MLB Discussing Universal DH And Expanded Playoffs For 2021

[Ron Madden]

Major League Baseball, fearing that the pandemic could create havoc with their scheduling once again, is proposing the return of seven-inning doubleheaders and extra-inning games beginning with a runner on second base, two persons with knowledge of their discussions told USA TODAY Sports.

While the union is expected to approve the rule changes for the 2021 season, the two sides still have not determined whether there will be a universal DH or an expanded postseason with the rosters remaining at 26 players.

MLB has proposed implementing a universal DH in exchange for an expanded postseason -- which would generate additional revenue with the extra round of playoffs televised by ESPN -- but the two sides have been at a stalemate.

Most baseball executives still believe there will be a universal DH this season, but unless the union approves an expanded playoff field, it may not happen. MLB is seeking a 14-team playoff field -- two fewer teams than a year ago but four more than their format since 2012.

“I always think the DH creates more opportunity for guys to get jobs,’’ outfielder Kevin Pillar said. “I think the DH makes the game a little more exciting. I know there are traditionalists who like the strategy, taking out a pitcher in a double-switch, and when to take your pitcher out.

“But it sure feels like pitching is so dominant now that if you can add an extra guy to the lineup, why not?’’

The truth is that most general managers and executives feel the same way, and even in NL traditional cities like St. Louis and Cincinnati, the DH met little opposition.

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https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/4172704...mpression=true

[KronoRed]

Nice of them to get this stuff settled early...yeesh

[The Operator]

The extra inning rule makes me twitch, I hate it so bad I can’t stand it. Little League stuff.

Universal DH is good by me. I’d be fine trying expanded playoffs another year but still not necessarily calling it permanent yet.

[Kingspoint]

...

[Kingspoint]

The extra inning rule makes me twitch, I hate it so bad I can’t stand it. Little League stuff.

Universal DH is good by me. I’d be fine trying expanded playoffs another year but still not necessarily calling it permanent yet.

...and the short fences don't?

[M2]

The Reds should be pounding the table for the DH rule. I don't want it, but they're constructed for it. Look out for #1.

[TexasRedsFan]

The extra inning rule makes me twitch, I hate it so bad I can’t stand it. Little League stuff.

I thought it sounded silly at first, but having seen it now, I'm ok as long as it's only in the regular season. Both teams get it and since you don't get to just pick your fastest runner, it seems fair enough. The regular season is so long, I think it makes sense to try to prevent 6 hour games from happening because (a) most people aren't going to watch for that long, and (b) they can really decimate a pitching staff.

I do think it shouldn't come into play until the 13th inning though, just to give teams a little bit longer to win the game traditionally.

[paulrichjr]

I absolutely love anything that will make extra innings more exciting. I feel like many who say that baseball is the only game when overtime or extra innings means fans leave instead of get excited. I honestly would do something like start with one on in the tenth, two on in the 11th and bases loaded in the 12th. Anything to make it feel like sudden death instead of...this thing might last 2 more hours.

[FlightRick]

I don't like the extra inning rule..... pretty much the rest? OK by me. Universal DH is a must, just so everybody's playing by the same rules finally (the fact that it specifically benefits the Reds' roster is a plus). The 7-inning double headers seemed to work nicely, too. And I think I'll come around on expanded playoffs.

But if we're gonna start spitballing a "progressive slots" format for extra innings, I hereby make the following bleary 2am proposal:

10th Inning -- Straight up baseball, no changes
11th Inning -- Start with a runner on 1st base (whoever made the last out in the 10th)
12th Inning and Beyond -- Start with runner on 2nd base (last out in previous inning)

That's a compromise I could probably live with.

[Crumbley]

The season starts in a couple of months and they don’t know the format of the rosters? How in the hell are you supposed to assemble a team? What is wrong with this sport?

[blumj]

theweregoinguse NLDHasa negiating methodfor the next cba

[mth123]

The DH would solve one of the Reds bigger problems and would improve my outlook for 2021 significantly. I also think its time for both leagues to have the same rules (or just get rid of the separate leagues completely).

I hate all of these other other rules, especially the runner on second crap.

[RedsBaron]

The DH would solve one of the Reds bigger problems and would improve my outlook for 2021 significantly. I also think its time for both leagues to have the same rules (or just get rid of the separate leagues completely).

I hate all of these other other rules, especially the runner on second crap.

I'm in favor of a universal DH. The "double switch" is neither that innovative nor exciting.

[RedTeamGo!]

I get the runner on 2nd rule fundamentally changes the game but there is nothing worse than a 15 inning game. Brutal.

[mth123]

I'm in favor of a universal DH. The "double switch" is neither that innovative nor exciting.

Or even that necessary. It's not like the pitcher is going to be in the game long enough for his turn to the plate to come up before they want to remove him anyway. The 5 inning starter has removed the one element of strategy that is of any consequence where the DH is concerned and that is whether to pinch hit and remove a starter in the middle innings when he's on a roll. These days they remove him anyway, so that choice doesn't really effect strategy. All these other "strategic moves" any 8 year old fan could figure out and don't really add any excitement.