Oh No! A clock in baseball.

[muwarrior69]

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/02/20/387771647/batter-up-already-mlb-tries-to-speed-up-the-2015-season

[GGGG]

Good.

[brandx]

About time.

[GGGG]

About time.

So to speak.

[🏀]

Overdue.

[Groin_pull]

The players brought it on themselves.

[Tugg Speedman]

The players brought it on themselves.

+1

And watch how outraged the big Papi's of baseball get when they are called for taking too much time.

[GGGG]

+1

And watch how outraged the big Papi's of baseball get when they are called for taking too much time.

*IF* the umpires actually decide to enforce the rules.

[warriorchick]

Still need some sort of pitching clock.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Still need some sort of pitching clock.

Exists today to some extent, they just don't enforce it.

[CTWarrior]

Before baseball parks were lit, umpires enforced rules to keep the games moving at a good clip to avoid finishing the games in darkness or ending the games before nine innings due to darkness.  As parks added lights, the umpires who were used to keeping the game moving along eventually retired and the new hires didn't make it a point of emphasis. 

Its not that difficult to speed up the action.  Do what they do in youth and high school leagues everywhere.  Batters must keep one foot in the batter's box at all times.  The umpire doesn't have to grant time to a hitter who asks for it.  Do those two things and count catcher's visits to the mound like you would a manager's visit and the game would move along just fine.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Yep, it's not that hard.

Will be some growing pains, but the players will adjust.

Also, in the long run, I would argue the players will like it better. You think it's fun standing around in the outfield while the batter adjusts his batting gloves 15 times?

Even golf has pace of play rules on the professional level, and most guys adjust quickly.

I'm old-school, but I love a good 2 hour 2-0 game. Mark Burhle was the best.

[Benny B]

*IF* the umpires actually decide to enforce the rules.

Bingo.  This isn't the same level as the "neighborhood play" when turning two, but I too seriously wonder how closely this will be enforced.

[copious1218]

Bingo.  This isn't the same level as the "neighborhood play" when turning two, but I too seriously wonder how closely this will be enforced.

My understanding is that there is no "in game" method of enforcement.  The umpire could tell the batter to get back in the box, but what if he chooses not to?  They way I've seen it presented is that it is a series fines and possibly a suspension for cumulative behavior. 

I suppose an ump COULD eject someone if the player starts arguing about it?

[CTWarrior]

My understanding is that there is no "in game" method of enforcement.  The umpire could tell the batter to get back in the box, but what if he chooses not to?  They way I've seen it presented is that it is a series fines and possibly a suspension for cumulative behavior. 

I suppose an ump COULD eject someone if the player starts arguing about it?

A long while back I saw an umpire order a hitter back into the box and when he didn't comply (I know I saw this, but I'm afraid I can't remember teams involved or year), he waved the pitcher on and the pitcher pitched and the pitch was called a strike while the batter looked on from outside the batter's box. 

That or just eject him.  Do that and the problem wouild stop very quickly.

[GooooMarquette]

If the batter doesn't comply, he's called out and it's counted as a K in the box score.  If a pitcher doesn't comply, the batter gets an automatic walk.  No exceptions.

Guys would change their behavior very quickly.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

It's not complicated.

The ump points and tells the batter to get in the box. If the batter just stands there, then the ump can tell the pitcher that the ball is live and they can pitch if they want.

Batters will get in the box.

I think there will be some transition, but realistically, it's just a general change in urgency. Nothing with how the game is fundamentally played.

You know, I actually would be in favor of football shortening the play clock as well. I'm sure the league won't do it because they like all of the downtown during a game for replays, ad reads, etc.

But, I like watching hurry-up offenses. Shorten the playclock by another 5 seconds, and get the teams moving a little quicker.

[keefe]

About time.

Brilliantly done

[JuniorCardigan]

I'm old-school, but I love a good 2 hour 2-0 game. Mark Burhle was the best.

this

Nothing like watching Buehrle piss off a bunch of batters because he waited a total of 5 seconds between each pitch. Greg maddux was like that too, always fun to watch

[JuniorCardigan]

+1

And watch how outraged the big Papi's of baseball get when they are called for taking too much time.

Good call:

http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/12381319/david-ortiz-boston-red-sox-calls-bs-mlb-pace-rules

[🏀]

unnatural carnal knowledge Papi.

[jsglow]

Look, I'm a Brewers and Braun fan.  But he must wear out the velcro on his batting gloves in a week. Stand in there and hit the damn ball.

I think CT was right.  In the old days darkness settled in and the umps moved things along.  Baseball is a wonderful game when played 'old school'.  Six pitchers a game and stepping out on every pitch is absurd.  162 games and the cream eventually rises.  May 15th shouldn't be played like Game 7 of the WS. Play ball.

By the way, I'm going to spend a couple days 'scouting' the Crew in Arizona.  Gotta wash this basketball season away and start anew. 'Juuuuuust a bit outside!'

[JuniorCardigan]

Do you guys remember Nomar Garciaparra's ritual? I swear it must have taken 2 minutes before he was ready for a pitch

[WI inferiority Complexes]

Nothing beats Mike Hargrove, "The Human Rain Delay"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tGm_JajqLo

[keefe]

http://<iframe%20width="560"%20height="315"%20src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97lgR41qZC8"%20frameborder="0"%20allowfullscreen></iframe>


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97lgR41qZC8

Chicago White Sox