The new Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, wants to alter the way baseball is played.
His idea is to get rid of defensive shifts. This is how the players in the field are positioned for a hitter. Manfred hasn’t drawn up his plan yet. He would create a zone for each defensive player so they know where they can field a baseball. This could possibly help the offense score more runs.
Shifts are used in baseball for the defense to throw runners out. If you have a hitter who is going to bunt, the infield comes in. This way it will be easier to field the ball and make a quick throw. Teams move towards the baseline if a hitter is known to hit down the foul line. This possibly cuts the ball off from going into the outfield. If teams think they can get a double play, they shift to double play depth. They also shift right or left depending on how the manager wants the fielders to play the hitter.
Manfred will need to make changes for the outfielders. Managers call out for the outfield to come in, move out, go to the right, or go the left depending on how they want them to lineup for a hitter. A zone for every defensive position would be necessary.
When he proposes shift changes to owners he will explain where a player is allowed to stand. Would baseball draw more lines for each position player? It would have to be done so the umpires and the managers know where the players would be allowed to stand and catch the ball. Which umpire would watch to make sure the fielders stay in that zone? What happens if a player fields a ball out of his zone? That’s where baseball needs to figure out what the rule would be if shifts are not allowed.
Shifts are a part of baseball Manfred shouldn’t touch. This would modify baseball strategy. All the minor leagues would need to comply. Baseball at the high school and college level would adopt the same rules so a player knows what to expect if he is lucky enough to keep playing professional baseball.
Managers and players would have a difficult time adapting to the new rules. Owners like the way baseball is played so change isn’t something that comes easily. Baseball has been slow to modifying its rules. Baseball was the last of the four major sports to have some sort of instant replay. Hopefully, when Manfred draws up his idea to ban defensive shifts baseball, owners will vote against it.
How will the game of baseball change if shifts aren’t allowed?
Sounds like you understand what the proposed changes could mean. I agree . Thanks for the explanation