Pitch clock.

[Natsinpwc]

Saw this about the Arizona Fall League game. Saw a few years ago also in an SEC game.
I think it would work and everyone would adjust. What do you all think? 

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/pitch-clock-speed-up-pace-of-game-2-hours-14-minutes-arizona-fall-league-automatic-balls-101514

[Slateman]

No

[Natsinpwc]

No

You don't think it would work?  Or you don't think?
 

[Slateman]

No

[Natsinpwc]

No

Yes

[Slateman]

Yes

No

[tomterp]

Yes

[skippy1999]

Yes

[DPMOmaha]

I'm curious to see how it works, especially with runners on base. From the wind-up, I love the idea. Are they doing anything to combat players who step out of the box?

I like the reduction of meetings on the mound and time between innings. Those transitions could definitely be tightened up. I'd love to see something where if a pitcher doesn't get his warm up throws in before that 2:05 is up, they don't get to finish them and at 2:05, the next half inning starts as soon as the TV comes back from their break, like the NFL does.

[spidernat]

Definitely yes.

I'm curious to see how it works, especially with runners on base.

The existing rule specifies that it is only applicable with bases empty. There is no need for Span to take so much freaking time between pitches.

[Slateman]

No

[skippy1999]

Are they doing anything to combat players who step out of the box?

Well but if the batters know the pitchers are on a time clock to pitch to them wouldn't they stop stepping out of the box?

[HalfSmokes]

what happens if a pitcher gets fed up and just keeps throwing to first?

[dracnal]

I'm pretty sure in one draft I saw it was the batters needed to keep at least one foot in the box except in case of things like foul/dropped balls, being granted time out, etc. If they weren't ready to face the pitcher when the pitcher was ready to throw after a commercial break ends, they get an automatic strike.

[DPMOmaha]

Definitely yes.

The existing rule specifies that it is only applicable with bases empty. There is no need for Span to take so much freaking time between pitches.

Appel got called for a ball when out of the stretch.

[dracnal]

For those who don't want to read the link, here's the bullet list of the rules they're testing:

New rules to be tested out in the Arizona Fall League after recommendations from MLB's pace of game committee:

• Batter's box rule: Hitter required to keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout at-bat unless there is foul ball, wild pitch or passed ball -- or if a pitch forces him out or the umpire grants "time."

• No-pitch intentional walks

• 20-second rule: 20-second clock will be posted in each dugout, behind home plate and in outfield to prevent pitchers from taking too much time in games at Salt River Fields only.

• 2:05 inning-break clock: Maximum time allowed between innings, and batters must be in box at 1:45 mark or umpire can call automatic strike. If pitcher throws pitch after 2:05, umpire may call ball.

• 2:30 pitching-change-break clock: Maximum amount of time allowed for pitching change.

• Three "timeout" limit: Teams limited to three trips to the mound by managers, coaches and catchers during game, except pitching changes.

[DPMOmaha]

Well but if the batters know the pitchers are on a time clock to pitch to them wouldn't they stop stepping out of the box?

Part of it will be on the umpire, too. If they allow the pitcher to make the pitch as clock winds down whether or not the batter is set and in the box, sure. There will certainly have to be issues that will get ironed out as it progresses, but I love that they're willing to try it.

[Natsinpwc]

For those who don't want to read the link, here's the bullet list of the rules they're testing:

New rules to be tested out in the Arizona Fall League after recommendations from MLB's pace of game committee:

• Batter's box rule: Hitter required to keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout at-bat unless there is foul ball, wild pitch or passed ball -- or if a pitch forces him out or the umpire grants "time."

• No-pitch intentional walks

• 20-second rule: 20-second clock will be posted in each dugout, behind home plate and in outfield to prevent pitchers from taking too much time in games at Salt River Fields only.

• 2:05 inning-break clock: Maximum time allowed between innings, and batters must be in box at 1:45 mark or umpire can call automatic strike. If pitcher throws pitch after 2:05, umpire may call ball.

• 2:30 pitching-change-break clock: Maximum amount of time allowed for pitching change.

• Three "timeout" limit: Teams limited to three trips to the mound by managers, coaches and catchers during game, except pitching changes.

It all makes sense to me. Everyone will need to adjust.

[Ray D]

No.

[Natsinpwc]

what happens if a pitcher gets fed up and just keeps throwing to first?

They already do that now.

[Ray D]

1. It is becoming increasingly clear that pitchers have a real incentive to work fast. It keeps the defense focused and they play better.  They don't need to be penalized for working slow as there already is a disincentive.

2. Pitchers do not throw over to first with impunity. Every time a pitcher throws over he risks throwing into right field and the runner going to third base.

3. Automatic intentional walk is the stupidest of all these ideas.  What is this, girls slow-pitch?   If that rule had been in effect for game 4 NLDS we would have been deprived of the most exciting moment.   How about automatic home run - runner doesn't have to run around the bases.   That's not going to be far behind if there is an automatic intentional walk.

[Slateman]

This is freaking stupid. It's baseball. The game without clocks. Take that crap to football or some other timed game.

[whytev]

There is already a new rules thread. Thread merge?

[NJ Ave]

This is freaking stupid. It's baseball. The game without clocks. Take that crap to football or some other timed game.

Here's what I don't understand: when they compare things to 30 years ago, how about in addition to the length of games, we talk about the fact that total attendance at baseball games in 1984 was 45 million and in 2013 was 74 million. Or how baseball revenues have grown exponentially. Or how in addition to live attendance, MLB is in front of every other major sport in online delivery and that MLB Advanced Media rakes in dough from the MLB at bat app? Or that teams are setting record after record in local TV rights deals?

Why are we drawing conclusions and making major changes to the game based on World Series rating declines? The game is HEALTHY. It's maybe never been healthier. So what if a couple million less people watch the World Series because they think baseball games last too long?

[Natsinpwc]

1. It is becoming increasingly clear that pitchers have a real incentive to work fast. It keeps the defense focused and they play better.  They don't need to be penalized for working slow as there already is a disincentive.

2. Pitchers do not throw over to first with impunity. Every time a pitcher throws over he risks throwing into right field and the runner going to third base.

3. Automatic intentional walk is the stupidest of all these ideas.  What is this, girls slow-pitch?   If that rule had been in effect for game 4 NLDS we would have been deprived of the most exciting moment.   How about automatic home run - runner doesn't have to run around the bases.   That's not going to be far behind if there is an automatic intentional walk.

Then why are they working slower and slower all the time?