2022 MLB Season Thread - Zombie Runners Back from the Dead

[synistar]

Better late than never.

Welcome to the 2022 season where free agency was compressed into a matter of a few weeks before and after the lockout. Except for the A's - where free agency is code for fire sale.

Because the lockout, zombie runners are back in order to speed up the end of the game in extras for this season only. On the flip side, doubleheaders are now full 9 inning games. No more embarrassing 7 inning no-hitter like Mad Bum did last year or the Rays with a combined no-no.

Speaking of speeding up the game, expect fewer mound visits by the catcher. PitchCom, an electronic device to relay signals, is allowed this year after being trialed in the minors and this spring training. inb4 a guy wearing sunglasses and a hoodie in the Astros dugout is hacking the system /s

DH is universal. Shohei gets his own rule because of it allowing him to hit and pitch without the team sacrificing the DH. Could this also mean Grenkie could get a few days at DH in KC? Can deGrom match his feat for having a higher batting average than an ERA again? Well we won't know the answer to the 2nd question. Mets fans in perpetual pain with deGrom out and questions about Scherzer. Something we can all collectively laugh at.

Also the Dodgers can't exploit the DFA loophole that made the their minor league affiliates a revolving door for their pitching staff. A player can be optioned to the minors 5 times before hitting the waiver wire. Minimum stay for pitchers on the IL is now 15 days to close that exploitable loophole.

12 teams now make the postseason. 2 best division winners in each league get a 1st round bye. 1st round is BO3.

Umps are now going to explain the ruling on the field for challenges. First example was Monday at the LAD/LAA game - https://twitter.com/BaseballDoesnt/s...84992805822470

That's all for rule changes. I'm excited to see a fully operational Angels lineup hit some dingers (Please stay healthy Trout)

And to close, Trevor Plouffe, the predictor of Atlanta over Houston in 6 last year has this year's prediction.

https://twitter.com/trevorplouffe/st...41813228793856

You're welcome Archie.

[Mertron]

babsell

[Mertron]

anyway not a phillies fan but looking forward to a nuclear weapon detonating in eastern europe somewhere and there’s a deep drive to left by castellanos

[NynJa]

Whats going on in AL East?
https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1511838661960036352

[Melena]

Before it become banable again

#EVENYEARCURSE!

[Xno Kappa]

https://twitter.com/gifs_baseball/st...cUpfQ-zGMmO8Jw

Calling it now. Braves and Dodgers first major brawl of the year after the Annual NL Central Battle Royale.

[Celeras]

Lol I'm sure all that has nothing to do with the fact that the Braves only started winning once Acuna was hurt.

[Obsidian]

https://twitter.com/gifs_baseball/st...cUpfQ-zGMmO8Jw

Calling it now. Braves and Dodgers first major brawl of the year after the Annual NL Central Battle Royale.

I've never seen something scream "he was more popular than me and I hated it," more loudly.

[Delayed]

As long as yankees stay flunkies to make espn go hurrrrr im happy.
Blue jays, rangers rays and angels should be stand outs this year.
Here's to another year of astros dominance! I hope...

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[Xno Kappa]

My team is not playing today but god damn it's gonna feel good to have actual baseball back on.

[archibaldcrane]

I'm so wrapped up in the Bucks that I'm completely emotionally unprepared for the Brewers to start playing.

Also I canceled my mlb.tv subscription before the lockout so it wouldn't auto-renew and now I'm stuck deciding whether to pay for it again

[archibaldcrane]

Also opening the season with 4 straight starts during the day in Chicago is weird

[Xno Kappa]

I haven't looked into it yet, but does the Apple+ TV nonsense for Friday night games include blacking out local markets and mlb.tv?

[synistar]

There's also a Peacock game of the week for a Sunday morning game. Too many god damn services now splitting up all the games.

Google led me here - https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/aroun...ay-night-games

Games on "Friday Night Baseball" will be exclusive to Apple TV+, but free from local broadcast restrictions, meaning no blackouts. Fans can access these games across devices where Apple TV+ can be found, including on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and HD, and on tv.apple.com, along with select smart TVs, gaming consoles, and cable set-top boxes.

For a limited time, "Friday Night Baseball" will be available to fans without the need for a subscription to Apple TV+.

Those games appear exclusive to Apple. Let's see how long it goes until it's behind the paywall.

[Xno Kappa]

What the fuck do brewers have against Contreras? Opening day and they already plunked his ass.

[Mertron]

pretty sure he got caught trying to lean into a pitch so they hit him to retaliate, and now they just do it because it’s funny

[Koyangi]

The White Sox will be surprisingly good this year.

[Mertron]

rooting for baseball to be good this year tbh

https://twitter.com/talkinjake/statu...yfeCvzAFReaUIw

[Outlaw]

Is it just me or does the strike zone seem bigger this year? I'm talking about the box overlay they put on tv.

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[Mertron]

not great bob

https://twitter.com/lindseyadler/sta...Vvy1KD4h4VBAFQ