With Opening Week underway, the St. Edward’s University baseball team is giving insight on some of MLB’s most controversial new rules and have casted World Series champion predictions.

The focus for MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is making the game of professional baseball quicker-paced. One rule going into effect this week is the start of a no-pitch intentional walk.

This means the defensive team’s manager is required to give the umpire a signal that the pitcher wants to intentionally walk a batter, so that the batter will automatically walk to first base, instead of waiting for four outside pitches.

“With the intentional walk being changed to a word signal, it eliminates part of the game,” St. Edward’s junior pitcher Josiah Chupik said. “So many things can happen in during the walk — like a wild pitch or the hitter could decide to swing to try for a hit.”

The skills required for baseball are more than just physical. Players must have a quick mind and tactful decision-making. Chupik feels the rules are undermining pitcher’s abilities. This no-pitch free walk change is not welcomed by many fans and players.

“It does make our job easier, but I like the challenge of having to be great at all aspects of the game, just like all the former pitchers that have played before me,” Chupik said.

Other new rules include a 30-second time limit for managers to decide whether or not they want to challenge a play and invoke replay review. Replay officials also now have a two-minute guideline to make a decision that has various exceptions.

PREDICTIONS:

The most popular team predicted to win the 2017 World Series is the Houston Astros with 13 of 51 votes.

Although the Astros are often underestimated, All-Star infielders like José Altuve and Carlos Correa were dominant in the recent World Baseball Classic.

Sophomore infielder Sam Blackman says the Astros have the “best middle infield,” while Carlos Gilson credits the team’s “young talent.”

The reigning World Champions garnered seven votes, as the Chicago Cubs have a young team of powerful hitters like Chris Bryant and consistent aces like Jake Arrieta. 

Six players and Head Coach Rob Penders picked the Cubbies simply because “the curse is broken” for the “Lovable Losers.”

Meanwhile the Cleveland Indians had three votes. The reigning Hitter of the Week Gable Whitacre predicts the Indians and Cubs will have a World Series rematch this year, and the Indians will take the trophy home to Cleveland.

“The Indians have a healthy pitching staff, so they won’t get hurt,” the senior catcher said. “If they would’ve had this year’s pitchers last year, they would’ve won the World Series.”

St. Edward’s knows a thing or two about championships, as the Hilltoppers have won three consecutive conference championships. When MLB is in the postseason, Hilltop Views will see how the World Series predictions turned out.

Currently tied for second place in the conference standings with an 8-4 record, the Hilltoppers have a road series this weekend.