Improve high school baseball? Coach have their worries - and all sorts of ideas

Professional baseball made big changes this year in an attempt to regain its popularity, speeding up play with rules that keep pitchers and hitters from dawdling. We asked Twin Cities coaches by email: Are changes needed in high school baseball? Here are some of our questions and their answers:

How do you view the state of high school baseball in Minnesota?

"My opinion is baseball is still very strong in Minnesota. There is no shortage of outstanding players. We have a very robust program at St. Francis, with 60-70 kids coming out annually in a school with about 500 boys 9-12. I will admit that our numbers are better than most of our competitors in the Mississippi 8. Many times we are left searching for JV games to get our players a more competitive and productive experience." — Luke Scardigli, St. Francis

"I would say baseball in the east metro is as strong as ever and our games are fun to watch. You have some of the best programs, players and coaches in the state. It is fast and it is played with a great deal of energy and intensity. That is the way the game is supposed to be played." — Kevin McDermott, Woodbury

https://www.startribune.com/high-school-baseball-rule-changes-time-limits-summer-season-multisport-athletes-minnesota/600273770/