The Changing Face of Professional Baseball: What Lies Ahead

My memo-

Before I begin what lies ahead:

First, many argue that Rob Manfred's tenure as Commissioner has brought dramatic changes to the game, and not all have been welcomed by traditionalists. The fact that he never played at a professional level does raise questions about whether someone without firsthand experience on the field can truly grasp the nuances and traditions of baseball. Critics of Manfred often point to his embrace of rule changes, like the pitch clock or the automated strike zone, which are seen as attempts to modernize the game at the cost of its authenticity. While business acumen is important for the role, the argument could be made that baseball needs leadership rooted in a deeper connection to the sport.

Regarding Pete Rose, his exclusion from the Hall of Fame remains one of the most polarizing issues in baseball. Rose's gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds violated a cardinal rule, but many believe that his achievements on the field—most notably his 4,256 hits—deserve enshrinement. Rose’s detractors argue that integrity is as important as statistics when it comes to Hall of Fame consideration, but supporters feel the punishment has become excessive, particularly given how the sport has embraced partnerships with gambling platforms in recent years. Manfred’s role in maintaining Rose’s ban certainly highlights a contradiction in the league’s current stance on gambling.

As for gambling today, it’s undeniable that many athletes and leagues are deeply intertwined with sports betting companies like DraftKings. Numerous sports figures, from athletes to team owners, now have financial stakes in these platforms. The rise of online gambling has blurred the lines between acceptable business ventures and conflicts of interest. In today’s climate, it feels inconsistent to hold Pete Rose to a different standard when gambling is now so embedded in sports culture. The situation calls for a reevaluation, especially as gambling becomes normalized across professional sports.

Owen Kelly

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?Baseball has long been revered as America’s pastime, a sport rich in tradition and deeply embedded in the nation’s history. Over the past few decades, however, the game has evolved dramatically, with many changes reflecting the growing influence of technology, analytics, and evolving fan expectations. As the sport moves into the future, questions arise about where it’s heading and what the game will look like in the years to come.

One of the most controversial figures in the recent history of baseball is current MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Since taking office in 2015, Manfred has implemented significant changes aimed at modernizing the game and attracting a younger fan base. While some argue that his actions have been necessary to keep baseball competitive in a fast-changing sports landscape, others, including myself, feel that many of his decisions have eroded the essence of the game. Looking ahead, it’s clear that baseball will continue to evolve, but whether these changes will enhance or harm the sport is still a matter of debate.

In this memo, I will explore the major changes that have taken place in professional baseball in recent years, as well as speculate on what the future holds for the sport. We’ll also take a critical look at Rob Manfred’s tenure and what impact his leadership may have on the future of baseball.

1. Major Changes in Professional Baseball Over the Last Decade

The Influence of Analytics

One of the most profound changes in baseball over the past decade has been the rise of analytics. Advanced statistics have reshaped how teams evaluate players, draft talent, and make in-game decisions. With metrics like WAR (Wins Above Replacement), exit velocity, spin rate, and launch angle, teams now rely on data to guide their strategies more than ever before.

While analytics have brought a new level of precision to the game, they have also led to some negative consequences:

Diminished Role of Traditional Scouting: The gut instinct and experience of scouts are increasingly being replaced by cold, hard data. This shift has devalued the human element of the game, and some fans feel that it has led to a more robotic and less intuitive style of play.

All-or-Nothing Offense: Analytics have also encouraged an all-or-nothing offensive approach, with players focusing on home runs and walks, often at the expense of batting average and situational hitting. The result has been a noticeable increase in strikeouts and a decrease in balls put in play, leading to a slower, less exciting pace of play for fans.

Rule Changes for Pace of Play

Rob Manfred has made pace of play a key focus during his tenure. To address concerns that baseball games are too long and slow, MLB has implemented several rule changes:

Pitch Clock: In an effort to speed up the game, a pitch clock has been introduced, limiting the time pitchers have between pitches. While this has reduced game times, it’s been met with resistance from purists who believe it disrupts the natural rhythm of the game.

Three-Batter Minimum for Relievers: Another controversial change was the introduction of a rule requiring relief pitchers to face at least three batters before they can be removed (unless the inning ends). This was aimed at reducing the number of pitching changes and speeding up the game, but it has drawn criticism for taking strategic decisions out of the manager's hands.

Expanded Use of Replay Technology

Instant replay was introduced to MLB in 2008, initially for reviewing home run calls, but its use has since expanded to include most plays on the field. While this has improved the accuracy of certain calls, the constant stoppages to review plays have contributed to longer game times and sometimes interrupt the flow of the game.

Increased Home Runs and Power-Heavy Offense

Home run rates have skyrocketed in recent years, thanks in part to changes in how players approach hitting (focusing on launch angle) and potential alterations to the baseball itself. Some fans enjoy the increase in power, but others lament the decline of the small-ball strategies—stealing bases, bunting, and hit-and-run plays—that once made the game more dynamic.

Designated Hitter in the National League

In 2022, MLB made the designated hitter (DH) rule universal across both the American and National Leagues. While the DH had been a staple in the American League since 1973, the National League had always retained traditional pitcher batting. This change was made to create uniformity across the leagues and extend the careers of aging sluggers, but it also marked the end of an era for National League baseball purists who enjoyed the added strategy of pitchers hitting.

2. What Could the Future of Baseball Look Like?

1. Automated Strike Zones (Robot Umpires)

One of the most likely changes coming to baseball in the near future is the implementation of automated strike zones, often referred to as “robot umpires.” While the human element of umpires calling balls and strikes has long been a core aspect of the game, many argue that automated technology can provide more accuracy and consistency. MLB has already tested the system in the minor leagues, and many expect it to be adopted in the majors within the next few years.

While this technology may eliminate controversial calls, it could also strip the game of one of its most human elements—the art of framing pitches and the subtle relationship between pitchers and umpires. The fear is that baseball may become too automated, removing the nuances that make it unique.

2. More Radical Rule Changes to Speed Up the Game

Rob Manfred has shown no hesitation in pushing through rule changes, and we can expect more in the future to speed up the game and appeal to younger audiences. Some potential changes that have been discussed include:

Shortened Game Length: There have been discussions about shortening the length of games from nine innings to seven innings, particularly in doubleheaders. While this may make games faster, it would be a radical departure from the traditional structure of baseball.

Further Restrictions on Defensive Shifts: Defensive shifts—where fielders are positioned according to a batter’s tendencies—have become widespread in recent years, often neutralizing some of the game's best hitters. MLB has already implemented restrictions on shifts, but future changes could further limit them to encourage more balls in play and higher batting averages.

3. International Expansion and a Global World Series?

MLB has been making efforts to grow the game internationally, with regular-season games being played in places like Japan, Mexico, and the UK. As globalization continues, it’s possible that we’ll see even more international expansion, with teams based outside of the U.S. and Canada becoming a reality. Some even speculate that we could eventually see a "Global World Series," where the champions of MLB face off against the best teams from leagues around the world.

4. Continued Rise of Player Salaries and Business Focus

The economics of baseball have changed dramatically, with player salaries reaching astronomical heights and TV contracts fueling the sport’s financial growth. While this has benefited players, it has also led to growing concerns about the commercialization of the game. As player salaries continue to rise, we may see even greater emphasis on player branding and endorsements, further blurring the lines between sport and business.

3. Rob Manfred’s Impact on the Future of Baseball

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of Rob Manfred’s approach as Commissioner of Baseball. While I understand the need for some changes to keep the game relevant, many of Manfred’s decisions have felt more like pandering to short-term fan engagement than preserving the integrity of the game.

The Push for Modernization

Manfred has been relentless in his pursuit of making the game faster and more appealing to a younger audience. His focus on pace of play, home runs, and flashy offense has fundamentally altered the game, often at the expense of the slower, more strategic elements that long-time fans cherish.

A Business-First Approach

One of the biggest criticisms of Manfred’s leadership is his perceived business-first mindset. Many of his decisions, from pushing rule changes to increasing the number of postseason teams, seem more geared toward making money and increasing viewership rather than maintaining the sport’s purity. The sense is that Manfred sees baseball as a product to sell, rather than a tradition to uphold.

What Will Baseball Look Like After Manfred? HOPEFULLY BETTER!

It’s hard to say exactly what baseball will look like after Manfred’s tenure ends, but if his influence continues to shape the game, we may see an even more modernized, data-driven, and technology-heavy version of baseball. The challenge will be balancing the need for innovation with the preservation of the sport’s deep-rooted traditions. I worry that the push for instant gratification—whether through rule changes or technology—may ultimately alienate the core fan base that has sustained the sport for over a century.

A Future Full of Possibilities, But Also Uncertainty and Players react below.

Baseball is undoubtedly changing, and the changes we’ve seen over the past decade are likely just the beginning. The future of the sport may involve even more technology, shorter games, and a global reach that expands its fan base beyond the U.S. However, there’s a real danger that baseball could lose its soul in the process.

As a fan who values the traditions of the game, I can only hope that the future of baseball retains the elements that have made it special for so long: the tension between pitcher and batter, the strategy involved in every play, and the slow, deliberate pace that allows the game to unfold in its own time. While change is inevitable, preserving the heart of baseball is essential to keeping the game as America’s pastime, even in a rapidly evolving world.

Several former and current professional baseball players, like New York Yankees legend Goose Gossage, have voiced their displeasure with the new rules introduced in Major League Baseball, particularly those implemented under Commissioner Rob Manfred. These players, many of whom represent a more traditional view of the game, believe that the changes disrupt the core elements of the sport that they grew up playing and loving.

Here are some notable players, both retired and active, who have expressed criticism of the new rules:

1. Goose Gossage

The Hall of Fame closer has been one of the most outspoken critics of modern baseball, especially the new rules aimed at speeding up the game and increasing offense. Gossage, known for his fiery personality, has voiced his disdain for changes such as the pitch clock, the rise of analytics, and the general shift away from what he considers the heart of the game. He has said he no longer watches baseball because of how much it has changed, calling the current state of the game "a joke" and lamenting the lack of toughness in today's players compared to his era.

2. Max Scherzer

Scherzer, one of the most dominant pitchers of the modern era, has been vocal about his dislike for some of the new rules, particularly those that impact pitchers. He’s had mixed feelings about the pitch clock, initially expressing frustration over the way it changes the rhythm of a game and impacts a pitcher’s ability to work at their own pace. Scherzer has also been critical of the three-batter minimum for relievers, feeling that it takes away strategic elements from the game.

3. Clayton Kershaw

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has expressed skepticism about the universal designated hitter (DH) and defensive shift restrictions. While he understands the league's desire to generate more offense and make the game faster-paced, Kershaw has suggested that these rules undermine the traditional strategies that pitchers and teams have used for years.

4. Bryce Harper

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has been critical of the expansion of instant replay and believes that the heavy reliance on technology is hurting the natural flow of the game. He has argued that the human element is an essential part of baseball, and too much intervention from replay officials disrupts the game's continuity. Harper has also expressed discontent with the ongoing adjustments to speed up the game, feeling they might come at the expense of player safety.

5. Justin Verlander

Another future Hall of Famer, Verlander has spoken out against the changes in pitching regulations and the increased use of technology in the game. He's particularly frustrated with how pitchers are now managed, including the emphasis on limiting pitch counts and the increased reliance on bullpen arms instead of allowing starting pitchers to work deeper into games. Verlander, like Scherzer, has been a critic of the three-batter minimum and believes it limits a manager's ability to effectively utilize strategy.

6. Dustin Pedroia

Former Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has expressed discontent with the way defensive shifts have impacted offensive play. Pedroia, known for his strong defensive skills and aggressive playing style, believes that banning or restricting shifts takes away the strategic elements that make baseball so compelling. He has also expressed concerns that changes meant to speed up the game may hurt its natural pace and rhythm.

7. John Smoltz

Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz has been a vocal critic of many modern changes in baseball, particularly the way analytics have come to dominate decision-making. Smoltz has lamented the loss of in-game strategy, the decline of complete games for starting pitchers, and the reliance on relief pitchers and data-driven shifts. He believes the game is moving too far from its roots and has called for a balance between tradition and modern innovation. Smoltz has also criticized the increased focus on launch angles and home runs, arguing that the game has lost some of its versatility and nuance.

8. David Ortiz

While Big Papi hasn’t entirely rejected the new rules, he’s expressed concerns about the way the game is changing. He’s criticized the over-reliance on home runs and analytics, feeling that the game has become too one-dimensional. Ortiz has stated that there needs to be more of an emphasis on well-rounded offensive strategies, such as contact hitting and small ball.

9. Adam Wainwright

Veteran St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright has voiced his frustration with the pitch clock and some of the restrictions placed on pitchers in terms of working with their own rhythm. Wainwright, like many veteran pitchers, believes that these rules are more of a hindrance than a help to the game, particularly for experienced players who have spent years developing their approach on the mound.

10. Trevor Bauer

Though Trevor Bauer is known for his outspoken and often controversial opinions, he has frequently criticized MLB’s leadership and some of the recent rule changes. Bauer has been particularly vocal about the league's handling of baseballs—claiming that MLB has altered the ball's composition to create more offense—and has been skeptical of how the league’s emphasis on offense is affecting the game's balance. Additionally, Bauer has expressed concerns about how certain rules, such as the pitch clock, interfere with a pitcher’s ability to perform at their best.

?Why Many Players Are Upset

These players, and many others, are not against innovation in baseball, but they feel that some changes have been implemented without fully considering the impact on the integrity of the game. The following are the most common reasons for their dissatisfaction:

1.????? Loss of Strategic Elements: Rule changes like the three-batter minimum for relievers and restrictions on defensive shifts are seen as removing important strategic aspects of baseball. These moves limit a manager's ability to play matchups and deploy pitchers or fielders in response to a game’s situation.

2.????? Over-Emphasis on Analytics: Many traditional players dislike the growing reliance on data-driven decisions. While analytics provide insights, they can also strip away the instincts, feel, and human elements that have historically defined baseball.

3.????? Impact on Pitchers: Changes like the pitch clock and pitcher restrictions are seen as disruptive to a pitcher’s rhythm and routine. Many pitchers, especially veterans, argue that these rules are more detrimental to their performance than beneficial to the game’s pace.

4.????? Erosion of Tradition: For many players, baseball is a game deeply rooted in tradition. The recent shift toward home runs, shortened games, and faster play has made the sport feel less like the one they grew up playing and watching. Changes like the universal DH in the National League and the possibility of automated strike zones ("robot umpires") threaten to further erode these traditions.

The Tension Between Tradition and Innovation

While change is inevitable in any sport, the tension between baseball’s deep-rooted traditions and modern innovations continues to stir debate. For veteran players and purists, the new rules represent a departure from the game’s core values, a move toward over-automation, and an over-reliance on data. On the other hand, proponents of the changes argue that they are necessary to attract a younger generation of fans and keep the game competitive in a world dominated by fast-paced sports and entertainment options.

As baseball continues to evolve, it’s likely that this tension will remain a focal point for both players and fans. Balancing the sport’s rich history with the demands of the modern game will be one of MLB’s greatest challenges in the coming years. The rise of data-driven decision-making, including the use of metrics like exit velocity, spin rates, launch angles, and more, has transformed how teams evaluate talent. This shift has led some to question whether traditional scouting, which relies heavily on a scout’s eye and instinct, will become obsolete. Let's dive deeper into this topic, including the potential future of scouting and how college players might be drafted without scouts.

Is Scouting Becoming Obsolete?

While it’s true that the scouting landscape has dramatically changed, it’s unlikely that scouting will disappear entirely. However, the role of scouts is evolving. In years past, scouts were the lifeblood of talent evaluation in baseball. They traveled across the country, visiting high schools, colleges, and international leagues, relying on their own experience and intuition to assess a player’s potential. But now, with so much data readily available, teams are increasingly relying on technology, algorithms, and advanced analytics to make decisions.

The Role of Technology and Analytics

Baseball front offices now have vast amounts of data at their disposal. Here’s how technology and analytics are beginning to overshadow traditional scouting:

1. Statcast and Data Systems: With systems like Statcast, teams can measure nearly every aspect of a player’s performance—from how hard they hit the ball to the spin rate of a curveball. This allows teams to quantify performance in ways that weren’t previously possible.
2. Wearable Technology: Players can be monitored using wearable devices that track their biomechanics, fatigue levels, and injury risk. Teams can then use this data to make decisions about a player’s health and potential longevity, factors that a scout might have once assessed using intuition.
3. Video Analysis: Teams now have access to high-speed cameras and detailed video footage that allow them to analyze a player's mechanics in incredible detail. This visual data, combined with stats, provides teams with a comprehensive view of a player's potential without needing an in-person evaluation.
4. Predictive Models: Many organizations are developing predictive models to estimate a player’s future performance. These models rely on past performance metrics, physical attributes, and even psychological profiles, allowing teams to project how well a player will fare at higher levels of competition.

Given this shift, scouts have seen their roles change. Rather than being the final decision-makers, scouts are now one part of a larger data-driven approach. In some cases, their evaluations are used to supplement or corroborate what the numbers suggest.

What Happens to College and High School Scouting?

If traditional scouting continues to diminish, the process of drafting players—especially those in high school and college—could change significantly.

1. Increased Reliance on Data from Amateur Leagues: Many top college programs and even high school leagues are already incorporating technology such as Rapsodo and TrackMan systems, which capture in-depth performance metrics. Teams might use this data as a key component in their evaluations, rather than relying on the observations of scouts. In fact, many major college programs produce data that MLB teams have easy access to, giving front offices a direct line to measurable performance.
2. Showcases and Combines: College players might be drafted based more on performances at showcases and combines, where their measurable skills can be quantified. Organizations like Perfect Game and USA Baseball already host events where top amateur players can display their abilities, and data from these events is heavily used in player evaluations. We may see an increase in the importance of these types of events, which would serve as a replacement for traditional scouting trips to high school and college games.
3. Video and Streaming: With the rise of live-streaming games, it’s easier than ever for teams to scout players remotely. While the scout in the stands used to be a staple of amateur games, teams can now rely on video analysis to watch these games from anywhere in the world. This method is already growing, with teams investing heavily in video departments to break down footage from various angles.
4. Centralized Databases: Some analysts envision a future where data on every high school and college player is collected in centralized databases. Teams would have access to a player's stats, physical metrics, and video footage in real-time, reducing the need for scouts to physically attend games.

Challenges of a Scout-less Future

While the data-driven approach has clear advantages, moving away from traditional scouting creates some challenges:

1. The Human Element: Data can quantify performance, but it can’t measure intangibles like a player’s work ethic, leadership, or how they respond to adversity. Scouts provide this kind of insight based on their personal interactions with players. Removing scouts from the equation may result in teams missing out on players with strong intangible qualities who might otherwise thrive in professional environments.
2. Contextual Evaluation: Scouts can assess a player’s performance in context, understanding factors that stats may not capture, such as how a player competes under pressure, how they react to a bad call, or their overall baseball instincts.
3. Player Development and Makeup: Scouts often provide critical input on a player’s long-term potential, particularly their "makeup." They talk to coaches, families, and teammates, gathering information that helps teams determine if a player will be able to handle the mental and emotional grind of professional baseball. While predictive models and data can assess potential performance, it’s much harder for them to evaluate a player’s makeup and resilience.
4. Undiscovered Talent: In the past, many players flew under the radar and were discovered by a keen-eyed scout. If teams become overly reliant on data, there’s a risk that certain types of players—those who may not stand out statistically but have the talent to improve over time—might slip through the cracks. This is especially true for late bloomers and players who develop later in their careers.

What Will Drafting Look Like Without Scouts?

If scouting continues to decline, the MLB Draft may undergo some changes:

1. Data-Driven Draft Boards: Teams would likely lean even more heavily on data-driven draft boards, with algorithms selecting players based on metrics alone. This could mean fewer personal interactions between players and teams during the draft process and more reliance on objective data.
2. Standardized Testing: Much like how the NFL uses the NFL Combine to assess players, baseball might see a move toward standardized testing of skills. Players could be invited to centralized showcases where teams assess their skills using advanced data systems, similar to current pre-draft showcases like the MLB Draft Combine.
3. Virtual Scouting Networks: Teams could create virtual scouting departments where analysts from around the world review and interpret data, video, and reports. This global network would provide real-time analysis of players without the need for scouts on the ground.

The Balance Between Tradition and Innovation

Despite the rise of technology, there will always be a need for the human eye in some capacity. Scouting might not be eliminated, but it will evolve to coexist with technology. The key will be finding a balance between tradition and innovation:

• Teams that maintain a hybrid approach—using both data and traditional scouting—will likely be the most successful. The combination of the two ensures that players are evaluated holistically, using both metrics and human insight.
• Scouting roles may become more specialized, with scouts focusing on elements that data can’t easily quantify, like player makeup, attitude, and how they handle pressure.
• College players and even high school athletes may still have relationships with scouts and teams, but the path to being drafted could look vastly different from today.

My Bottom Line: A New Era for Scouting

Scouting is not dead, but it’s undeniably changing. While traditional scouts may not play the same role they once did, their insight remains valuable in evaluating the intangible aspects of players. In the future, scouting may merge even more with technology, forming a new, data-driven system where the human eye is complemented by advanced analytics. The role of scouts will likely shift toward qualitative assessment, focusing on areas that technology cannot measure, while technology will continue to drive the quantitative side of player evaluation.

ANYONE FOR PICKLEBALL? ROB MANFRED put Pete Rose on the ballot his last chance.!!!

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