Blogs » The Spiral » Baseball season is on its way

Subscribe


0
 
Baseball season is on its way
By WesBloomquist in The Spiral
January 22, 2009

Except for when the playoffs begin, the next month is the most exciting time in baseball.

We have last minute signings, trades and retirements. Today the Houston Astros Winter Caravan swings through Victoria and will allow fans to meet Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence.

This week has been full of news from the baseball world from the retirement of Jeff Kent, the Dodgers signing Brad Ausmus and the allegations levied by Mark McGwire's brother of his steroid use. Baseball America also named Texas A&M as the No. 1 team in the country while Texas is ranked No. 4. The Longhorns coach may be suspended, but that will do little to lessen the competitiveness in Big 12 baseball.

Even at Memorial there has been news with Ralph Escalona stepping down and then Manuel Alvarado being named to head coach and then the job being posted for the first time. Still no word from the Victoria school district on the position but we should know something soon.

So, what are you looking forward to this baseball season?

Comments


  • scout scout Report a ViolationReport a Violation
    permalink

    Wes - baby don't forget softball.  HS season starts Jan. 26,  practice.  Here are some rule changes.

    2008-09 Softball Rules Changes,  REF.: UIL

    1-3-3   Added to the softball specifications a requirement that the dynamic stiffness of softballs not exceed 7,500 lbs/inch when tested under current proposed ASTM test methods. Effective January 1, 2010.  to the softball marketplace without lowering the current static compression of 375 lbs/inch. Static compression and dynamic stiffness are completely different measurements, so these numbers should not be compared. The additional specification makes NFHS softball consistent with ASA.
    2-8-2   Changed the definition of a bunt attempt to holding the bat in the strike zone and requiring the bat to be withdrawn in order to take a pitch. attempt easier for an umpire to determine and creates a better balance between offense and defense.
    6-1-4d and Note   Changed the pitching windup requirement to a maximum of one and a half clockwise revolutions. Previous note was deleted. by deceiving the batter. The rules change will make an illegal pitch easier to identify and enforcement more consistent.
    6-2-3 Penalty   Changed the penalty for a pitcher exceeding the required 20-second time limit to a ball awarded to the batter - not an illegal pitch.  pitch by the pitcher consistent with a batter failing to be ready within 10 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher. An illegal pitch penalty is excessive as it also awards runners one additional base.
    2009 MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
    1-4-2   Clarified that one American flag (2 inch x 3 inch maximum) is permitted on the glove.
    1-7-1   Clarified that if an eye shield is worn attached to the catcher's helmet, it must be constructed of a molded, rigid material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission.
    3-2-1 New   Clarified that a state association may, on an individual basis, permit a player to participate while wearing a different style uniform for religious reasons.
    3-2-7   Clarified that exposed undergarments must be a solid color.
    6-2-3; 7-3-1   Clarified that the timeframe for delivering the next pitch or being in the batter's box begins when the ball has been returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch. Also clarified that a pitcher is committed to delivering the pitch when the hands are brought together.
    2009 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
    1. Pitching   2. Obstruction/Interference  3. DP/FLEX

    January 22, 2009 at 3:27 p.m.