LAKELAND, Fla. — The idea of starting extra innings with a runner on second base in a major league game is repulsive.
Good thing the Gulf Coast League, one of the two Rookie leagues where that rule is to be implemented, is the lowest rung of the minor leagues.
Commissioner Rob Manfred yesterday said he thinks of rule changes in three categories: those intended to speed up the game by eliminating dead time; those to promote action in the game itself, like an altered strike zone that may be on its way; and those with a more tailored purpose.