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How Could New MLB Pace Of Play Rules Affect Upcoming Season?

MLB and the players association have agreed to limit the number of mound visits to six per gameGETTY IMAGES

MLB yesterday rolled out a series of steps to speed up games, but the modifications "don’t go nearly as far" as Commissioner Rob Manfred "seemed determined to take them," according to Jorge Ortiz of USA TODAY. The CBA allows Manfred to "unilaterally impose new measures" to improve pace of play, but at a time of "increased acrimony between MLB and the union due to the dramatic slowdown in offseason signings, Manfred decided to exercise patience rather than further alienate the players." There "don’t appear to be any clear winners or losers in this latest round between the parties." Pitch clocks "won’t be installed yet, as had been expected, but MLB and the players association agreed to limit the number of mound visits to six per game, excluding the instances when a pitcher is removed." The new total, which "grows by one for every extra inning, includes visits by managers, coaches and teammates, even if they don’t occur right on the mound." In addition, the break between innings will be "tightened by 20 seconds, with the countdown clock getting set at 2:05 for locally televised games and at 2:25 for national telecasts." It "remains at 2:55 for postseason games." There is also a "new measure in place to make pitching changes a bit quicker" (USA TODAY, 2/20). MLB.com's David Adler noted new phone lines connecting the video review rooms and the dugout will be "installed and monitored, limiting the ability of teams to steal signs" (MLB.com, 2/19).

PACE OF A PLAYER: MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark said that MLB and the union "technically did not reach a deal" (AP, 2/19). Clark said that players were "involved in pace-of-play talks and are all for a 'crisp and exciting brand of baseball.'" He said players "remain concerned about rules changes that could alter the outcome of games and the fabric of the game itself" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 2/20). In Boston, Jason Mastrodonato notes the rule changes "aren’t as drastic as some thought," but there are "questions as to how they will be enforced" (BOSTON HERALD, 2/20). ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick wrote Manfred "listened to his pragmatic side." In settling for a limit on mound visits, he "put the onus on players to start bringing games home at a brisker pace this season." A restriction on mound visits is also an "easier sell" (ESPN.com, 2/19). In Boston, Nick Cafardo writes not moving to a pitch clock was a "small concession" for Manfred. Cafardo: "At least these changes weren't too drastic and won't change the game as we know it. It always seemed like a lot of work for minimal gain" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/20). ESPN's Tony Kornheiser said Manfred "made a great compromise" with the MLBPA ("PTI," ESPN, 2/19). The N.Y. Post's Joel Sherman said, "The players have to take ownership of this and see the big picture that the game will be more popular moving forward, which is good for their wallet and the game in general, if we play a crisper game" ("High Heat, MLBN, 2/19).

MLB also put a new measure in place to make pitching changes a bit quickerGETTY IMAGES

THE WAY YOU MOVE: In N.Y., Ken Davidoff writes yesterday "marked a day of progress and optimism about both speeding up the game and the players and owners working in tandem" (N.Y. POST, 2/20). In DC, Dave Sheinin writes Manfred was "unwilling to inflame the union" (WASHINGTON POST, 2/20). The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Jared Diamond wrote these changes are a "victory for the players." Even though the union did not formally consent to Manfred's changes, a source said that the MLBPA "signed a statement saying it wouldn’t impede the implementation of the rules" (WSJ.com, 2/19). In Baltimore, Peter Schmuck writes Manfred's changes were the "right decision." It keeps players "involved in the pace-of-game conversation and give the union an interest in encouraging players to keep games moving" (BALTIMORE SUN, 2/20). In Seattle, Matt Calkins writes under the header, "Baseball's New Rule Might Not Only Speed Up The Game, But Add Some New Excitement" (SEATTLE TIMES, 2/20). SI.com's Jon Tayler writes these changes will "probably shrink the time of game at best by 30 seconds to a minute." Tayler: "What's worth keeping an eye on now is when the pitch clock re-enters the debate." It is "unlikely that Manfred would give up his pet cause." The pitch clock "isn't something the players will acquiesce to cheaply" (SI.com, 2/19). In Chicago, Barry Rozner writes the "real answer" in getting young people "interested in baseball isn't shortening an event by two minutes or 10 minutes." It is "getting them to the games, which have become increasing unaffordable for a significant portion of the audience." It is also in "getting kids to play the game" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 2/20).

STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION? MLB Network's Cliff Floyd said, "You want to keep the flow going of a ballgame and not mess with the rhythm, and I think the players win because they didn't put in effect the pitch clock" ("MLB Tonight," MLBN, 2/19). MLB Network's Kevin Millar said he is "okay" with the changes even though "we don't know the exact answer" for speeding up the game. Millar: "This is a start" ("Intentional Talk," MLBN, 2/19). MLB Network's Dan O'Dowd said he believes it is a "step in the right direction, albeit a small step in the right direction." O'Dowd: "The bottom line for me -- this is a player issue. Once the players take ownership of this issue and recognize the importance of speeding the game along, a lot of things that are going to be mandated really do not have to be mandated" ("MLB Now," MLBN, 2/19). ESPN's Buster Olney said, "I'm going to be curious during the course of the summer if the players on the field, it will essentially be civil disobedience. ... It will be interesting to see what the response around baseball is" ("Golic & Wingo," ESPN Radio, 2/20).

HOW DO THOSE IN THE GAME SEE IT? Rockies manager Bud Black said that he "uses mound visits to guide a game to the end." He is "not wasting trips." Black: "Those are strategic and important to the outcome of a game. That’s what I don’t want to mess with" (DENVER POST, 2/20). D-backs 3B Daniel Descalso "acknowledged a need to cut down on dead time but believes some aspects of the game should be left alone." D-backs P Archie Bradley said that he "understands the perception that trips to the mound might have gotten out of hand last year." However he "believes there are times that warrant them" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/20). Astros P Justin Verlander said, "I don’t think the adjustments they made here are going to change anything. A few minutes, maybe" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/20). Verlander added, "It's frustrating. This is a Band-Aid." Verlander said, "It ruins the rhythm of the game of us and the fans." But Astros C Brian McCann said, "Six mound visits is plenty" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/20). A's manager Bob Melvin said, "You're going to have to be a little bit strategic on when you need to (take a mound visit). I know [A's pitching coach Scott Emerson] liked to go out there near the 30-pitch mark for a starter, depending upon how he's doing. We might cut that one out." A's C Bruce Maxwell said of the changes, "It eliminates times where we can reset our pitcher. ... It's going to be very hard to do" (THEATHLETIC.com, 2/19). Maxwell added, "They're trying to dehumanize the game of baseball right now. Yeah, we play long games. Guess what, we play nine innings. It's just the nature of the beast." But Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, "It's a good thing to limit visits" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 2/20). Padres P Tyson Ross said, "People are going to figure out ways around it, and games are going to end up taking as long" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 2/20). Yankees P David Robertson said of pace of play changes, “Obviously, I don’t agree with it. I don't think it is the right thing to be doing, but if that is what MLB wants to do, that is what they will do." Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro added, “The intent is there to listen to our fans to improve the pace of action." ("High Heat," MLBN, 2/19). Astros P Lance McCullers Jr. tweeted, "@espn displaying mound visits today of GAME 7 in the WORLD SERIES like that’s a standard game. That game decides everything and WE, as pitcher/catcher, have to combat sign stealing (cheating). Y’all never talk baseball, show baseball or care."

MEDIA WEIGHS IN: Fox' Joe Buck posted multiple tweets on the topic, saying the new rules "whiffed," while the idea of a pitch clock "has merit." Buck: "It isn't overall time of game that should even be the issue. It is pace of the action once the inning starts. ... And when the breaks are cut short, it eliminates the dramatic pieces talented television people (not me) can put together to help build the drama. It cuts replays going to break, or you get missed first pitches on the other end of the break. To save minutes? ... Condensed action would be good for the game. My hope is MLBPA will someday agree." ESPN's Buster Olney: "The pace-of-play situation reflects the current disconnect between MLB and the union: The two sides signed a piece of paper that represents an understanding over the relatively modest changes, but a lot of players clearly unhappy with the alterations. It'll be a long summer." Houston-based KILT-AM's Marc Ryan: "The national past time finally has a commissioner who gets it. Next year the pitch clock will be added (my opinion) + in the future discussion on shortening the season (also my opinion). All would be positive for a game lacking urgency."

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