MLB’s New Bases Are the Size of a “Pizza Box”, Will Lead To Increase in Stolen Bases, Says Alex Cora

The MLB will soon be introducing significant rule changes to address the fast approaching deadline 2023 baseball season.

A pitch clock will be implemented by the league to improve play speed. They’re severely limiting defensive shifts as well. For example, shortstops will not be allowed to play in the right field.

To increase the batting percentage on balls in play, it will be necessary for two fielders to remain on each side of the second bag.

That’s another one of the most substantial changes; the size of the base itself.

MLB decided that for player safety and the potential for injecting more stolen bases, they’d substantially increase the size of the physical base.

While certainly a legitimate concern, MLB’s change to the base has already created consternation and controversy.

One of the most vocal and prominent critics of the project is Manager of the Boston Red Sox Alex Cora. He spoke to reporters recently, and was compared to Alex Cora. “pizza box.”

“The bases, they’re the bases,” Cora said Tuesday. “Wait ’til you see them — they look like a pizza box, to be honest with you.”

Will MLB’s Changes Increase Steals?

The primary purpose of the base is to protect safety, by ensuring that first baseman aren’t sharing too much space with runners.

Another purpose is to increase the likelihood of stealing base attempts.

Cora stated that he had spoken with coaches from minor leagues and that this may not be the case.

“Talking to the minor league coaches and everybody that used the rules last year — it’s not that all of the sudden we’re going to steal 100 bags with a guy,” Cora said. “The value of the out is still in play, and you get 27. So you got to be smart, you got to be efficient.”

And if anyone has intimate knowledge on stealing, it’s Alex Cora.

READ: ALEX CORA BRAGGED ABOUT HOUSTON CHEATING DURING THE 2017 WORLD SERIES ACCORDING To NEW BOOK

The bases are cartoonishly big, despite the obvious ramifications. Fans will probably get used to most of the changes over time.

Unless, MLB ends up agreeing to Cora and changing course on pizza boxes very soon.

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