frankj1 wrote:larger bases and being able to time the pitch (also a limit of how many times a pitcher can throw over to first base) encourage more stolen bases and base running in general, more exciting and athletic play.
Banning infield shifts open up the natural gaps that has increased base hits.
couple other things...I was already a baseball fan but this makes shorter games with less time watching guys stand around. With less time to let the arm recover between pitches there will be less guys able to whip it in at 100mph repeatedly, just another change adding to more offense.
Across the board I agree, with the exception of stopping the shift. Outlawing the shift admits some hitters are one trick (or one hit) ponies. Learn to be a more balanced hitter. Don't like the idea of penalizing the defense because the hitter can't go opposite field.