Some players have expressed reservations about implementing a pitch clock in MLBGetty Images
MLB and the MLBPA are "still talking" about pace-of-play initiatives for the '18 season despite players rejecting a proposal earlier this month, and owners are "not expected to announce the implementation of new rules this week" as part of meetings in Beverly Hills, according to sources cited by Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. Sources said that MLB and the MLBPA both have “expressed a willingness to continue exchanging proposals and ideas” in hopes of “negotiating an agreement before the start of spring training games in late February.” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has “long vowed to make changes for this season with or without an agreement but says his preference is for a deal and that he is willing to negotiate the rules” (ESPN.com, 1/30). The AP's Ronald Blum noted MLB in its latest pace-of-play proposal suggested a runner would be “put on second base at the start of the 11th inning of the All-Star Game and each additional inning.” The experiment also would be “used in the 10th inning" of Spring Training games, which would be “capped at 10 innings.” The union “isn't expected to oppose the concept,” as it is "concerned about injuries in games that don't count." MLS is not thinking of "using the rule in any games that count” (AP, 1/30).
USING LOOPHOLES TO FIND TIME: Orioles P and team rep Darren O’Day said that making a pitch clock a part of the game "isn’t so easy because there are so many intricate parts to the pitch-to-pitch sequence that go unnoticed, including combating opponents stealing signs.” He said, “I’m not really excited about some aspects of it. I think it’s going to come in some form or another. We can find something we can agree on hopefully. But luckily I’ve been in part of the negotiations with MLB, so I’ve seen how it’s evolved and hopefully we’ll get something done.” O’Day said that if a pitch clock is implemented, it would “force pitchers to use loopholes to get the time they need between pitches” (BALTIMORESUN.com, 1/30).
