good, clean slide is.
Major League Baseball says, “the change aims to allow players to more closely match the resumption of play with the return of broadcasters from commercial breaks”.
Mercer, who discussed the modification negotiations with MLBPA executive director Tony Clark, said, “That one’s probably going to be worse than anything”.
“I imagine there will be a little bit of an adjustment for the middle infielders, but also the baserunners”, Utley said. The play is subject to replay review.
A shortstop will drag his right foot across the back corner of the base. “I don’t think that will ever change”, said Colorado manager Walt Weiss, a former All-Star shortstop.
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Visits will be timed by the countdown clocks that were installed at ballparks previous year, starting when the manager or coach leaves the dugout and an umpire grants time. As a middle infielder, you’re trying to get the ball out as quick as you can to turn a double play. Unless there’s a pitching change, they’ve got to leave before the clock reaches zero. 255 batting average. The Mets did not seem to high on his future when they gave him an extra day of service time as they negotiated that contract, allowing him to be a free agent after this season.
