I haven’t thoroughly explored each side of the debate; if I miss an argument please correct me. When it comes to auto-IBBs I come out against the rule change. Here’s why:
· Psychology
· Anticipation
· Diminishing Returns
· Crazy Plays
Psychology – Baseball is a competition. Yes, it’s a sports competition but there are many other kinds of competitions out there, too. At its heart baseball is about overcoming, striving, conquering. Players are there to WIN. The IBB is a fantastic scenario whereby a player (sometimes against his will) is forced to submit without a fight. The pitcher and, by extension, the entire team, is sacrificing their real chances for winning in order to gain a less concrete but plausible outcome to win the war. What happens in the minds of players during this event, I would argue, MATTERS. Batters are focusing, getting amped, self-talk is cresting. The pitcher’s mind is wandering to the next at-bat. His humiliation level while actively submitting to the batter is leveled depending on the individual. The defense is analyzing possible outcomes of the next at bat, getting amped, self-talk is cresting…
And ya’ll DON’T want to relish that moment? To let it permeate? Let the pitcher seethe? Let the hitter exult? Let the guy in the on-deck circle feel the girders of the stadium rest on his shoulders for that much longer? What, praytell, are the better things that you have to do in the extra 40 seconds you’re saving? Honestly, maybe you don’t like competition? Maybe spectating baseball isn’t for you? Honestly and I’m not trying to offend but it seems like the pro-rule-change arguments are coming from mostly those who JUST. WANT. THE. GAME. TO. END.
Anticipation – One might argue that these scenarios only happen at critical junctures in the game. Building anticipation in such moments, I would argue, heightens one’s enjoyment of the moment, whether or not the outcome is in your rooting interest.
Diminishing Returns – So you’re saving 40 seconds a game. Is that going to make it over the threshold of requirements for reducing game time to an enjoyable degree? I would argue that, no, you’re not. And what you’re giving up vs. the ground you’ve made toward that goal is inequitable.
Crazy Plays – Pitchers throw wild pitches in these situations. Hitters sometimes swing anyway. That’s crazy! It’s rare but the possibility of these things happening is real. That’s fun!