Some MLB games will be about :30 seconds quicker, so hooray! (Sort of)
To help speed up MLB games, a pitcher will no longer throw four balls to the catcher during the intentional walk process. Now, the dugout can signal and intentional walk, and the runner will take his base.
As great as it sounds to move a bit quicker, instances exist where something goes wrong with one of the four pitches thrown, and runners either advance or a runner can score.
Another small, but needs to be looked at, problem could be pitch count. Four pitches is not a lot in the grand scheme of things, but pitch count does affect how long a certain pitcher will remain in a game.
The rule takes place this year, so expect to see the change real quick as baseball season is upon us.
For more information on the rule change, click here.
-Matt Markham
