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Hello and happy Saturday.
The 2020 MLB season was weird, which every San Francisco Giants fan can attest to. But while lots changed — a shorter, odder schedule, expanded rosters and postseason, a lack of fans, and much more — what most stood out were the in-game rule changes.
There were three:
- A designated hitter in the National League
- Seven-inning games for doubleheaders
- An automatic runner on second base for extra innings
During the week, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressed some desire to have the rules stay for 2021.
But during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Manfred reversed course, and stated that those three rules will return to the “status quo” next season.
Rob Manfred says that MLB will return to "status quo" in terms of their rules for next season. He would like to keep expanded playoffs, although "16 teams is not the right number". That was something he decided prior to COVID. pic.twitter.com/bAKaszJJOq
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) October 23, 2020
Manfred did express a desire to have an expanded postseason — though not the 16 teams that there were in 2020 — and said that players and managers are in favor of the extra innings rule.
Did Barry Bonds hit a home run today?
No.
Old, random MCC article for you to read
The mystery of Brandon Belt’s high school nickname (July 12, 2018 — Bryan Murphy)
Giants links
- Roger Munter on which players the Giants might protect in the Rule 5 Draft (There R Giants)
- Grant Brisbee grades the bench and designated hitters (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Monte Poole on how economics and subtle racism are making baseball less diverse and less rich (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Andrew Baggarly talks with Bruce Bochy to determine the 10 craziest things that helped the Giants win the 2010 World Series (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Kerry Crowley on how losing the DH could impact the Giants and their offseason (Mercury News)
- John Shea on if 2021 will be the final Giants season for Buster Posey, Brandon Belt, and Brandon Crawford (SF Chronicle)
- Mark W. Sanchez on how Darin Ruf wants to return, and the Giants are now a destination (KNBR)
- Alex Pavlovic on Evan Longoria’s season (NBC Sports Bay Area)
How many days until Opening Day?
There are 159 days until Opening Day.
Enjoy your Saturday.