Oct 26, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) is tagged out by Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) at second base during the eighth inning during game one of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not clear when (or even if) the 2022 Major League Baseball season will get going. The first week of the regular has already been canceled, commissioner Rob Manfred is getting blasted and the league’s owners have seemingly little incentive to end the lockout any time soon. But when the MLB lockout is lifted, things will be different.

The playoffs will almost certainly be expanded from 10 to either 12 or 14 teams. The other rules likely to be implemented include a universal designated hitter, a ban on shifts, and a pitch clock. These are conversations MLB fans have been having for years. But one new rule now discussed that hasn’t been on the mind of many fans is the idea of larger bases.

With the discussion of larger bases now being incorporated into these talks, MLB fans have voiced their feelings on the matter. It’s brought disparate opinions. Several fans are lukewarm — or worse — to the idea.

But that skepticism was not universal.

While it hasn’t been a hotly-discussed issue like others, larger bases can theoretically help solve a few issues. On one level, they could help player safety. With a larger base, the odds are decreased that the runner will step on the fielder on a close play. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s generally ugly.

Larger bases could also help make the game faster, or at least more action-filled. Recent seasons have seen an uptick in walks, strikeouts and home runs. A home run is the most efficient way to score a run. That will never change.

But as teams have begun to fill their lineups with hitters who are looking to drive the ball out of the park, those hitters have become more selective. That’s led to an uptick in both walks and strikeouts. That not only makes the game longer but also decreases the action within the game.

Larger bases would make it a little easier for hitters to reach base. That would (theoretically, at least), make them more likely to bunt or try to hit the ball on the ground. It would also potentially make runners more likely to try to take an extra base within a play or to try to steal.

Other observers were just interested in the comedy of the situation. And to be fair, there was some of that.

Ultimately, though, there’s a greater issue. No rule will make any difference while the games are locked out.

And that’s really the most important issue here. The new rules can be debated. But if there are no games to see them implemented in, the arguments will prove pointless.

About Michael Dixon

About Michael:
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