MLB Will Test New "Pace of Game" Rules in Arizona Fall League

Baseball: you may have noticed it seldom proceeds in a timely fashion. MLB will test new “pace of game rules” in the Arizona Fall League, the same league where it initially tested instant replay.

The rules, per ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin, are as follows.

* Batters must keep one foot in the batter’s box throughout the at bat, with some sensible exceptions.

* Intentional walks will be performed by signal, not pitching.

* 20-second rule: pitcher must deliver the ball within 12 seconds of receiving it when bases are empty.

* Time limits for inning breaks (2:05) and pitching changes (2:30)

* Teams are limited to three “time outs” per game

We would have included banning managers from waddling out during active play, but these all seem sensible and non-invasive.