MLB’s made a lot of rule changes over the past few years. The most noticeable? A pitch clock
2 months, 4 weeks ago

MLB’s made a lot of rule changes over the past few years. The most noticeable? A pitch clock

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Major League Baseball’s rule-change bonanza of 2023 altered a myriad of the game’s details, including cutting back extreme infield shifts, bigger bases and limits on how many times a pitcher can disengage from the rubber. “I mean, just looking at kind of the rule changes the past couple years, I think pace of play probably has affected things positively for fans,” Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan said. MLB’s initial hope with the rule changes — particularly banning extreme infield shifts — was that it would provide an offensive spark. I think those are three things that people like to watch.” The only offensive statistic that’s taken a noticeable jump since the rule changes is stolen bases.

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History of this topic

Faster-paced MLB games being embraced by fans and players, no longer ‘too much of a time commitment’
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Faster-paced MLB games being embraced by fans and players, no longer ‘too much of a time commitment’

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — On a cloudy, breezy day in September, Tate Conrad and his son, Miles, settled into their seats behind the home dugout at Wrigley Field. While many longtime fans are indifferent when it comes to their time at a ballpark — “I’m out here to enjoy the game and if it takes a little longer it takes a little …

MLB is widening the runner’s lane to first, changing a rule that has caused World Series controversy
1 year ago

MLB is widening the runner’s lane to first, changing a rule that has caused World Series controversy

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is widening the runner’s lane approaching first base to include a portion of fair territory, changing a more than century-old rule that caused World Series controversy over interference calls. Another change adopted Thursday by the sport’s 11-man competition committee requires a pitcher who warms up on the mound before a half inning to face …

MLB proposes trimming pitch clock with runners on base, AP source says
1 year, 1 month ago

MLB proposes trimming pitch clock with runners on base, AP source says

Associated Press  

Major League Baseball has proposed cutting the pitch clock from 20 seconds to 18 seconds with runners on base, according to a person with direct knowledge of the proposal. With the pitch clock, the average time of nine-inning games dropped to 2 hours, 40 minutes during the regular season, the lowest since 1985. “I’m thinking about ’24 as kind of …

MLB game time drops 24 minutes to 2:40 with pitch clock. Players steal most bases since 1987
1 year, 2 months ago

MLB game time drops 24 minutes to 2:40 with pitch clock. Players steal most bases since 1987

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The average time of a nine-inning major league game dropped to 2 hours, 40 minutes in the first year of the pitch clock, a 24-minute decrease in a season of change that resulted in a spike in batting average and the most stolen bases in nearly 40 years. Left-handed hitters benefitted from the new restrictions on defensive …

MLB to tweak pitch-clock process — but not the rules — during the playoffs
1 year, 2 months ago

MLB to tweak pitch-clock process — but not the rules — during the playoffs

New York Times  

The pitch clock is not going away in the postseason, that much we know. “The fastest.” It turned out they were probably right, as Philadelphia’s clock produced the most violations per game in the sport to that point. Park Away Violations Home Violations Difference T-Mobile Park 0.32 0.09 0.23 Tropicana Field 0.14 0.32 -0.19 Citi Field 0.23 0.40 -0.17 Dodger …

MLB players think pitch clock should change in playoffs, but say new rules good for game
1 year, 6 months ago

MLB players think pitch clock should change in playoffs, but say new rules good for game

New York Times  

Check out the 2023 MLB Player Poll with honest opinions of the new rules, Shohei Ohtani and more. The Athletic polled more than a hundred MLB Players to get their opinion of the new rules: Banning the shift, bigger bases and the pitch clock. “If you’re in the eighth inning of a World Series game, and somebody gets banged on …

Is Philly’s pitch clock quicker than other MLB parks? The Phillies — and data — say so
1 year, 6 months ago

Is Philly’s pitch clock quicker than other MLB parks? The Phillies — and data — say so

New York Times  

PHILADELPHIA — As he authored one of his better performances of the season, Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola had a little help. “You just got the ball and you look up and there’s only 10 seconds left.” “Our clock?” veteran utilityman Josh Harrison said. “The fastest.” “We haven’t played everywhere, but you’re calibrated to a certain thing,” Phillies pitching coach Caleb …

MLB seeks ‘best form of baseball’ by picking up the pace
1 year, 7 months ago

MLB seeks ‘best form of baseball’ by picking up the pace

Al Jazeera  

Major League Baseball is using a pitch clock this season, one of a few new rules that experts say are changing the game. “Overall, I think speeding up the game and creating more action are good things.” New on-field rules are coming in 2023, and we have answers for your questions: https://t.co/Zk1KFZMumG pic.twitter.com/hFyrkagA34 — MLB February 7, 2023 The changes …

MLB pitch clock proving to be a mental and physical game-changer
1 year, 8 months ago

MLB pitch clock proving to be a mental and physical game-changer

LA Times  

It was the third inning Saturday and Clayton Kershaw needed a moment to collect himself. The game’s fast and you need to be thinking ahead about this pitch and that pitch.” Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw delivers against the Angels on March 26. “If you’re in a good groove, you don’t really notice it, but I think there are going to …

Falling in love with the MLB pitch clock is easy. Embrace it
1 year, 8 months ago

Falling in love with the MLB pitch clock is easy. Embrace it

LA Times  

Two minutes, one out! ‘We’ve just got to figure it out.’ MLB teams brace for pitch clock implications Major League Baseball’s new pitch clock rules will go into effect for real Thursday when the regular season begins. “It’s the first time I’ve gotten to my Westside home after a night game before 11,” he said. It’s the best change in …

MLB opening day has 14 clock violations, stolen base spike
1 year, 8 months ago

MLB opening day has 14 clock violations, stolen base spike

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Marcus Stroman is getting used to Major League Baseball’s new pitch clock. “It’s a big adjustment.” Stroman committed baseball’s first regular-season pitch-clock violation Thursday in the third inning of the Cubs’ 4-0 victory over Milwaukee on opening day. It’s definitely not easy to be a pitcher out there and to feel rushed at times.” MLB instituted the pitch …

MLB rule changes: pitch clock, larger bases and more
1 year, 8 months ago

MLB rule changes: pitch clock, larger bases and more

Associated Press  

Major League Baseball is introducing a slate of new rules for the 2023 season. After a pitch, the clock starts again when the pitcher has the ball back, the catcher and batter are in the circle around home plate, and play is otherwise ready to resume. https://apnews.com/video/videos-5aa68610daf5448d8b9a1bfd2d79760f LIMITS ON PITCHER DISENGAGEMENTS Pitchers may only disengage from the pitching rubber — …

‘We’ve just got to figure it out.’ Dodgers, Angels brace for pitch clock implications
1 year, 8 months ago

‘We’ve just got to figure it out.’ Dodgers, Angels brace for pitch clock implications

LA Times  

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on as the pitch clock expires during an exhibition against the Angels on Monday night at Angel Stadium. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not hesitate this week when asked how he liked baseball’s new pitch clock, which requires pitchers to start their delivery within 15 seconds of receiving the ball with the bases empty and …

Opinion: Baseball’s new pitch clock is the best thing since sliced bread
1 year, 9 months ago

Opinion: Baseball’s new pitch clock is the best thing since sliced bread

LA Times  

I am a conservative. I was leery not because of the team — no, the Redbirds are in fine shape, and I implore you to learn the name Jordan Walker — but, rather, because of the game’s new rules under which the Cardinals and their Major League brethren will labor this season. Dodgers Dodgers give pitch clock, other new rules …

How a new MLB rule could change baseball games this season
1 year, 9 months ago

How a new MLB rule could change baseball games this season

NPR  

How a new MLB rule could change baseball games this season Enlarge this image toggle caption Morry Gash/AP Morry Gash/AP There are a few key rule changes coming to Major League Baseball this season, but one in particular already is throwing players for a curve. Sponsor Message MLB officials say the pitch clock can help reduce the length of games, …

Conley’s pitch clock violation leaves Braves-Red Sox tied
1 year, 9 months ago

Conley’s pitch clock violation leaves Braves-Red Sox tied

Associated Press  

Cal Conley of the Atlanta Braves thought he had just won the game with a two-out, full-count, bases-loaded walk-off walk on Saturday. It was a far more dramatic moment than when San Diego Padres slugger Manny Machado on Friday became the first player to draw a pitch clock violation when he was called for an automatic strike in the bottom …

Dodgers give pitch clock, other new rules rave reviews after spring opener
1 year, 9 months ago

Dodgers give pitch clock, other new rules rave reviews after spring opener

LA Times  

Home plate umpire Jim Wolf tells Dodgers batter David Peralta to take first base after a pitching clock violation during the second inning of the Dodgers’ spring training opener Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers. During their first spring training game Saturday, in a full count with David Peralta at bat in the second inning, the Dodgers encountered one of Major …

On the clock: New timer will affect more than just pitchers
1 year, 10 months ago

On the clock: New timer will affect more than just pitchers

Associated Press  

SARASOTA, Fla. — As one of the game’s top prospects, Grayson Rodriguez will probably make his debut for the Baltimore Orioles pretty soon, and then the 23-year-old right-hander can begin adjusting to the big leagues. That drives me crazy, so this pitch clock kind of expediting the process, I like it a lot.” Not everyone is as sanguine about the …

Major league teams searching for advantages with new rules
1 year, 10 months ago

Major league teams searching for advantages with new rules

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — It’s a brand new day in the major leagues — potentially an even brighter one for base-stealers like Trea Turner and Ronald Acuña Jr., and most definitely a change of pace for veteran aces like Gerrit Cole or Yu Darvish. “I think the one thing we know about our industry is to the extent there’s an advantage to …

Opinion: A clock saved the NBA. Can it now save baseball?
1 year, 10 months ago

Opinion: A clock saved the NBA. Can it now save baseball?

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Frederic J. Frommer, a writer and sports historian, is the author of several books, including “You Gotta Have Heart,” a history of Washington baseball. CNN — In recent years, there has been a lot of standing around in baseball games, with pitchers taking forever to throw the ball and hitters frequently stepping out of the batter’s box. And …

How four rule changes will impact Major League Baseball in 2023
2 years ago

How four rule changes will impact Major League Baseball in 2023

LA Times  

The pitch clock MLB will institute in 2023 will differ in a few key areas from the one that was deployed in the minor leagues. But if last season’s implementation across the minor leagues is any indication, the pitch clock should fulfill the league’s mission to quicken games without much of a problem. “The pitch clock is something that I …

How MLB’s new rules are shaping the 2022-23 offseason and changing the art of team building
2 years ago

How MLB’s new rules are shaping the 2022-23 offseason and changing the art of team building

New York Times  

Carlos Santana hit.061 on pulled groundballs to the right side last season. We’re not going back to four-dots-on-the-infield kind of baseball.” FREE AGENTS IT MIGHT HELP: You might think this change is right in the wheelhouse of swing-and-miss pitchers everywhere — except they didn’t need any help! “If we’re talking about the impact on the game as entertainment,” said one …

Pitch clock cut minor league games by 25 minutes to 2:38
2 years, 2 months ago

Pitch clock cut minor league games by 25 minutes to 2:38

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Use of pitch clocks cut the average time of minor league games by 25 minutes this year, a reduction Major League Baseball hopes is replicated when the devices are installed in the big leagues next season. The average time of minor league games dropped to 2 hours, 38 minutes in the season that ended Wednesday, according to …

MLB’s new rules: How pitch clock, shift ban and bigger bases will — and won’t — change the game
2 years, 3 months ago

MLB’s new rules: How pitch clock, shift ban and bigger bases will — and won’t — change the game

New York Times  

There’s a thing I’ve noticed about sports: When you change the rules, stuff happens. As one exec I surveyed put it, “the cost of an out in the big leagues is still going to be valued.” But also remember these rules aren’t just there to subtly encourage base stealing. So they may be OK with two-man outfields.” — one club …

What MLB players and managers are saying about the rule changes for 2023
2 years, 3 months ago

What MLB players and managers are saying about the rule changes for 2023

New York Times  

Major League Baseball’s competition committee approved a slate of rule changes that will go into effect for the 2023 season. “The other sports have made a lot of changes in recent years and have made adjustments, and it’s nice to see our guys, the league and the players and the umpires, come together and try to better the game for …

MLB adopts pitch clock, shift limits, bigger bases for 2023
2 years, 3 months ago

MLB adopts pitch clock, shift limits, bigger bases for 2023

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is introducing some of its most radical rules next season, adopting a pitch clock and limiting defensive shifts after concluding modern analytics created a slower, less entertaining sport. “It reminded me of the game that I grew up watching in the ’70s and ’80,” said former outfielder Raúl Ibañez, now an MLB senior vice …

Dodgers players have mixed opinions about 2023 MLB rule changes
2 years, 3 months ago

Dodgers players have mixed opinions about 2023 MLB rule changes

LA Times  

Max Muncy hits a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants on Sept. 7. More than a year removed from one of the most unusual doubles of his career, when Machado nearly robbed him of extra bases on an extreme defensive shift during a game at Petco Park last June, Muncy vividly recalled the play on Friday, reliving the …

Why it takes so long for MLB to change rules: Battle between tradition and innovation
2 years, 7 months ago

Why it takes so long for MLB to change rules: Battle between tradition and innovation

LA Times  

Umpire Mike Muchlinski, center, speaks with Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais, left, and Tampa Bay Rays third base coach Rodney Linares before a game on May 5. The Dodgers pitcher, standing in front of his locker on a spring afternoon, says: “I’ll keep it real short and simple.” Trash is the word he uses for the universal designated hitter and …

New MLB rules are designed to speed up and shorten games
4 years, 5 months ago

New MLB rules are designed to speed up and shorten games

LA Times  

Baseball will have a different look and feel once the coronavirus-shortened 2020 MLB season gets underway. Before the COVID-19 pandemic caused the suspension of spring training, Major League Baseball announced rule changes intended to speed up the pace of play. The rule stands to benefit the high-powered Angels lineup, which not only boasts reigning MVP Mike Trout but also features …

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