Such sweeping alterations have left those in the game to remove their caps, scratch their heads and process all of this the best they can. It wasn't really our intent to achieve any particular changes. Our goal was to get it back to the strike zone. This is what it's supposed to be. Let's get it there and then let's see what the consequences are, and if we have to change the rules in light of some of these consequences, perhaps unintended, then we'll do that.
Skepticism is natural, especially considering the game's recent past.
In the mid-90s the Lords of Baseball tried to crack down on balks, but quickly backed down. But Alderson and Nelson say this time things will be different. There will be no backing down, no turning back. Ask retired umpire Larry Barnett if the new zone is going to stick and he smiles. It's got to,'' says Barnett, a 30-year veteran of the American League.