Pitch Clock On Its Way To Comerica Park…Eventually

To help curtail the ever-expanding length of games, Major League Baseball has been experimenting with “speed-up” rules this off-season.  The most recent experiment involves the use of the pitch-clock.  Much like the shot clock in basketball, the pitch clock will attempt to regulate the time between pitches.  The rule had been used in the Arizona Fall League with successful result and now will be implemented at the double-A and triple-A levels in 2015.

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MLB has yet to finalize the rules as they will be used in the high minor leagues this season. If they implement the rule as they did in the Arizona Fall League, pitchers will have 12 seconds  to deliver a pitch to the plate without runners on base and 20 seconds with runners on.  The rule also affects hitters as they will be required to keep one foot in the batters box at all times.

If the pitcher fails to deliver a pitch in the allotted time then a ball will be awarded to the batter.  If the batter delays the process by stepping out of the box a strike will be called

In an interview with on ESPN, Sweetspot blogger David Schoenfeld explained that a rule already existed in Major League Baseball regulation the time a pitch has to successfully deliver a pitch to the catcher. Schoenfeld explained on ESPN that the clocks are just away to get the umpires to enforce the rule.

The rule is 8.04. Here it is as it reads in MLB’s official rules.

"8.04 When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violatingthis rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.”The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on therubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire."

Obviously Bud Selig is serious about implementing the pitch-clock in response to criticism that game were getting too long.  Fans should get used to the idea. Using the clocks at the triple-A level means the rule could hit the majors as soon as next year. That is if the Players Union approves it and assuming its implementation is not a complete disaster in the minors.

The rules could help to speed up the game but it could also give an unfair advantage to the hitter by talking away the pitchers ability to change pace and rhythm.  It could also give an unfair advantage to the baserunner in timing steals.  There are a ton of kinks to work out with this rule but players and umpires can put a stop to it if they just abide be the rules already on the books.  But that would require baseballs top administrator to (dare I say) administrate.

When does Bud Selig retire again?