Post by SportsFan19 on Feb 12, 2020 23:48:37 GMT
Speeds up the game - but IMO takes away from the chess match a bit just like limiting the # of times a pitcher can be visited on the mound.
I don't like it.
Read an article (ESPN?) a couple months back showing how rare the "1 batter specialist" is now. If I can remember correctly, not only is it much less rare the last couple seasons, it's not heavily leaned in the NL, and the most often employed pitcher in that manner was actually a righty in the AL (I want to say Minnesota or Cleveland).
So unless there are A LOT of pitchers coming in to face 2 batters, I don't think this rule will make any difference.
Furthermore, if say the Cards are facing the Phillies in the playoffs, I'd prefer they be able to bring in a lefty in the late innings to face Harper in a pressure situation, and then replace him with a righty (if say Bryant is on deck).