MLB's pace-of-play proposal maintained its request to limit mound visits to six per gameGETTY IMAGES
MLB has made a new proposal to the players’ union about pace-of-play changes that would not involve a pitch clock under certain conditions. The latest league offer involves no use of a pitch clock this year, a marked reversal from prior proposals, and none in ’19 either if the average nine-inning game time falls this year to 2 hours, 55 minutes. That would mark a 10-minute improvement from ’17. Another five-minute improvement to 2:50 in ’19 would eliminate the pitch clock for ’20. “We’re trying to put the control of whether or not a clock went in into the hands of the players," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "If (they’re) right, it’s a W for all of us. ... We are waiting for some sort of response.” The latest salvo follows prior MLBPA rejections of league proposals of pace-of-play changes, including the pitch clock. Manfred still holds the unilateral ability to impose of rules changes, but again said his preference is to reach a deal with the union, despite Spring Training dates quickly approaching. “Do I think we need to make a deal between now and when players report (beginning Feb. 12)? Yeah, I do,” he said. To that end, Manfred acknowledged that the next 10 days will be critical, and either way, that rules changes in some form will be coming for the ’18 season. “There is a strong sentiment among ownership that we need to do something about pace of play this year,” he said. “We remain 100% committed to the idea” (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer).
POINTS OF NEGOTIATIONS: ESPN.com's Buster Olney reported MLB's most recent pace-of-play proposal includes a withdrawal of its request for a "between-batter timer," though it maintained its "request for a limit of six mound visits, with a possible circumstantial trigger to five." There would be specific times "allotted for pitchers to warm up between innings, and for hitters to approach home plate, so that the game promptly restarts after a commercial break. However, no penalties would be "attached to the ball-strike count for those not in compliance" in '18. MLB is also "prepared to discuss the reduction of the 30-second replay clock" (ESPN.com, 2/1). MLB.com's Phil Rogers tweeted the "return of bullpen carts" could be part of the negotiations. The union has "asked MLB to consider them, and MLB is considering it, where possible, as early as 2018 season" (TWITTER.com, 2/1).
TRYING TO GET COOPERATION: Without player agreement on any changes, it is likely there will be more issues with sentiment and implementation around those changes. But Manfred insisted it will not be problematic if he has to go the unilateral route. “I don’t see it as something that needs to be the source of great contentiousness. We negotiated for a particular contractual right, just like they negotiated for certain rights. If it turns out that we have to exercise one of those rights, it is what it is" (Fisher). USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale notes Manfred "badly wants cooperation from the players," as it could be a "public relations nightmare if it’s implemented without the players’ cooperation." Players could "ridicule the new rules almost on a daily basis, tarnishing the game’s image, and there’s nothing Manfred could do to stop it." Yet, if the players "don’t negotiate an agreement, and dare Manfred to unilaterally implement it, he would likely have no choice but to call their bluff" (USA TODAY, 2/2).
