MLBS Golden At-Bat: A Game-Changer or Just Plain Nuts?
CLEVELAND, Ohio – when I frist heard MLB was floating the golden at-bat rule, I almost screamed… WHAT? ARE THEY NUTS?
Maybe they are, but maybe…
First, here’s the concept: A team has one chance a game to send up its best hitter even if it’s not his turn to bat.
Suppose it’s the ninth inning. The Guardians are losing 3-2.There are two outs, no one on base. The three Cleveland hitters due up in the bottom of the ninth are David Fry, Brayan Rocchio, and Austin Hedges. Manager Stephen Vogt would have the option of having jose Ramirez (or whomever he likes) bat for one of those guys. Vogt would have to decide when is the best moment to insert the golden at-bat into his lineup.
Remember, he can only do it once a game.
For me, part of the rule change must be this: If Ramirez bats for No. 9 hitter Hedges (or anyone else), …