2016 MLB spring training thread

I once did an interview with an NFL executive (and former player) about Jason Campbell. He called Campbell "Reggie" the entire time.

 

Some changes to the "pace of play" rules. Mound visits are now limited to 30 seconds and between-innings breaks reduced by 20 seconds (now 2:05 for local broadcasts, 2:25 for national broadcasts).

 

But does the clock start when the catcher and first baseman come to chat with pitch, or when the pitching coach or skipper bound out of the dugout?

 

Will he take less with a U.S. team considering lower taxes?

 

Also new rules on sliding:

 

So much for Fowler to the Orioles:



Strange move. Seemed like he was a perfect fit in Baltimore and part of a crowded OF picture in Chicago.

I guess this means Jason Heyward goes back to RF and Jorge Soler goes ... to the minors? ... to the trade block?

 

They just traded Chris Coghlan to the A's, so it sounds like a straight swap on the roster, although the starting lineup is still in question I guess.

 

They're going to review the neighborhood play now? Ugh. Replay is a total disaster in MLB. It should be restricted to fair/foul and home run/not home run. The rest of this crap is just awful.

 

Right, but they've now got 4 starting OFs for 3 spots: Fowler, Heyward, Soler and Schwarber (Schwarber is NOT a catcher). Coghlan was a fourth outfielder, but the other 4 are legit starters (though I guess Soler could be a platoon guy vs. lefties/defensive caddy for Schwarber).

 

I think there are enough ABs to go around to keep everyone fresh. Heyward and Schwarber will play most of the time, but even they'll get days off.

 

Reviewing the neighborhood play will undo time saved by rushing mound visits.