Tom Verducci proposes the 'Bonus At-Bat'

The actual piece is behind a paywall, but in this week's Sports Illustrated, baseball writer Tom Verducci writes that he favors a once-a-game "bonus at-bat" to "modernize" baseball. In essence, a team would get to denote a player, like David Ortiz in the World Series, to bat during a crucial situation instead of the batter actually at the plate.

Here is a synopsis that mentions it:

http://mlb.si.com/2013/10/30/world-series-sports-illustrated-cover/

First of all, I think the idea is insane. Second of all, however, Verducci's status as a contributor to MLB Network makes me wonder if this is not a bit of a trial baloon being floated by Major League Baseball. Time will tell.

Does anyone actually like the idea?

 

how about modernizing the game by getting rid of pitchers batting in the National League first?

 

Horrendous.

 

That would be awesome to see how long it takes to watch Ortiz get ready for an at-bat outside his regular rotation. Yaaawwnnn.

 

Verducci writes that it would add excitement by making sure that the best players are in the game at the most important times, deciding it.

It reminds me of all the contrived ways that NASCAR engineers exciting finishes.

 

Sure. Also, how about we allow NFL teams to have one play a game where a player is allowed to wear a jet pack to block a FG or XP. And if they can ever figure that flubber thing out, could install something similar for basketball.

 

Having a good #5 hitter is just to much to ask, I guess.

There are a hundred things that could happen (the DH being the obvious one) before this needs to.

 

Debris on the field?

 

What is with SI greats lighting their credibility on fire when they reach their 50s?

 

The NFL should adopt the old Pro Bowl rule where in the fourth quarter, after every score, the winning team kicks off. Even after the trailing team just scored. That would make for a lot more close finishes and higher ratings.

 

Every team in every sport should get a Teen Wolf.