John Smoltz Comes Out in Favor of MLB's Worst 2020 Rule Change
Major League Baseball has agreed to make several rule changes in 2020 and that has already drawn the ire of many fans. One of the more controversial changes is starting extra innings with a runner on second base.
This rule will surely anger many traditionalists. That is why it was surprising to hear former Atlanta Braves pitcher and often grumpy MLB analyst John Smoltz support the change.
John Smoltz has an old-school mindset, but he actually supports the MLB's runner-on-second rule change.https://t.co/JCGOl399SZ
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 25, 2020
Smoltz's reasoning is that there is no need for teams to wear down their bullpens just to compete for one victory in a 17 or 18-inning game. This is a surprise to hear from someone who often gives off a "back in my day" vibe while announcing the game.
Get ready for baseball like you’ve never seen it in 2020; #MLB will have runner starting on 2nd base in extra innings,may even have games ending in a tie, with free substitution In extra innings. https://t.co/ZxzGzoFpDf
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 20, 2020
Smoltz's reasoning for supporting the rule makes sense. However, that doesn't mean fans automatically have to support it as well. We may be seeing a lot more bunting in extra innings and it is already rare for a game to go deep into the 17 or 18-inning range, as Smoltz mentioned.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has done what he can to speed up games during his time in charge. This new extra-inning rule is the latest example, and Smoltz's support is a step in the right direction.