Looks like there are some major rule changes, both on the field and off, being bandied about between the league and the player's union...
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/2...ges-alter-game
among the rule changes being discussed are:
-A three-batter minimum for pitchers
-A universal designated hitter
-A single trade deadline before the All-Star break
-A 20-second pitch clock
-The expansion of rosters to 26 men, with a 12-pitcher maximum
-Draft advantages for winning teams and penalties for losing teams
-A study to lower the mound
-A rule that would allow two-sport amateurs to sign major league contracts
union reps went over proposals with team reps last week as spring training nears, and owners meetings are coming up, but everything is still in the discussion stage of let's throw things out there and see what people think.
Most of the proposed changes are geared towards improving pace of play, dealing with service time and rosters, re-stimulating the free agent market in the off-season and dis-incentivizing tanking for teams that are rebuilding. Some of them are within the power of the commissioner to impose without union approval, but with CBA talks looming, both sides are trying to generate some good will and momentum as they get nearer.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this, if anything.
-M