St. Louis Cardinals: Bloggers sound off over new MLB Rules

Seven-inning Doubleheaders

Daniel Shoptaw: The seven-inning doubleheaders have been a lifesaver for the Cardinals and I have been surprised how nice it has been to get through two games like this. Going forward, you would think that doubleheaders will be a much less frequent event, maybe once or twice a year. so I think they can return to nine innings without too much trouble. However, out of all the things that may stay or change, this one is one I can live with the most.

Ron Nuttall: This is the change this year that I have enjoyed the most. Unlike the DH, which I kinda forgot about, these seven-inning doubleheaders are fun to watch. Yes, it’s a lot of baseball, but it has been fun to watch and the games are crisp and move pretty fast. Is this something I want to see next year? Probably not in a regular 162 game season. But for what we have had to deal with this year, I’ve rather enjoyed it.

Jason Hill: There’s a lot to hate about 2020, seven-inning doubleheaders are not among them. I love them! It’s a day full of competitive baseball. The games are crisp, easy to watch, from the first pitch to the last out. I know it’s not true, but it feels like two seven-inning games move faster than one nine-inning contest. Baseball should keep them and maybe even try to work a few of them into the schedule instead of just using them as make-ups.

Matt Benson: I think this may be my favorite new rule. Better for players, interesting from a tactical perspective with bullpens, and was ideal for 2020. Wouldn’t want it to become a norm but it’s a good way to make up missed games. Some thought definitely needs to go in of how stats change to reflect these games though (no-hitters, complete games, etc).

Russ Robinson: Maybe I don’t love them like Jason, but I sure do like them. With all the doubleheaders the St. Louis Cardinals have been forced to play, surprisingly, I have found myself enjoying them. I usually don’t stick with nine-inning doubleheaders from the first pitch to the last out, but this year, I have been sticking with these seven-inning versions more than I thought I would.

For 2021, I wouldn’t be opposed at all if they worked more of these seven-inning doubleheaders into the schedule. This could be a tool to use to give teams more days off, especially if otherwise it would be long stretch of no days off.