Recently, MLB has set up some new rules when it comes to runners attempting to score. The first part of the new rule states that if a runner makes contact with the catcher, the Home Plate Umpire may call the runner out, regardless of whether the runner score or not, or even if the catcher loses the ball. The second part of the change states that if the catcher does not have the ball, he is not allowed to block the path of the runner.

Personally, I don't like the changes much. I do know it will cause injuries to drop, but the game is going to be a lot tougher.

I just got an update from ESPN about this a few hours ago. I don't like the changes. I like the collisions at home plate. I understand that it can cause players to get hurt, but it is part of the game. I also think that it will cause a lot of controversy when it comes to the umpires making calls. It is pretty much up to the umpire to decide safe or out now, not based on fact like it was before. Makes it more likely for the umpires to screw up.

I personally think this rule is not good or bad at all.. It's just a few changes and I am sure people can get used to it in a while. But this is very little so we don't have to deal with it that much.

But I liked the original rules just very slightly.

I'm going to be on the other side of the fence here.

I love the changes to the rules. For the record, here's the rules so there's no confusion.

• A runner may not run out of a direct line to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher, or any player, covering the plate. If he does, the umpire can call him out even if the player taking the throw loses possession of the ball.

This is an obvious rule. This doesn't really change anything about the game, except removing the ability for a baserunner to go out of his way to maul a player. It rarely happened to begin with, so fans won't be missing anything here.

• The catcher may not block the pathway of a runner attempting to score unless he has possession of the ball. If the catcher blocks the runner before he has the ball, the umpire may call the runner safe.

This is also obvious. This is to prevent injury to the runner. I love this rule, since it means runs will score when they should. There were several instances last year where teams were screwed by the fact the catcher was allowed to crowd homeplate without the ball being in possesion of him.

• All calls will be based on the umpire's judgment. The umpire will consider such factors as whether the runner made an effort to touch the plate and whether he lowered his shoulder or used his hands, elbows or arms when approaching the catcher.

Nothing to see here. Just establishing that judgement calls will remain judgement calls, and thus, cannot be reversed by an instant replay. Thus, keeping the game's pacing at a similar level.

• Runners are not required to slide, and catchers in possession of the ball are allowed to block the plate. However, runners who do slide and catchers who provide the runner with a lane will never be found in violation of the rule.

THIS is the big one, and the one people have the most misconceptions about. This rule doesn't get rid of collisions at home plate. This rule only gets rid of EGREGIOUS collisions at home plate. You will still see runners barrel over catchers, and catchers blocking home plate. However, you will not be seeing someone go out of their way to clobber a catcher who is three feet off the plate, or a catcher breaking a baserunners leg by blocking the plate without the ball.

• The expanded instant replay rules, which also go into effect this season, will be available to review potential violations of Rule 7.13.

This just means that anything that isn't a judgement call can be reversed by Instant Replay.

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So for everyone panicking, calm down, this rule changes barely anything. Just makes the game safer.

There have been so many injures of the runner and the catcher, they can be small or season enders. With these rules, it makes it so that the player can't "get out of the way" Causing both player to have to adjust, making them more prone to injury.