MiLB's pitch clock at the Double-A and Triple-A level will go from 20 secs to 15 secs with no runners on baseGETTY IMAGES
MiLB has introduced a series of new pace-of-play rule and procedure changes, most notably starting all extra innings with a runner on second base. MiLB also will reduce its pitch clock at the Double-A and Triple-A levels from 20 seconds to 15 seconds with no runners on base, and impose limitations on mound visits at the high Single-A level and above. The runner on second base starting each extra inning will be the player in the batting order prior to that inning’s leadoff batter. In addition to seeking out pace-of-play improvements, the new measures are designed to reduce strain on pitchers and avoid situations such as position players pitching in extra innings. “Player safety has been an area of growing concern for our partners at the Major League Baseball level, and the impact that lengthy extra-inning games have on pitchers, position players and an entire organization was something that needed to be addressed,” said MiLB President Pat O’Conner. The new measures for the affiliated minors were developed along with MLB, and did not involve the MLBPA, since the union does not represent minor league players (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer). In DC, Jacob Bogage notes MiLB will use the "first 15 days of the season as a 'grace period' for the new rules." But come April 20, these new rules will be MiLB's "law of the land, and likely a proving ground for future major league rule changes" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/15).
TIME IS MONEY: BASEBALL AMERICA's Norris & Cooper noted O’Conner has heard from minor league operators who were "equally in favor of the rule change." MiLB teams "watch the majority of their fans walk out as the ninth inning turns into the 10th, 11th and beyond." Concession sales have "petered out by that point." Beer sales have "already ended." But while a few concession stand workers and ushers may be able to be sent home, there are a "whole lot of hourly employees who are there for the duration, which means for teams, extra innings means money out of their pockets." O'Conner said, "From a purely business perspective, it’s not a profitable or a break-even situation" (BASEBALLAMERICA.com, 3/14).
WITH CHANGE COMES PUSH BACK: In Dayton, Marcus Hartman writes MiLB's new rule for extra innings "makes a farce of the game." This is a "tolerable change so long as it remains confined to the minors" (DAYTON DAILY NEWS, 3/15). In Colorado Springs, Brent Briggeman writes MiLB is making extra innings "tilt toward a hockey shootout or start-at-the-25-yard-line overtime that bears little resemblance to the rest of the game" (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 3/15). Padres P Clayton Richard on MiLB's new rules said, "It’s intriguing. Games evolve all the time. At some point I’m sure that will be a discussion at the big-league level, and hopefully the players are involved in making an informed decision that will make the game better as whole." However, Padres C A.J. Ellis said, "It’s not baseball. I understand they want some speed-up rules, and they want to have resolution to minor league games a little quicker. It just seems like we’re just rushing the finish" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 3/15). ESPN's Michael Wilbon said, “Why not just come up with a shootout? … This is an abomination of baseball if this allowed to happen." ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser said the idea “is so insane.” Wilbon: “They want to undermine the sport” (“PTI,” ESPN, 3/14).
TWITTER REAX: The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham tweeted, "Most fans show up for good promotions or to entertain their kids, not because they’re emotionally invested in who wins or loses." ESPN's Dan Szymborski: "I'd take a Home Run Derby to settle extra innings over starting with a runner on second. That's how bad it is." CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli: "My idea for extra innings in baseball is simple: The visiting team bats in the 10th. If it doesn’t score, home team wins. If it does, home team has chance to tie game or win. If tied, go to 11th, start process over." The Washington Post's Sung Min Kim: "Pre-arranging a situation is taking away one of the unique aspects of the sport." Baseball America's JJ Cooper: "This fits with teams calling up the best Triple-A player on a team in a playoff race to sit on the big league bench in September. Development trumps everything." The Wall Street Journal's Jared Diamond: "I'm in favor of a lot of the pace-of-play stuff. ... But I wouldn't support this new 'put a runner at second in extra innings' thing in MLB." MLB.com's Jessica Kleinschmidt: "When we see these MiLB pace of play rules in person it’s going to be weird. If you don’t think it’s weird, you are weird."
