Players Association engaged in a back-and-forth regarding potential rules changes to improve pace of play and discussed other measures http://www.angelsfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-cozart-jersey , including a universal designated hitter and requiring pitchers to face at least three batters before being removed from a game.Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the news, noting MLB made a proposal to the players' union Jan. 14 that included the three-batter minimum rule. The union responded Friday with a proposal that included a plan for the National League to adopt the designated hitter as soon as the 2019 season.According to Rosenthal, "further ideas and potential tradeoffs are certain to be explored in the weeks ahead" as both sides look for ways to improve the sport and draw bigger audiences.One notable part of the Players Association's response was aimed at competitive integrity and suggested teams' draft positions could be lowered if they do not win a set amount of games during a series of seasons.That would, in theory, provide a disincentive for tanking and stripping down major league rosters to improve draft positioning as a rebuilding method for struggling clubs.Rosenthal noted the failure to reach an agreement would give Commissioner Rob Manfred power to implement three of his proposals from last year. That power was collectively bargained, and the proposals were a 20-second pitch clock, decreasing a team's mound visits from six to five per game and a rule that would put a runner on second base in the 11th inning and beyond in the All-Star Game and spring training contests.MLB's most recent proposal called for mound visits to be reduced to four as soon as this season and three in 2020.Pace of play has been a significant talking point in recent years, especially as times of games have increased. According to Baseball Reference Garrett Richards Jersey , the last seven seasons ranked among the top eight in baseball history for longest average game.The 2017 campaign set a record with games averaging three hours, eight minutes, while the 2018 season landed third (three hours, four minutes).Proposals such as a pitch clock, fewer mound visits and longer pitching stints would surely decrease the time of games, while a universal designated hitter would likely result in more balls in play and further excitement for fans. One last book before the season starts"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections NewsAnalysis & EditorialsCleveland Indians prospects & minor leaguesGame RecapsTransactionsAnalysis & EditorialsLet’s Go Read: Power BallOne last book before the season startsESTShareTweetShareShareLet’s Go Read: Power BallWell, we did it. It took three votes, but Power Ball is a bridesmaid no more. After two narrow http://www.angelsfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-cozart-jersey , almost humorous near-misses, we finally picked Rob Neyer’s book as our selection and I, for one, am quite excited to get to down to the actual business of reading it.Recently named the winner of the 2018 CASEY Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year, Power Ball breaks down a single 2017 game between the Oakland A’s and Houston Astros to explore the vast changes that have occurred in baseball over the last few decades. Praised by many, including Jonah Keri in our last book club review, Power Ball promises to be a smart and insightful read from a bright baseball mind.If you want to read along, one great option is to secure a copy from your local library Huston Street Jersey , like me. If you’d rather purchase the book, I recommend a local bookstore first. Failing that, Amazon and other retailers are also available.Ideally, we’ll finish this book just before the season starts, helping us get through the slog of late spring training. That makes the week of March 18 a good target for a review and discussion of the book. I look forward to reading along with you all and to hearing your thoughts on the book.Happy reading!