Some other rule change proposals - one that I received and one from me. Others more than welcome!
(1) No current "tired" pitcher can be used in a game IF there is an available pitcher who is not "tired". If all pitchers available pitchers are tired, then a tired reliever can be used, but like the current rule, must be removed at the end of the current inning. Additionally, a non-tired pitcher cannot be removed for a tired pitcher.
(2) Increase the "little a" limit for pitchers from 30 IP to 40 IP
1. Yes - I had a situation this season that speaks to this rule change. Since we allow starting pitchers to relieve, the home team brought in their stud starting pitcher (a lefty) in a key spot in the game in the 9th inning. The starter had just pitched 6 innings the prior game, so he was tired (and would be tired for the next few games as well). He came in to face my two lefty hitters (since the team had no lefties left in the pen) and killed a rally and notched the save, but the team had several righty relievers available that were not tired (and the pitcher removed was not tired, having faced a single hitter). I don't believe usage such as this is realistic, nor is it fair.
The current rule is that a pitcher needs 25 IP to be carded at all but can be a little a if they have 30 IP. That narrow range creates a tiny window for pitchers to be little a. I just thought it would be better if we had a bigger range of possible little a guys. Of course, they wouldn't have to be little a's if you didn't want them to be and you had roster space.
I agree with expanding the range for minors eligible pitchers. That would allow more flexibility. It's currently difficult for teams to carry starter-only pitchers who just miss minors eligibility. However, I think 30-40 might be too big of a jump. There are relievers who pitch all season and still end up around 40 IP. That's typically LOOGY types, but still. Make it 35 and I'll vote for that.
