MLB: Speed up the game

Tom Paine

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I heard the announcers on today's Fox baseball game discuss steps that can be taken to shorten the length of games, a subject under active consideration By MLB.

Steps like requiring a reliever to pitch to at least two batters, or other measures to cut back on the number of relief pitchers used. (Each pitching change adds x extra minutes to a game; my guess is 8 minutes). Cutting back on chat time. I would say sharper enforcement of the 12 second rule,for the time a pitcher is supposed to have to throw the ball after receiving it with the bases empty. And most instant replay reviews add time.

I love baseball, but the game is too long. Sitting through a nine inning game lasting much more than 3 hours is asking too much. Most people just don't have the time.

I know that to enjoy a game, you've got to be able to sit down and relax for a while. But many people, particularly in the age of iPhones, can't adjust to that. Go into a restaurant or other public place with a common TV and see how rarely it ends up on a baseball game. Some people would rather watch anything but.

MlB is making a good deal of money from MLB.com, but that's a niche audience. Its having trouble engaging broader audiences, except at certain times in certain cities.