During a podcast interview, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned that the MLB owners had discussed the notion of adding a Golden At-Bat Rule and there was some buzz about it.

The rule would basically be as follows: Each team is given 1 golden at bat per game where they can replace the batter coming up to the plate with any other batter in their lineup (assuming it won't include anyone currently on base but who knows) or their bench and not have to remove the replaced player from the game.

Here is an example of how it could be used: Let's say the Yankees and Dodgers are in the World Series again. It's game 7, bottom of the 9th with 2 out and the Yankees are batting. The Dodgers are ahead 4-2. There is a man on first base and the Yankees have their weak hitting number 9 hitter coming up. They could use their golden at-bat, swap out the weak hitting 9 hitter for Aaron Judge, even though Judge is already batting 2nd in the lineup. Let's say in this scenario Judge hits a 2 run homer to tie the game and the hitter after him gets out. So now we move onto the 10th inning in a 4-4 tie with the player Judge replaced still in the game at his defensive position and Judge still in CF where he usually plays. The Dodgers don't score in the top of the 10th. In the bottom of the 10th Judge leads off since the #2 spot in the lineup is up, he hits another home run and the Yankees win the World Series.

Quite a dramatic example I have used where the Golden At-bat rule could plausibly determine a World Series, but you get the idea.

Here's my take: This is an utterly ridiculous mockery of the game of baseball, which I have known and loved since I was 4 years old. It's insane and gimmicky. I hate it. This is an idea so bad it should spend all of eternity burning in the fires of hell.

Tell us how you really feel: This is an idea so bad it should spend all of eternity burning in the fires of hell.

Come on. It must have some merit: No. This is an idea so bad it should spend all of eternity burning in the fires of hell.

Are you done?: Yes, this is a really bad idea. However, if it was modified to only include players no currently in the lineup, I could get on board. So, you have a pinch hitter come off the bench and hit for a weak hitter once in a game but the replaced hitter gets to stay in the game after the pinch hit at bat. I don't actually mind that.

What do you think stackers?

Sat for all, GR