"Greatest moment was Shohei Ohtani against Mike Trout" - Top sportscaster points MLB's lack of marquee duels to defend 'Golden At-Bat' rule

MLB is changing rapidly with pitch clock and ghost runners in extra innings, but it would evolve into an entirely new spectacle if the "Golden At-Bat" rule gets implemented. As per the rule, managers will get one opportunity in the game to send their best hitter on the plate even if he's not due up.

At the moment, the rule is in a conversational stage and was discussed in an owners' meeting, according to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark. There are contrasting opinions from the fraternity, with some in favor and others against.

Among those in favor include Michael Kay who bashed those taking a dig on MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred for bringing a rule to bring excitement and viewership in baseball.

"Is it perfect? No, it’s not. But let me tell you something: baseball isn’t perfect, and that’s why it’s struggling," Kay said on his show (00:00 onwards). "Some of the greatest baseball moments — like Shohei Ohtani against Mike Trout in the WBC — weren’t contrived; they just happened naturally. But that moment was all we talked about for a week. The narrative and drama of those at-bats capture attention.

"I see people on social media today being so arrogant and parochial about baseball, killing Rob Manfred for daring to think about ways to energize the game. They’re saying things like, ‘He’s ruining the game,’ or ‘He’s the worst.’ Even Roger Clemens, who I respect, said, ‘This is ridiculous. I could face Aaron Judge, get him out, and then they could send Aaron Judge up again?’ Yes," he added.

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Michael Kay reasons why MLB needs such rules like "Golden At-Bat"

MLB once used to be the most cherished North American Sport, but over the years, football and basketball have taken center stage among the youth. While rule changes in any sport are seldom non-debatable, it's important for its evolution, especially if it means making the sport more exciting.

Michael Kay believes severe criticism of Rob Manfred is uncalled for and that the game needs evolution to better engage with the youthful fans.

"Is it perfect? No. Would I sign off on it? Probably not. But imagine the outcry because a guy is trying to do something to juice up a game that desperately needs it. And all the people claiming it’s sacrilege? Guess what? They’re not the audience baseball is losing—it’s the younger generation we’re missing," Kay said.

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How would the "Golden At-Bat" rule work in MLB?

It would work like this: Say, you are in the ninth inning with two outs, with Gavin Lux due up for the Dodgers and the game is on the line.

Coach Dave Roberts could ask for "Golden At-Bat," which would than mean the best Dodgers hitter, say Shohei Ohtani/Mookie Betts/Freddie Freeman could come up at-bat in the most crunch situation.

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