The Friday Feature: March 11, 2022
By: Vinny Pagano
It is finally time to say the words all baseball fans have been waiting to hear, PLAY BALL! It took 99 days (about 3 and a half months) for both sides to finally come to a tentative agreement on the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The CBA was the main obstacle to overcome to get the players back on the ball fields. They had to also come to an agreement on the international draft which would eliminate the Direct Draft-pick compensation for free agents. The international draft is scheduled for July 25 and will be 20 rounds (600 plus players). This will increase the total amount of money amateurs get paid by 20 million dollars annually.
The new CBA will be a five-year deal and it left the owners with a list that needs to be worked on before the end of this agreement. The regular season start date has been changed for a second time in two days, this time for the better. Opening Day is planned for April 7, and spring training starts this Sunday. Even though the season is starting later than expected, 162 is still the number of games in the 2022 season. Free agency starts today and there are over 200 ball players expected to be making deals, with many of those deals involving those players going to a new team. Earlier this week both sides agreed to a 14 second pitch clock, larger bases and banned the infield shift for the upcoming season. Do not forget that earlier in the discussions both sides agreed to use the Designated Hitter rule in both the American and National Leagues. That means that the pitcher position will no longer bat during games at the major league level. Pitchers are allowed to be a pinch hitter but will not occupy a spot in the National League line-up. Also, Major League Baseball stated they will no longer be testing for steroids.
Most of these changes were put in place to speed up the game and make it more exciting to the fans and hopefully bring new fans to the game. Either way, both sides are excited to get back on the diamond and play the 2022 season. I anticipate my next baseball feature will be on how all these new rules are working out and the start to another season. It really is the only time of the year where every fan truly feels their team has a chance to win it all. It is also time to dream and wonder of what big name players might be coming to your favorite team.
– Vinny Pagano is the Sports Editor for Columbus County News and Sports Director for WTXY Kool 103.9FM & AM1540. Local Sports stories, as well as questions and comments can be submitted to Vinny at sports@kool1039radio.com
