What should MLB do to shorten the time of games?
MLB games have been getting longer and longer in recent years, and many fans are starting to get impatient. In 2021, the average MLB game lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes, up from 2 hours and 56 minutes in 2000.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to this increase in playing time, including:
- More walks and strikeouts
- More pitchers throwing at least 100 pitches per game
- More bullpen usage
- More replay reviews
MLB has already taken some steps to try to shorten games, such as limiting the number of mound visits and implementing a pitch clock in the minor leagues. However, these measures have not been enough to significantly reduce playing time.
Here are a few more things that MLB could do to shorten games:
- Reduce the number of innings: This is the most drastic measure, but it would have the biggest impact on playing time. MLB could reduce the number of innings from nine to seven or eight.
- Shorten the time between innings: MLB could shorten the time between innings from 2 minutes to 1 minute 30 seconds. This would save about 10 minutes per game.
- Limit the number of pitches per batter: MLB could limit the number of pitches that a batter can see in an at-bat to four or five. This would speed up the pace of play and reduce the number of walks and strikeouts.
- Use an automated strike zone: An automated strike zone would remove the human element from ball and strike calls, which would speed up the pace of play and reduce the number of arguments.
FAQs
- Why do MLB games take so long? There are a number of factors that have contributed to the increase in playing time in recent years, including more walks and strikeouts, more pitchers throwing at least 100 pitches per game, more bullpen usage, and more replay reviews.
- What has MLB done to try to shorten games? MLB has already taken some steps to try to shorten games, such as limiting the number of mound visits and implementing a pitch clock in the minor leagues.
- What are some other things that MLB could do to shorten games? MLB could reduce the number of innings, shorten the time between innings, limit the number of pitches per batter, and use an automated strike zone.
- Which of these measures would be the most effective? Reducing the number of innings would have the biggest impact on playing time, but it is also the most drastic measure.
- Is there a consensus among fans about how to shorten games? There is no consensus among fans about how to shorten games, but many fans are in favor of some type of change.
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